Dr. Hong Liu:
A Chinese Doctor in St. John's
Paul Butler

Word List

Chinese medicine: A different type of medicine used by Chinese doctors; medicine using acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

Establishment: An existing order or group of people that is very powerful.

Acupuncture: Way of curing illnesses by putting needles into a patient's body.

To practise: For a doctor to work as a doctor.

To refer: (For a doctor) to send a patient to another doctor.

A practice: A doctor's job, patients, and office.

Western medicine: Type of medicine used by family doctors and hospitals everywhere in Canada; "normal" medicine with drugs, X-ray, and surgery.

Alternative medicine: A term used in Canada describing any kind of medicine that is not Western medicine: Chinese medicine, acupuncture, Aboriginal medicine, herbal medicine, etc.

Symptom: The pain or discomfort a person feels if he/she is ill. For example, a symptom of a heart attack is a pain in the chest. A symptom of a cold is a runny nose.

Holistic: A type of medicine where the whole person is treated, not just the symptoms of a disease.

Qualification: An exam which has been passed.

Personal empowerment: A feeling of being in control; the ability to make decisions and follow a plan.