Debbie Allen
Congratulations, Debbie, for your achievement of Reader's Choice #1 Homeopath!
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
I am most proud of seeing how homeopathy works each and everyday. There is not one particular moment that highlights my career as a homeopath but rather the amazing transformation in people’s health that I can say I am proud of. It is a privilege to practice this form of amazing medicine and for people to allow me into their private world to help them regain their quality of life. The quote that best describes my homeopathic accomplishments is this, “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away."
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
My education at CCHM is number one on my list. When I decided to go back to school to become a homeopath I looked up all the schools that offered this course in the GTA and surrounding areas. I visited each school one by one. When I arrived at CCHM the feeling was different……….warm, inviting, professional. The dean spent the time answering my questions, showing me around and explaining in detail the model that CCHM follows. There was no question in my mind that CCHM is a superior school.
The second aspect would be the teaching at CCHM. The teachers are incredibly knowledgeable in all areas of homeopathy. The school is very particular about their education and clinical training, wanting a minimum of five years work experience practicing homeopathy. They are trained to follow the model of classical homeopathy. They provide a solid education in Hahnemannian Fundamentals. Without this training it is impossible to practice homeopathy correctly.
The last aspect would be clinical experience, the internship and externship process. The internship process in year two and three was fantastic. Watching other experienced homeopaths take cases and follow up with each patient along the way was an amazing and practical way to learn how homeopathy works. The externship process was the building block for my practice. It provided me with a base of patients once I graduated that I could build on. It also helped to build my confidence to practice on my own with the cushion of knowing I have a supervisor along side of me to help with any questions.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
A recent case that stands out in my mind was a 17 year old boy who came to me suffering from severe depression and anxiety. He was seeing a psychiatrist at the time and was on 4 separate medications. One anti-psychotic, two anti-depressants and one anti-anxiety medication. He was tall and lean with long hair that hung over his eyes and a baseball cap that was pulled down just exposing his eyes. He spoke slowly and paused for long periods of time before he would answer my questions. But underneath his exterior I could tell he was well spoken, intelligent and engaging. After taking his case it was apparent that he had experienced a very traumatic childhood. I prescribed the remedy first in dry pellet form. His mental symptoms became less intense but he was still sleeping 17 hours a day, had no motivation and didn’t desire contact with anyone. After a couple of months I switch his remedy to a water dose and prescribed it daily. I started to see significant changes in his mood and motivation. Because of these changes his psychiatrist started lowering his medication. I am please to say that eight months later he was off of all medication, started college, got his drivers license, had no signs of anxiety or depression. He sat in front of me with no hat, short hair, complete eye contact and told me how amazing he was feeling and that he was currently pursuing an education in social work to help other children that had gone through the same heart ache as him.
I am humbled everyday by the stories I hear about peoples emotional and physical illnesses. I am privileged to work as a homeopath as well as teach future homeopaths at CCHM. If you would like more information about myself or my practice please visit my website at www.healthonearth.ca
Priya Davies
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
There are a great many moments that thrill me along this career adventure...to name some: the connection with patients during case-taking, the excitement of using this incredible science to unlock the mysteries of each stage of healing, witnessing the happiness of patients as they heal on many levels.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
1) The right educational institution is key. Before I applied for admission, I contacted a random list of practicing homeopaths in Toronto who were only too happy to share their experiences and suggestions. All those I spoke to who had attended CCHM recommended it highly - and incidentally even those who had studied at other institutions recommended I apply to CCHM!
2) The founder of CCHM is a dedicated, devoted and beloved homeopath who made it his goal that the college should be created upon and maintained with the highest standards in every way possible - academically, faculty-wise, practical experience, opportunities and all of this set upon solid, classical foundations YET with an inclusive, respectful approach to other medicines, either allopathic or natural. The supervised clinical experience I received at CCHM - both the internships and externships - were invaluable.
