Healing by Heart Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Healing by Heart - Essay Example Like many Asian communities, herbal medicine is still very important, and many of the Hmong people prefer traditional medicines to the conventional options. This can cause conflict between those working in the American healthcare industry and the patients who wish to retain their traditions, not least because traditional medicine could cause problems that would lead to healthcare providers breaking the Hippocratic Oath. Healing by Heart: Clinical and Ethical Case Stories of Hmong Families and Western Providers gives details of the issues facing both healthcare providers and the Hmong patients in society and how these may be explained and discussed from a clinical and ethical perspective. Young Woman with Kidney Failure and Transplant The story of Mai Neng Moua is an excellent example of how the Hmong people struggle to come to terms with aspects of the American healthcare system. Moua suffered from end-stage kidney disease and thus was forced to deal with the consequences of this deb ilitating illness at a very young age. Moua was forced to wait for a kidney transplant for a long time as her family refused to get tested to see if they were a match; her mother suggesting that it was better to have one person sick than two. Moua also struggled with explaining her choice to use dialysis (an example of conventional medicine) rather than the traditional Hmong remedies for her condition to her family and friends, as this was seen as breaking with traditional culture. It is clear from Moua’s writing that she suffered greatly from the consequences of her end-stage renal failure and her choice of conventional medicine was a sensible one; it is quite likely she would have died without it. Her choice to undergo a transplant was not supported by her family, although the decision was supported by her church. One of the most interesting things about this case is that Moua’s final kidney donor was a Caucasian friend, rather than any member of her community. This could be considered an example of direct diffusion as her choice reflects an adoption of the American culture she was interacting with. Moua also notes that her choice to accept the donation of a kidney from a Caucasian friend surprised the Hmong community, and helped break down some of the stereotypes of white people, because it showed generosity. It could also be seen as an example of ethnocide, particularly from the perspective of the Hmong people, as it is an example of how American culture has perhaps predominated over the traditional, particularly amongst the younger generations. Reflections The case of Mai Neng Moua is interesting from a medical anthropology perspective because it shows how traditional medicine and conventional medicine can often be at odds. It also illustrates how members of the community can ostracize those who choose the American health system over their own culture, as shown by the fact that Moua describes herself as a ‘loss to the family, to societ y in general’. Her mother seems to be the character in this story that is most confused and hurt by Moua’s decision to undergo dialysis and the eventual transplant, and is also against many other Western ideas that Moua has, such as moving in with her college roommate. Again, this shows how those among the Hmong communities in the United States may feel that their culture is being lost or destroyed (ethnocide) or becoming amalgamated into the American cult

Strategic Analysis of the Continental Airlines Case Study

Strategic Analysis of the Continental Airlines - Case Study Example This also means strengthening the airline's alliances and enhancing efficiency through the elimination of non-value adding processes in the value chain. Fund the future, on the other hand, encompasses the company's quest in ensuring its future growth by the reduction of interest expense, improving fleet plan, and developing hub real estate (Continental Airlines Company Profile 2008). The third component of the Go Forward Plan emphasizes the importance of customer satisfaction in CAL's success. Thus, in intends to position itself as a top player in terms of four DOT measurements namely, "on-time arrivals, baggage handling, complaints, and involuntary denied boardings" (Continental Airlines Company Profile 2008). This also means continue to project a responsible company image and improving its core product. Lastly, working together looks at CAL's relationship with its employees. Recognizing the importance of its staff in the realization of its strategic goals, the company's management spearheads in creating a fun environment to work, offer fair remuneration, and treat staff with dignity and respect. CAL is organized according to the different functional areas in the business organization. ... All of these business units are led by senior vice presidents who oversee operations and provide the much needed guidance and leadership. Recognizing the international operation of the CAL, it also opted to divide its operation according to geographic location. Thus, it also assigned vice presidents who take charge in the Newark, Houston, Cleveland, Asia Pacific, and Europe hubs. In order to facilitate efficiency in decision making, the headquarter assigns a certain level of autonomy to the leaders in these regions yet CAL can still be referred to as a highly centralized business organization noting the dependence of its satellite offices to the main office (Continental Airlines Company Profile 2008). Organizational Culture With the Go Forward Plan as its blueprint for success, CAL communicates its culture of excellence through its commitment in taking care of its financial health, future growth, employee relations, and customer satisfaction. These are the core values that the company utilizes in order to become successful in its operation. In addition, CAL also highlights its culture of environmentalism, community service, and diversity. The company promotes its corporate social responsibility through programs which enhances sustainable development through its carbon offset program, use of electric powered rather than fossil fueled ground equipment, and designing more environmental friendly infrastructure to support its operation. Though it limits its donation on in kind basis, CAL is seen to contribute to the community service. Lastly, the company honors diversity noting that individual differences in workforce should be honored. Management Style and Philosophy The management style and philosophy applied by