Professional conduct alert
Posted: Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:39 pm
For your information, the Society of Homeopaths in the UK has issued
the following today:
Dear Colleague
Professional Conduct Alert
The recent wave of press and media interest in homeopathy has resulted
in several people actively searching for homeopaths on the web,
through members' web pages and also through those who run a blog, (an
on-line diary).
The intention appears to be to entrap homeopaths into making excessive
claims as to the benefits of homeopathy in treating or curing named
diseases. Typically the caller or emailer will ask for advice about a
named disease and what you would suggest.
e.g. `what advise would you give to a person who has just had a
diagnosis of
cancer/TB/MS –`?
The callers are then contacting the Society Professional Conduct
Department citing a breach in our Code of Ethics and Practice. Para
48 & 72.
Evidence they provide is often selective, so that the quotes
misrepresent what has been written or said.
The Society is obliged to investigate every complaint that is made.
Suggestions you may find helpful if you do get enquiries,
• You are entitled to voice an opinion but you need to state it as such.
• Where possible point them to research.
• If you are writing a blog always put in a disclaimer at the top of
the posting along
the lines of
Disclaimer: Any views or advice in this weblog should not be taken as
a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you know
you have a specific health complaint.
• Please remember to keep notes of telephone conversations
Kind regards
Patricia Moroney
Professional Conduct Officer
Society of Homeopaths
Society of Homeopaths
11 Brookfield, Duncan Close, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6WL
Tel: 0845 450 6611 Fax: 0845 450 6622 Email: info@homeopathy-soh.org
Company Limited by Guarantee. Registerd in England No. 1392004.
the following today:
Dear Colleague
Professional Conduct Alert
The recent wave of press and media interest in homeopathy has resulted
in several people actively searching for homeopaths on the web,
through members' web pages and also through those who run a blog, (an
on-line diary).
The intention appears to be to entrap homeopaths into making excessive
claims as to the benefits of homeopathy in treating or curing named
diseases. Typically the caller or emailer will ask for advice about a
named disease and what you would suggest.
e.g. `what advise would you give to a person who has just had a
diagnosis of
cancer/TB/MS –`?
The callers are then contacting the Society Professional Conduct
Department citing a breach in our Code of Ethics and Practice. Para
48 & 72.
Evidence they provide is often selective, so that the quotes
misrepresent what has been written or said.
The Society is obliged to investigate every complaint that is made.
Suggestions you may find helpful if you do get enquiries,
• You are entitled to voice an opinion but you need to state it as such.
• Where possible point them to research.
• If you are writing a blog always put in a disclaimer at the top of
the posting along
the lines of
Disclaimer: Any views or advice in this weblog should not be taken as
a substitute for medical advice or treatment, especially if you know
you have a specific health complaint.
• Please remember to keep notes of telephone conversations
Kind regards
Patricia Moroney
Professional Conduct Officer
Society of Homeopaths
Society of Homeopaths
11 Brookfield, Duncan Close, Moulton Park, Northampton NN3 6WL
Tel: 0845 450 6611 Fax: 0845 450 6622 Email: info@homeopathy-soh.org
Company Limited by Guarantee. Registerd in England No. 1392004.