Canadian Physicians Criticize Naturopaths In Wake of Ezekiel Stephan’s Death

[HuckleB]

http://www.naturopathicdiaries.com/canadian-physicians-criticize-naturopaths/

"A group of Canadian physicians recently asked me to post an open letter they sent to the College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta concerning the conduct of naturopath Tracey Tannis in selling an herbal product to Ezekiel Stephan’s mother after she reported he might have meningitis. Ezekiel stopped breathing the day after this interaction and later died at an Alberta hospital. If you are unfamiliar with the story of Ezekiel’s demise and the criminal case against his parents, here is a recent summary. A verdict should come this week.

While much attention is on Ezekiel’s parents for not providing him with access to prudent medical care, their interaction with Tracey Tannis has shed light on the issue of licensing naturopaths and allowing them to self-regulate. (In five Canadian provinces, naturopaths are registered, a.k.a. licensed, by their own regulatory boards, called “colleges.”)

Naturopaths aggressively lobby government officials for licensure with broad scopes of medical privileges because it provides their profession with legitimacy. Naturopaths are then allowed to police themselves.

The letter posted below, signed by 43 Canadian physicians and surgeons, addresses multiple ethical and practical issues regarding the professional practices of licensed naturopaths. Most importantly the letter highlights the fact that naturopaths want all of the same rights and privileges of medical doctors without having to adhere to the same rules. In no jurisdiction where they are licensed are naturopaths bound to medical standards of care. They can essentially do whatever they want and likely get away with it. I agree with these concerned physicians. The regulation of naturopaths by naturopaths needs to end.

..."

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This relates to the story of the parents recently convicted of negligence in caring for their child who died from meningitis. It is time that real regulation be put in place for all "alternative practitioners."

[MattBaggins]

1. People need to remember that ND

Means Not a Doctor

[HuckleB]

3. Unfortunately, too many people do not realize that reality.

Naturopathy vs. Science: Facts edition
https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/naturopathy-vs-science-facts-edition/

[malaise]

6. What you miss is that most of those people

have absolutely no respect for science.

Thank the media, religious institutions, politicians and simpletons many of whom failed in basic science class and hate facts based on empirical evidence. They have to because once you accept science you reject quackery in all forms starting with religion.

[HuckleB]

7. True, but many of those who fall for it do have extensive education levels.

Sometimes even containing some science. For many, especially those who can pay out of pocket for a naturopath, it comes down to overconfidence in one's knowledge because one has a couple of diplomas, etc...

[malaise]

11. I couldn't employ close to 60% of the students I encountered

I know. We both know that the notion of levels of education is seriously under threat.

There are way too many BSers with extensive education levels and significant numbers who 'graduated' from quack colleges

[HuckleB]

12. You will get no argument from me on that.

[dembotoz]

4. currently deal with someone who is all into such stuff

it is getting rather much
this am she was going on and on and i told her i thought it was all quackery(when pushed i tend to be short and honest)
think she is now in full rage...

she has more problems than an 85 yugo

and she is hardly a good advertisement for her cause.... but alas

[HuckleB]

10. It's very frustrating, and it causes so much needless suffering.

I live in Portland, Oregon, and it is amazing to see the things individuals put themselves through because of ridiculous beliefs. It's hardest to watch some kids suffer for years because of a lack of treatment for various things.

[Rex]

5. Reminds me of the silly fad when people would swear up and down that crystals heal people.

So they would buy one and wear it around their neck. Free country, but for me it has to be at least a PHd. People that are not trained and certified doctors have no place pretending to be doctors imo.

And really that shouldn't just be imo, that is like common sense.

[HuckleB]

13. +1

[LuckyLib]

8. I have a colleague who is very well educated, and crazy into homeopathy.

She lectures anyone who will listen on its benefits. Snake-oil, and not cheap. She should know better. We all have our issues with corporate medicine in this country, but throwing $$$ at these folks is a waste.

[HuckleB]

9. One of the things that drives me crazy about Whole Foods, and similar stores...

... like New Seasons, here in Cascadia, is their practice of placing expensive homeopathic flu, cold, and allergy remedies in the impulse buy section at the register, and they adjust the products by the season. If you follow the direction, most of the boxes, which go for $20 or more, only have a day or two supply. Not that there's anything in it, of course. The even crazier thing, is that Boiron has a children's version for some of its homeopathic products.