Abstract:
The doctor-patient relationship is one of the most unique and privileged relations
a person can have with another human being, and having access to a well-developed and
effective association is important for the experienced and objective quality of health care.
Yet, over the past few decades a number of cultural barriers and structural trends have
converged, reducing the ability of patients to have this archetypal relationship with
physicians.
This thesis intends to explore the barriers that affect this professional relationship
in Bolivia and provide possible solutions. The cultural barriers I have selected to focus on
are: racial concordance of the doctor and patient, language barriers and medical beliefs.
The structural barriers that seem to have the most impact are: the decline of primary care
physicians, access to healthcare services and the organization of the medical practice.
After completing a pediatric health medical internship in Bolivia, which inspired this
thesis topic, I have grown as a student, a future culturally sensitive healthcare
professional, and as a person. I hope that it can also serve to inform others of the real
challenges faced in Bolivian and worldwide health care today.
