Abstract

Definition of the problem: Discussions of “holistic” medical practice confine themselves to the treatment of so-called “psychosomatic disorders”. This paper traces ways in which the patient's personal unity may become apparent to medical practitioners during three critical steps of everyday practice: physical examination, “medical history” (anamnesis) and treatment. Physical examination touches on the patient's “Leiblichkeit” (his “organ” of bodily self-awareness of being a person). Objectifying of the “Leiblichkeit” may constitute an infringement upon the patient's personal unity and is only justified by strict medical indication. The patient not only is ill but he “acts” his illness (subject of and to his disease). Medical history concentrates on the development of a disease but also has to keep in mind the potential biographical meaning of being ill and the patient's biographical identity. The aim of medical treatment, finally, may touch on the patient's existential goals.Conclusion: These three steps of medical practice are not discipline-specific, but span all areas of medical practice. It is argued that medical decisions should be guided by considerations of the patient's personal unity at each of the three steps