Question of the Week:

My doctor has prescribed more medication for me, but I am not sure I need it. I sometimes suspect that these doctors give blanket diagnoses and dish out medicine rather than really trying to get to the core of the issue. Does Judaism teach us to trust whatever a doctor says, or should we exercise caution?

Answer:

Your skepticism may be wise. Or it may be preventing you from getting better.

The Talmud teaches that G-d gave permission to doctors to heal. Having faith in G-d means having faith in doctors and their medicine.

This doesn't mean doctors are infallible. They can make mistakes, misdiagnose, and be lazy like the rest of us. And so while we can assume that most doctors are doing their utmost to help their patients, it can sometimes be prudent to get a second opinion.

The Rebbe often advised people when facing major medical decisions to seek the opinion of a doctor who is also a friend. Like all professionals, doctors can come to see you as just another number. A friend who has medical expertise and also cares for you personally will never view you as a statistic, and have your best interest at heart.

But another advantage of a doctor who is a friend is that you trust them more. Trust is itself an essential element of healing. A doctor you believe in has far greater chance of helping you than a doctor you mistrust, even if they both prescribe the exact same medicine.

So you need to manage your skepticism. Put your faith in G-d, who sends us angels to cure us, in the form of doctors and friends.

 

Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Moss