Five Star Doctor: Building a Bridge between Ethnomedicine and Modern Medicine

Abstract

Ethnomedicine encompasses traditional healing practices rooted in indigenous cultures, often distinct from modern medical frameworks. In Indonesia, ethnomedicine plays a crucial role, particularly in rural areas with limited access to contemporary healthcare. This narrative review explores the integration of ethnomedicine with modern medical practices to create a holistic healthcare model. This review highlights the potential synergies between ethnomedicine and modern medicine by examining the primary roles of the 'five-star doctor' as defined by the World Health Organization—care provider, communicator, decision-maker, manager, and community leader. The review identifies the need for future research to validate the efficacy of traditional remedies and explore their combination with modern pharmacological treatments. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of cultural competence in medical education to prepare doctors for effective communication and integration of traditional knowledge into patient care. Ultimately, this integration aims to enhance treatment efficacy, provide culturally sensitive care, and improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved regions.