Holistic Centre at Medical Exhibition.

[Cham]

An insight into peddling snake oil.

Candie & myself spent the day promoting complementary / holistic therapies at a Medical Exhibition held at a local hospital (Clatmassageplanetridge) post graduate centre.

Some of you may remember, that we did this at the last one in late 2003.
From our previous experience we had a better idea of what we were up against. Essentially free inducements from the drug company reps, glossy brochures & displays and well practiced patter.

Armed to the teeth with leaflets for every therapy that we offer, 'money off' treament vouchers, brightly coloured banner, stacks of our Free Guide to Complementary Therapies and Alexandra one of our more gifted therapists.

Did it work?

Only time will tell.

There were fewer stands there, though this year and fewer GP's & medical staff attended, but we engaged more than last time, we were more assertive and shifted more leaflets & booklets.

Of those we spoke to;-

GP attitudes vary hugely from those that were embarassed to ask to those that didn't give a second look. Some of the older ones (some unfortunately retired) seemed to be more interested - possibly due a career of disillusionment of modern medicine and a realisation that quick fixes are few & far between. That's my own speculation.

Younger doctors were more likley to be dismissive and only talked to us because they needed our signature to be entered into the free draw.
I guess they're fressher and more likely to have great faith in modern medicine, so any alternatives may be seen as a threat to what they believe in.

Clatmassageplanetridge Hospital has a large cancer ( oncology ) Centre, and there was much interest from nurses & other medical staff from that department . I guess they're more likely to be realists and are prepared to consider then wider options. There were a few from Dermatology as well, another area that medicine doesn't excel.

Tips if you thinking of venturing to such events.

Just do it - it really does seem like the tide is turning. It's painfully slow, but attitudes do seem to be shifting. Even if it's just acceptance that we're not going to go away &/or that they don't have all the answers.

Be profesional and don't expect that anyone is going to share your views or passion.

Professional body info is a given and any research that you can dig up for your treatment or therapy would be a bonus to have at hand.

All for now - may add, when more time to do so.

And.

 

[tobnwpip]

Well done you!
the more opportunities we get to show that our therapies are just as professional and important to patients wellbeing and health as traditional medicine the better! Its a slow process, but worth every effort don't you think?

I would jump at the chance to do something similar locally!

Lisa x

 

[immafly]

Good work Andrew and Candie! Thanks for the write up.
It's very interesting to hear your experiences of the event and you give a useful insight into the attitudes of the medics.

Aragorn

 

[Me Mee]

Thanks for sharing your experience.

I think slowly the Modern Medicine profession is getting a better understanding of Complimentary therapies and are becoming more open to them. From what you said and what I have read in various press, articles, magazines and websites I think the greater understanding and openess may be coming Nurses and primary carers.

Foz xx

 

[amanda and star]

We have to keep chipping away.

And, how did you get into this in the first place? I certainly never hear of such exhibitions?

Lesley

 

[Minda Now]

Thanks for feedback & support.



That's exactly how we feel about and about the rate of progress. It is slow, but slowly, slowly catch de monkey!



They hold regular free lectures at the local post graduate medical centre. They are soponsored by the drug companies that pay for lunch to entice doctors & medical staff. Another local osteopath told me about them, so I went along.

So much as I can gather they are free to any health care practitioners, so suggest fishing around. Ring switch board of local hospital maybe.

A couple of years ago I did one myself on osteopathy. It was by no means my best talk, but had to be done to raise awareness, so we're not quacks, etc. The only attendee that sends me referrals (kids with glue ear - otitis media with effusion) from time to time is an auditory paediatrician that I nearly got a research study going with, on the subject.

The medical exhibitions they hold once a year and they have a mailing list that the send out for these and the lectures. Some lectures are very interesting and some just plain frustrating.

If nothing else you get to learn the orthodox medical perspective on things and get points for Continuing Professional Development, that we'll probably all need to do in time. One of the prices for gaining self regulation.

And.