“How novel” I thought, not sure of quite how to do it and desperately looking for a way out or at least, around. However, having given this appropriate reflection, the result will be, not an interview as that could border on the absurd, but an introduction to me, for those who don’t know me, apart from maybe my role here as Features Editor.

Unlike many of you, I did not start out in the Medical Field, rather I am an Arts/Languages graduate; books, music, literature, writing have always been a love of mine. Holistic/integrative medicine found me as a young mother over 25 years ago when I had 3 babies almost all at once, (3 in 2 years-twins!) where I felt total disillusionment with the repetitive, potentially harmful conventional management of every day conditions being offered, particularly the endless prescriptions of antibiotics given to the children. My experience of the indiscriminate doling out of medications, generally in less that 10 minutes, without ascertaining the root cause, disturbed me greatly and highlighted its limitations and shortcomings, inspiring me to explore alternative, less harmful treatments, which worked with the body, as opposed to against it, and without the potentially dangerous side effects. In emergencies, obviously a conventional approach is needed, but integrated with a holistic approach, for as many of us have experienced, the best outcome.

I subsequently qualified in many holistic therapies, starting to study homeopathy in 2005 at what is now The University of West London (then Thames valley University/Purton House.) The course offered was a BSc in Homeopathy, it has now been discontinued as have all degree courses in the UK in homeopathy, which I feel is tragic for our community, and the public, who are denied the wisdom of future graduates.

I feel privileged to have studied and dedicated myself to the subject at such a deep level for four years full time, the final year focusing greatly on a research project, where much of my time was spent researching for my thesis, titled ‘A Critical Analysis of the homeopathic treatment of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.’ I was advised to have it published and peer reviewed. It can now be found on Hpathy.: https://hpathy.com/homeopathy-papers/a-critical-examination-of-the-homeopathic-treatment-of-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/?utm_content=cmp-true

Unlike many other homeopathy courses, we were taught how to research, reference, and analyse the literature, including statistical data, both qualitively and quantitively. This has helped me enormously, when reporting on research in the field. I graduated in 2009 with 1st Class degree (BSc Hons.)

Immediately on leaving university, we as a family moved to Toronto, in Ontario, Canada, where I realised, I was going to have to do further training in order to practice, due to the upcoming regulation of homeopathy in the province. The principal of the college devised an ‘Advanced Graduate Program’ specifically for me, where I made up any subjects I may not have previously undertaken, most significantly Physical Exam modules, including differential diagnosis and many, many more hours of clinical practice. After 5 years of intense study, with some of the best teachers in the world, I felt more than prepared to practice.

Since qualifying, I have managed to merge my love of writing with my clinical work and soon started to write for various homeopathic organizations, the goal, to educate those who knew nothing about homeopathy, whilst also sharing some of my more academic work through various publishers. Over a period of 5 years I wrote monthly blogs, specifically for 4H on a variety of topics from homeopathic principles through to remedies for specific conditions (they are still there, although the website has been updated.) At this time and to date, I reviewed many of the films that appeared as well as writing other articles for other organisations, as required.

I have written much for Hpathy.com, where in April 2022, I received an Award for 'Excellence in Homeopathy', for my 'Accomplishments and Contributions to the Homeopathic World over the years’. In addition, I work closely with Ananda More who created the Magic Pills movie, as a guest writer for the Magic Pills blog. I covered many topics that were current; during Covid, I interviewed key, senior figures within our community, with particular reference to the Covid Data Collections. (Robbert Van Haselen, Peter Gold, Phillipa Fibert.) It was an interesting time!

I feel a profound responsibility to report and deliver balanced facts around homeopathy and integrated medicine and to highlight ongoing research. The statistics surrounding antimicrobial resistance are shocking and it is essential we bring alternatives to light, outside of our community. I strongly feel that we need to educate the public to take responsibility for their own health whilst emphasising the removal of 'maintaining causes. I recognise that it is essential to use a holistic approach whenever possible whilst integrating conventional medicine when required, to avoid iatrogenic disease, minimise antimicrobial resistance and avoid the often-dangerous consequences of polypharmacy.

Also, lacking in a purely conventional approach, is a focus on the prevention of disease, which we as integrated health practitioners are acutely aware of. As Mark Twain so brilliantly stated:

In my quest to help change the system and educate people through practicing and writing, opportunities have sprung up allowing me to work with some fascinating people within our community and further expand my knowledge and outlook.

When I was asked by Gary if I was interested in becoming Vice President, I was surprised, as it was never a role I saw myself in; he told me to go and “meditate on it.” Well, as you now know, I accepted his offer, which I am sure wasn’t given lightly. Why not me? (This was part of a long conversation with myself.)

Often our path is not straight, we need challenges to keep us motivated and interested in our subject. I realise that passion for our work or in any form doesn’t come from nowhere, seeds are always planted, and can only grow if they are watered, and cultivated with love and hope for the best result. I have been with the Faculty for over 5 years now, over 3 with Simile, so know much about its workings and the wonderful characters who have made me feel very much at home. I have noticed a significant change during my time here, all for the good. We are evolving, and moving forward with the times, we are expanding our membership and approach to many things. Simile, we have been told is more vibrant, current and interesting than ever, encouraging interaction and debate. Our Journal is appreciated and feted as probably one of the best homeopathic journals worldwide. At the same time the Faculty continues to maintain the highest standards in the world as a homeopathic organisation. Hopefully, my appointment as Vice President is reflective of this evolution and change; I was told by a close friend who is also a colleague that this was one of Dr Peter Fisher’s objectives for The Faculty, to move forward and progress in this way; to become more international and inclusive within our homeopathic community. In short, I hope to be of great support to our President, now and in the future, whilst representing the Faculty where necessary and I will do the very best I can.

Gill Graham

FeatureSimile@facultyofhomeopathy.org