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Medical Records More Accessible

"We don't all get the same diseases,"
Meshaka says. "There are definite rela-
+ionships between societal standing,

background, wealth, and someone's health."

For instance, as the era of communications
develops, a person's medical records will
become more accessible than ever before,
and there is the possibility some medical
practises, such as psychiatry, could be

used for political purposes.

"Another thing is the use of machines

+hat can keep a 'dead' person alive for
an indefinite period of time," she says.
"We have to ask whose right, or respon~

sibility it is to pull the plug."

"Society has certain stigmas against
some diseases as well," she adds. "Mental
illness is now regarded in the same manner

+hat leprosy once was."
Course Virtually Attracts Anyone

Like all other second-year university
courses taught at Douglas College,
Sociology of Health and |i lness does
carry some prerequisites. Any student
registering for this program should have
at least some medical background, or
academic training in sociology, Meshaka

says.

"+t could attract virtually anyone,"
she says. "People interested in learning
+he social problems and moral dilemmas of
modern medical practise are the most

likely candidates."

Complex Field Approached With Simple English

"In truth, this is a very complex field
and the students should understand that
+he practise of medicine does not just

include a person falling sick, being

diagnosed and then receiving treatment."

To make the course easier, Meshaka does

keep the medical "jargon" at a minimum.

"There's no use in making everything sound
difficult when in reality it's not," she
says. "If we approach the main ideas
with simple English, the students can
attack the literature with that much more
ease."

- DOUGLAS COLLEGE NEWS SERVICES

 

 

 

Out-of-School Care Symposium
The Symposium on Out-of-School Care

will be held at Douglas College, beginning
at 0900 hours on June 15, 1985.

The $25 registration fee includes lunch

and pre-registration is required.

Any interested individuals should contact
Douglas College Community Programs and
Services at 520-5473.

 

 

 

 

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