allopathic

Allopathic medicine, or conventional medicine, refers to the mainstream medical practice typically associated with Western medical science and institutions. It emphasizes the diagnosis and treatment of disease through biomedical research, pharmacology, surgery, radiation therapy, vaccines, and other evidence-based interventions. The term is often used in contrast to non-allopathic or traditional medical systems, and in everyday usage it denotes Western-style medical care.

Etymology and history: The word allopathy was coined in the early 19th century by Samuel Hahnemann, the founder of homeopathy, as a critique of conventional medicine. Derived from Greek allos (other, different) and pathos (suffering), it described therapies that produced effects different from the disease. The term has since been used in various ways and is more commonly described as a historical label; most modern practitioners prefer not to identify their work as allopathic, referring instead to conventional or evidence-based medicine. In some countries, notably India, "allopathy" remains a common term to distinguish Western medicine from traditional systems such as Ayurveda or homeopathy.

Practice and scope: Allopathic medicine relies on the biomedical model and evidence from clinical trials. It covers primary care, hospital-based medicine, surgery, pharmacotherapy, diagnostics, and preventive care. It continuously updates practice guidelines through research and regulatory oversight.

Criticism and outsiders' uses: Critics in some circles label allopathy as narrowly focused on treating symptoms rather than underlying causes or emphasize pharmaceutical-centric approaches. Proponents argue that it uses rigorous testing and standardized care to improve outcomes. The term itself is debated and used variably, with most clinicians preferring "conventional" or "modern" medicine.