Homoeopath

Homoeopaths work in a branch of complementary medicine based on the process of stimulating the body's own healing power. Homoeopathic remedies use minute quantities of diluted substances which, if taken in larger doses by a healthy person, would produce similar symptoms of the disease being treated. Homoeopathy is a holistic system of medicine, examining the underlying causes of an illness rather than simply treating the symptoms. To decide on the correct treatment, the homoeopath needs to know all about the patient and take account of individual physical and emotional characteristics. At the initial consultation, the homoeopath will usually spend an hour or more with the patient, asking questions and taking notes on his or her medical history, general energy levels, lifestyle, diet, life events and so on.

Entry level
Confusingly, there are many courses in homoeopathy, offered by many different bodies. These are not currently regulated by the government, although homoeopathy is pursuing a system of voluntary self-regulation under the direction of the Council of Organisations Registering Homoeopaths. Professional bodies like the Society of Homoeopaths and the Alliance of Registered Homoeopaths offer booklets containing advice on choosing a suitable course.

Diploma courses are available full- and part-time, with full-time courses lasting three years and part-time courses four or five years. Entry qualifications vary from no formal qualifications to two A levels or equivalent, depending on the course provider.

Some courses - regulated by the Faculty of Homoeopathy - are specifically designed for medically qualified doctors, vets and other conventional healthcare professionals.

Making the grade
There is no formal career structure as most homoeopaths are self-employed. You would normally focus on establishing a good reputation in order to build your business and develop your patient lists. Your chosen professional body would offer suitable programmes of continuing professional development to help you keep up to date with the latest ideas and techniques.

You might also choose to qualify in another complementary therapy, such as nutritional therapy or massage, in order to offer a wider range of services to your patients.

Personal qualities
You would need good listening and communication skills to understand each patient as an individual and explain your proposed treatment. You must be able to inspire trust and confidence, to have a logical approach to problem solving and to motivate patients to make appropriate diet and lifestyle changes. You must also know when to refer a patient to a conventional medical practitioner. As you are likely to be self-employed, you would need sufficient commercial skill to run your own business.

Looking ahead
Homoeopathy is a fast-growing profession and demand is predicted to increase as more people become interested in holistic medicine and complementary therapies.
Homoeopaths work all over the UK, mostly self-employed in private practice, but a few are employed by the NHS. There may also be opportunities in homoeopathic hospitals and private clinics. Some homoeopaths are qualified GPs or vets.

There may be opportunities to write books and articles on homoeopathy, to act as a consultant for a homoeopathic medicine supplier or to teach.

There are some opportunities to work overseas, but you would need to check with a body such as the European Council for Classical Homeopathy that your qualifications will be recognised and that you will be legally entitled to practise.

Alternative suggestions
You could consider other specialisms in complementary medicine, such as aromatherapist, chiropractor, herbalist, naturopath or osteopath. Alternatively, you may wish to qualify as a conventional healthcare professional such as a doctor, dentist, occupational therapist, pharmacist, physiotherapist, radiographer or vet.

Take-home pay
Most homoeopaths are self-employed and your income would vary according to the number of patients you treat and the fees you charge, typically anything from £30 to £100 an hour. Overheads like rent, heating and transport will affect your total earnings. It may take around five years to establish a flourishing private practice and your initial earnings could be on the low side.

Effects
You usually work flexible hours according to the needs of your patients. This may involve evening and weekend work. You might work in a private clinic on your own premises, in an alternative therapy centre or in your own home. You may also visit patients at home.

Sources of information
Alliance of Registered Homeopaths: www.a-r-h.org
British Homeopathic Association/Faculty of Homeopathy: www.trusthomeopathy.org
Council of Organisations Registering Homeopaths: www.corh.org.uk
European Council of Classical Homeopathy: www.homeopathy-ecch.org
Homeopathic Medical Association: www.the-hma.org
Prince of Wales's Foundation for Integrated Health: www.fihealth.org.uk
Society of Homeopaths: www.homeopathy-soh.org

CRCI: JB