Degrees in complementary approaches debated in the Times

A dispute has been running in the letters pages of the Times this week about the teaching of degree courses in complementary therapies.  Six academics congratulated the University of Salford for ending its degree in complementary approaches.

Sir Walter Bodmer et al write to the Times 

Medical practitioners including cancer specialist Professor Karol Sikora and GP and FIH Medical Director Dr Michael Dixon responded defending complementary practice:

 Response February 2nd 2009

Earl Baldwin of Bewdley, who sat on the House of Lords committee on complementary healthcare also wrote in support of more research:

Earl Baldwin's letter

Dr Dixon's letter pointed out that low funding for researching CAM approaches made it diffcult to prove efficacy - or inefficacy, and added: 'Most academics and universities thankfully are and should continue to be open minded on this issue and the Government should continue to put patient safety first.'