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LT H C A R E LAW FIRM
Wachler & Associates represents healthcare providers, suppliers, and other entities and individuals in Michigan and nationwide in all areas of health law including, but not limited to:
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Namaste is without a bow. Typically, the host, student, or younger relative will initiate the Namaste, which the guest, teacher, or the elder relative reciprocates. At the end of the interaction, Namaste can be used as a farewell greeting.
Over 50,000 residents of South/ Southeastern Asian heritage call Wayne County (and the greater Tri- County) home. In these cultures, physicians and healthcare workers are held in high regard. Therefore, when you enter an examination room, it would not be uncommon for a visiting South/Southeastern Asian patient (or their family member) to stand and offer their Namaste to you. When someone greets you with a Namaste, the expected response is to acknowledge their greeting with a Hello or Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening. If
you are familiar (and comfortable) with Namaste, you could consider offering it to the patient and their family.
Interestingly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested using the Namaste as
an alternative to a handshake during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the elbow bump, Namaste was soon adopted (at least for a few days) by several world leaders, including President Macron, Prince Charles, and President Trump. Nowadays, an elbow bump or the no-contact Namaste may still offer alternative ways of exchanging pleasantries with patients who are still wary of a handshake.
In summary, a Namaste expresses politeness, courtesy, honor, and hospitality from one person to the other. You may encounter it in your medical practice, in social interactions, or at a place of business. I hope this piece of information helped you understand the meaning of this ancient greeting, reciprocate respect and affection shown to you and your profession, and forge a closer connection with your patients and colleagues.
Namaste. •
Third Quarter 2022
Detroit Medical News 17
S E R V I N G H E A L T H C A R E P R O V I D E R S F O R O V E R 3 0 Y E A R S