Allopathic medicine, also known as Western medicine, biomedicine, evidence-based medicine, or modern medicine, is a system of healthcare in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. It is an evidence-based system of care that relies on data and current literature guidelines to treat diseases. Allopathic physicians receive an MD and are licensed to practice and treat patients using conventional modern medical treatments such as surgery, medication, and therapies. They follow a system to cure acute and life-threatening injuries and illnesses that utilize the most advanced technology.
The term "allopathic medicine" was originally used by homeopaths in the 19th century to describe heroic medicine, the precursor of modern evidence-based medicine. Today, the term is used to differentiate Western medicine from traditional and alternative medicine.
Allopathic medicine is quite different today than it was in the 1800s. Modern or mainstream medicine works to treat symptoms and illness, but it also helps to prevent illness and disease. In fact, allopathic doctors can specialize in preventative medicine, which is overseen by the American College of Preventive Medicine. Preventative care in allopathic medicine includes vaccinations to prevent serious life-threatening illness in infants, children, and adults, prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infection after a surgery, wound, or very deep cut, prediabetes care to help prevent diabetes, and dietary changes and exercise to help prevent serious complications.
In summary, allopathic medicine is a system of healthcare in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. It is an evidence-based system of care that relies on data and current literature guidelines to treat diseases. Allopathic physicians receive an MD and are licensed to practice and treat patients using conventional modern medical treatments such as surgery, medication, and therapies.