3) Practicing within a supportive, warm, community of homeopaths who are passionate about healing without harm - my colleagues continually inspire me with their experiences and dedication.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
When it's not an acute condition, I find that treating patients is really an ongoing process. As layers are treated with the right remedy and that particular chronic condition is ameliorated, the patient is also growing and transforming. And as they do, they may see new and different mental and emotional or physical conditions which are then to be treated although it may be weeks, months or even years between these visits with a new or different condition. The beauty of homeopathy is that we often see conditions diminishing as each layer is treated, and a return of ones natural vibrancy.
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I think what is very exciting now, is seeing patients questioning and searching for natural and beneficial solutions for their health. They are breaking out of the doctor-tells-me-what-to-do mold and taking ownership for their health. It is lovely to see patients empowering themselves. That their searches and journey bring many to homeopathy and other natural health modalities that will help guide them back to their natural state of health is wonderful and holds promising things for the future.
Sarah Trask
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
In the last two years I have achieved excellent results, with both chronic and acute disease, and continue to be amazed each and every day, by the depth of this medicine, and the incredible healing that can happen in even the sickest of patients. I am so happy that I attended the Toronto School of Homeopathic Medicine, not only because of its reputation as the leader in Homeopathic training in Canada, but the incredible foundation that it gave me in my Homeopathic education.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
During my time at TSHM, I was very lucky to learn from Dr. Joseph Kellerstein, who taught me so much, and allowed me to practice to the best of my abilities. Without his training and direction, I believe I would not have the success I have today with my patients.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
A recent case: I had a 16 week pregnant patient with large gallstones, The patient was noticeably warm in body temperature and required fresh air. In addition, she noticed that since becoming pregnant, she was very weepy and easily moved to tears. She was thirstless, and had incredible pain from the gallstones when eating anything with any fat in it. She continued to lose weight as a result of the lack of any fat in her diet, and even the dietary changes were not alleviating the pain and the other symptoms. After dosing with Pulsatilla 200ch daily for a few days, the patient noticed much improvement in all of the above symptoms. Over the next few weeks, dosing daily with Pulsatilla 200ch twice a day, she went back to her medical doctor and the gallstones were noticeably smaller. We continued and the stones eventually disappeared; she was pain free through the remainder of her pregnancy. I'm most proud of this case because it represents how both conventional allopathic medicine can work alongside homeopathic treatment for the best health and least risk to the patient; it illustrates how the "system" can save hundreds of thousands of dollars in the cost of a surgery such as this if they were to use homeopathic expertise; and how gentle and effective homeopathy is during pregnancy, with no risk to the baby.
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
There are not many registered, practicing homeopaths in Nova Scotia, which limits my pool of colleagues on the east coast. However, through my training at TSHM, I am able to consult with colleagues online across the country when I'm "stuck". I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to be excited to come to work every day, and to love what I do for a living. In addition, homeopathic medicine has allowed me to grow so much, because it is challenging, no two patients are the same, and I continue to be amazed by the body's ability to heal through homeopathic treatment.
I would recommend TSHM to anyone looking for the best possible education in Homeopathic Medicine.
Helen Vuletin
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
To me, being a homeopath highlights the unbelievable resilience of the human body and spirit, in both astounding and quiet ways. It is a privilege and an honour to witness these events, both large and small. My proudest moments so far as a homeopath include two events; one is an astounding testimonial of the body's ability to heal itself and the other a poignant moment of intense emotional connection.
One of my patients was in the hospital breathing through an emergency tracheotomy and coughing up blood due to pneumonia. Prior to my consultation, she'd been in the hospital for several weeks, after having been placed in a medically induced coma due to multiple organ failure. She was told that she should expect to remain in the hospital for a minimum of two to three more weeks. Within 10 minutes of receiving the homeopathic medicine selected for her case, she said that the pressure on her left side had lessened and that she could breathe more deeply. When I returned 5 days later for the follow-up appointment, she was being discharged from the hospital. To view the remarkable complete testimonial of this patient, visit www.HelenVuletin.com.
