Conventional western medicine vs CAM can be differentiated by which statement?

• A. Conventional uses scientific evidence and medical research; CAM emphasizes holistic care and natural healing
• B. Conventional uses anecdotes; CAM uses scientific trials
• C. CAM replaces conventional care entirely
• D. Conventional medicine ignores patient preferences

Answer: (A)

Conventional Western medicine relies on scientific evidence from well-designed medical research and trials to determine what works and for whom. CAM typically emphasizes holistic care and natural healing modalities, with an evidence base that is often less formalized in randomized trials. Therefore, the statement that best differentiates them is that conventional uses scientific evidence and medical research, while CAM emphasizes holistic care and natural healing. The other options don’t fit because conventional medicine is not defined by anecdotes, CAM does not aim to replace conventional care entirely, and conventional medicine generally considers patient preferences rather than ignoring them.