Dr John Briffa and the Quacktitioner Royal

Dr John Briffa & the Quacktitioner Royal

Still reeling from Dr John Briffa’s attack on Diabetes UK, I was trying to work out exactly what Dr Briffa means when he describes himself as an “integrated” physician. As opposed to the rest of us, I suppose, who are presumably disintegrating.

Finally, I have found an authority for “integrated” physicians. A Royal authority no less. Prince Charles, the Quacktitioner Royal, a man devoted to medical wibble, has his own website entitled “The Princes Foundation for Integrated Health” 

Factors like fulfilling work, strong communities, the buildings we live in, our relationship with the natural world and the food we eat directly affect our wellbeing. So the first step in integrated health is helping people to make choices that keep them well and out of the healthcare system. But once somebody is ill, treating their problem with an integrated approach means bringing together mainstream medical science with the best of other traditions. Complementary interventions may range from stress reduction techniques to therapies like acupuncture or nutritional therapy. (The Quacktitioner Royal)

Ah! I see. Nutritional therapy is integrated medicine. Integrated medicine uses nutritional therapy.

It’s a big idea. It’s complex. It often calls for unlikely alliances. But there is a growing group of people who are putting integrated health into practice, in all its guises. This website explores some of the ways it can be done. (The Quacktitioner Royal)

What more unlikely alliance could there be than Dr John Briffa and Prince Charles, the Quacktitioner Royal himself?  And now, each year it seems, the Quacktitioner Royal will be giving out the Integrated Health Awards. And who will be helping with the judging?

Judges this year include Dr. Michael Dixon, Chair of NHS Alliance (which represents primary care) and Dr. John Briffa, the acclaimed holistic doctor, journalist and author. (Integrated Health Awards 2008)

That explains it all then.