An editorial in the British Medical Journal, written by three FIH Foundation Fellows, calls for widening research methods beyond RCTs (randomised controlled trials).  They argue that the over-valuing of a single research method is unsuited to the complexities of everyday practice and threatens to turn medicine into drug-prescribing, and little else.

Dr Karine Nohr and Dr Catherine Zollman are our Bravewell Fellows, taking a leading US integrated medicine course at the University of Tucson.  Here they describe their voyage through issues from nutrition to tai chi to patient motivation - and discuss how far they can use the knowledge with their patients in deprived areas in the UK.

 

The government is consulting on proposals for the statutory regulation of a number of complementary therapies - if accepted, these therapies would have the same level of regulation as osteopaths and chiropractors.  Find out how to give your views here.

Meanwhile the CNHC have opened their register to reflexologists.  Read more about the benefits of joining now.

Liz Lillicrap, herbalist and reflexologist,  won our competition for bodyworkers to take a weekend course with the Jex Blake school, learning how to apply her skills in a hospital setting.  She tells us a bit about the course.

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The Prince's Foundation for Integrated Health student network is launching on 5th October.  It's an opportunity for medical and complementary therapy students to learn from each other.

Our Facebook group is already up and running - do join now if you are a student.

Our pharmacists network is now off the ground.  Join for free today, discuss your work with others in our dedicated chat group and help shape the future of the network.