LIMITS ON THE UTILIZATION OF ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES BY DOCTORS IN NEW ZEALAND: A PROBLEM OF BOUNDARY MAINTENANCE

In: Australian journal of social issues: AJSI, Band 32, Heft 2, S. 181-197

Abstract

This paper uses two case studies to examine the scope for medical practitioners to utilize alternative forms of diagnosis and treatment. The first is a specific study of a medical practitioner who was deemed to have transgressed the boundaries of orthodox medicine. The second is a general case study which examines the possible effects of a new medical practitioners bill and the New Zealand health reforms. It is suggested that when the medical profession is faced with external threats it attempts to strengthen itself at the cost of limiting the autonomy of its membership.