The
Mission Statement of the Bahá’í Medical Association of Canada Inspired
by a vision of the oneness of the human family, recognizing the
necessity of balance between our physical and spiritual natures in
achieving optimum health and humbly aware of our privileged opportunity
as members of the medical profession, we are committed to working with
our fellow physicians to spiritualize the practice of medicine.
We are
guided by the writings of Bahá'u'lláh, which reaffirm the essential
wisdom of all scripture since the dawn of history. Our nature is seen
as essentially noble with unlimited capacity for compassion,
selflessness, and sacrifice. We see the next stage of development of
humanity as that of globalization. "The earth is but one country and
mankind its citizens" is a clarion call to recognize the
interdependence between this wonderful planet and its inhabitants. Thus
we support the broadest definition of health, which includes the
fulfillment of our potential in all spheres from the physical to the
spiritual.
We
recognize that the underpinnings to such a definition of health include
peace, justice, a stable ecosystem, a sustainable development and
equity in access to resources that would promote health. It is critical
that we eliminate prejudice based on the many barriers we have erected,
that we recognize the essential equality between men and women, the
harmony between the advance of scientific knowledge and the moderating
influence of morality as encapsulated in one's faith.
Bahá'u'lláh
taught that healing is attained through both physical means, based on
scientific methods, and spiritual means of prayer and turning to God
for assistance. We hope to work with our fellow physicians in a spirit
of loving friendship and unity, with frank and loving consultation
where opinions are offered with detachment and respect and decisions
emerge through the contributions of all. This process will have as its
goal the creation of trust and unity. The fruit of consultation will
lead to consensus; where this is lacking, the wish of the majority will
prevail. Solutions, thus envisioned, will be acted upon in a spirit of
unity so that their appropriateness will be determined all the sooner.
We will
achieve our mission by endeavoring to follow and share our philosophy
in the pursuit of the following objectives:
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To develop programs of service, education, and research based on a broad definition of health in Canada and internationally.
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To collaborate with fellow health care professionals, individually and as an organization, in the development and implementation of such activities.
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To advocate for and advance solutions to the diseases of prejudice, violence, and materialism.
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To explore the ethical framework of medical practice.