Confessions of a naturopathic doctor
I used to be a naturopathic pediatrician. I graduated from Bastyr University and did a one-year residency in naturopathic pediatrics and family medicine. Like many naturopaths, I branded myself as an expert in treating children with behavioral and developmental problems, including autism, ADHD, anxiety, and learning disabilities. If you were...
I attended my first QED this past weekend in Manchester, England. Question, Explore, Discover is an annual science and skepticism conference, and this year’s QED was the largest in its six-year history. I had a great time and highly recommend that readers attend next year. I gave a talk on...
Another child has been severely harmed by a naturopath. This time in the UK.
I am honored that Naturopathic Diaries has made the shortlist for the 2016 blog category of the Ockham Awards.
Journalists seem to have a difficult time reporting the latest medical findings. Headlines often serve as click-bait rather than conveying accuracy. Last week, news coverage describing a study that investigated different treatment options for early-stage prostate cancer is one such case that generated some alarming and contradictory headlines. In the reported study, researchers...
The internet never forgets. On May 31st, Facebook reminded me of an old post I made four years ago asking friends for ideas on merchandising in a “medical” setting. The truth is I was asking for help to create cute and catchy flair for supplements, health gadgets, and detox programs...
I’ve acquired a troll-like follower on Twitter who runs an anonymous website at brittmariehermesfactcheck.com. His or her aim is to verify that the information I publish about naturopathic medicine is true. Spoiler alert: The arguments are less than compelling. My bottom line is that naturopaths do not receive enough medical...
Below is my response, solicited by Edzard Ernst, to naturopaths accusing me of libel, being a pharma shill, and failing at naturopathic medicine. He kindly published it on his blog. (Important note: his books were highly influential on my departure from naturopathy and comprehension of the dark depths of alternative medicine.) I find it...
When I started the “Naturopaths are not Doctors” petition (below), it was on the heels of the annual naturopathic medicine lobbying event where naturopaths “storm” the U.S. Capitol to advocate for their alternative system of medicine. I thought my petition would be an easy way to voice opposition to their political agenda, which includes getting...
Naturopaths often mention that their licensing exam, the NPLEX, is a rigorous test of medical knowledge that ensures standards of care. This point always looks good to the unsuspecting. Consider the following sample from the 2013 official study guide for the NPLEX: