| HOMEOPATHY IN MEDICINE |
 |
|
The training of homeopath physicians
|
The development of homeopathy is based on the strict training of the medical profession.
In fact, homeopathy requires training that is practical, specific and complementary to the study of general medicine
:
- to understand the role of homeopathy in the case under consideration ;
- since the use of homeopathic drugs requires knowledge of the criteria underlying their prescription.
The effectiveness of doctor training in the use of homeopathic drugs is constantly increasing due to the major progress made in homeopathy and teaching. With a few hundred hours of training, a doctor is now able to obtain the best from homeopathic therapeutics.
Universities and private schools currently teach homeopathy.
Beyond their initial training, doctors constantly improve their knowledge about homeopathic therapeutics with the help of cycles of Continuing Medical Training.
Specific post-university training is provided for other health professionals, in particular for pharmacists and veterinarians.
The university teaching of homeopathy
University teaching, provided in the School of Pharmaceutical Sciences or Medicine is playing an increasingly important role in a great many countries. Generally offered at the end of studies, this training is also available for graduate doctors.
Most of the training, on the average ranging from 150 to 200 hours, is spread out over two years. In certain countries, it may involve 1,200 hours over three years. Provided by practising homeopath physicians, it combines the teaching of the basics with clinical exercises.
The programme includes :
• homeopathic medical matter, the symptoms that guide the prescription of homeopathic drugs, their most common indications,
• homeopathic clinics, examination of the patient, the role of homeopathy in the different diseases,
• the strategies for prescription and the rules of dosage,
• the homeopathic drug, its manufacture, its pharmacology.
The inter-university diploma from Bordeaux-Limoges-Poitiers (France)
The inter-university diploma in homeopathy, jointly granted by the Bordeaux II, Limoges and Poitiers schools of medicine, initiated in 1982 by Prof. R. Quilichini and Dr. Denis Demarque, is geared at medical students at the end of their studies or graduate doctors who want to acquire an in-depth understanding of homeopathy.
The first cycle presents the principles of homeopathy and its application in acute diseases. It may welcome pharmacists. The second cycle is very clinical and is exclusively provided for doctors. It studies the role of homeopathy, speciality by speciality (ORL, dermatology, gynaecology, etc.). It includes lab work based on clinical presentations. The teaching is provided by homeopath physicians benefiting from a great deal of professional experience.
At Valladolid University (Spain): homeopathy in the 2nd cycle
The teaching of homeopathy has been integrated in the second cycle at this university since 1993. It gives rise to a diploma as “university specialist in homeopathy”.
The two year training programme is open to doctors, pharmacists and veterinarians.
The Valladolid School of Medicine also organises a “Homeopathy Symposium” uniting doctors from all over Spain for exchanges on a great many clinical topics.
Continuing Medical Training
In several countries, structures for Continuing Medical Training and Post-University Training allow doctors to perfect their knowledge throughout their career.
On the international level, several agencies help doctors from all over the world get together and exchange experiences :
- International Medical Homeopathic Organisation (OMHI), founded in 1989 - Doctor Francisco de Freitas (Brazil), President - Doctor Alain Horvilleur (France) , Secretary General
- International Medical Homeopathic League (LMHI).
In each country, private training can be found for doctors wishing to train in homeopathy.
Source : OMHI 2003
|
