Abstract: The deputy of traditional medicine in Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education was established and consequently departments of traditional medicine in some medical universities are developing. This has been accompanied by lack of a reasoned discourse and academic and evidence-based discussions on the issue. This paper aims to provide a framework for an inevitable debate over the why and how of the use of traditional medicine. Firstly the definition of traditional medicine accepted by World Health Organization is presented to initiate the discussion, and then main characteristics of conventional medicine is outlined, medical breakthroughs, exponential achievements in diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases are acknowledged and finally four main shortcomings and inherent deficiencies of conventional medicine are briefly explained. It is argued that conventional medicine has undertaken different measurements to address its shortcomings including taking into account using traditional medicine. It is proposed that traditional medicine has to define its clear boundaries, strengthen its knowledge base and reject "lay people pseudo-health measures" if it aspires to fulfill its potentials in helping with human health. Based on World Health Organization, Institute of Medicine and American Psychological Association it is concluded that a de-facto medical pluralism is present worldwide and there is a need to critically discuss and investigate the possible contributions of traditional medicine to health. Lastly four principles of medical ethics are suggested to be the best guide for the discussions to make sure that communities' health maintenance and promotion is the criteria for all judgment not conventional or traditional medicine per se. KEY WORDS: traditional medicine, dialogue, challenge, education, use

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