Recently, I went to a patient's home for a second follow up. This 4-year old patient had been diagnosed with autism. He was able to speak until 2 years of age. His speech stopped around the same time he received some routine vaccinations. Before this follow up, the patient had not made any eye contact, or any contact with me at all really. He usually just watched the television during my visits. That evening when I arrived, he was waiting at the door with his father. When his father opened the door for me, my young patient looked me directly in the eye. I was touched and hopeful to hear about his reaction to the latest homeopathic medicine selected for him. Throughout the consultation, he continued to make eye contact with me while he sat on his father's lap. As I said good-bye to him at the end of the consultation, he threw his arms around my left leg and hugged me tightly. That moment was so powerful and moving it nearly brought me to my knees. There was such a profound sense of connection between me and my patient and his family, and a palpable feeling of hope.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
1) The Externship Process
The externship process was the perfect springboard to set up myself and my practice for success. It is a safe haven for prescribing because I was backed by an experienced supervisor, and it served as the perfect venue for helping me determine what kind of practitioner I wanted to be when I graduated.For me, putting theoretical learning into practice by observing patients responses to remedies was the greatest teacher of all.
2) The Internship Process
Being able to watch other experienced homeopathic practitioners conduct consultations was also very important. This process provided valuable tips for how to ask questions, as well as work with silence comfortably during a consultation. It also allowed me to clearly identify my practitioner biases, and then work on removing them.
3) Solid Education in Hahnemannian Fundamentals of Homeopathy
As a lover of languages and speaker of several, I know the importance of learning the fundamentals of grammar. To me, a solid understanding of Hahnemannian homeopathy, the founder of homeopathy, is an essential foundation for further learning, much like grammar is to the study of language. CCHM focuses the bulk of the curriculum on studying Hahnemann's Organon of Medicine so that students have a solid foundation on which to build other styles of homeopathic practice if they choose.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
In the winter of 2011, I received a referral for a patient who had been diagnosed with the flu. She’d received Tamiflu for that diagnosis. Later that evening, she collapsed and 911 was called. She remained unresponsive and was rushed to the hospital. All of her organs failed, and she was placed in a medically induced coma for two weeks. After being revived from the coma, she underwent temporary kidney dialysis for two weeks. When I saw her in the hospital, she was breathing through an emergency tracheotomy, and had left-sided pneumonia and was coughing up blood.
After taking her case, I had a few remedy candidates in mind that were well indicated. I did a brief physical examination as part of my differential diagnosis, checking her pulse and the temperature of the skin on her legs below the knees. Her pulse was stronger than I expected given all that she’d been through, and her legs below the knees were also warmer than I expected. Although these two pieces of information did not reinforce my remedy choice of Carbo vegetabilis, I prescribed it anyway in a 30C potency, trusting my intuition.
Given her delicate state, I was concerned about giving her a dry dose of the remedy and prescribed it in water. The only water available was hospital tap water and it was provided in a styrofoam cup. Not my ideal choice, but I work with the constraints I’m given. Within 10 minutes of taking a teaspoon of the remedy, she said the pressure on the left side of her lung was lessening and that she could breathe more deeply. She asked me if it was her imagination. I said the only way to know for sure was to give the remedy a few days to act. I told her I’d be back to see her on Wednesday, five days after our initial visit. Before I left, I instructed her to take a teaspoon of the remedy again if she felt the pressure on the left side of her lung returning.
When I returned 5 days later, I thought I was in the wrong room. My patient was walking around the room and all of her tubes had been removed. She looked at me and said “I’m being discharged today. Helen, you look surprised.” Unable to hide my astonishment, I said I was. I was fairly confident that homeopathy could get her out of the hospital in two weeks, but a discharge in five days completely exceeded my expectations. I asked her more about her symptoms. After two days, they had removed the tracheotomy tube, and she had also stopped coughing up blood. I asked her how many times she had re-dosed with the homeopathic medicine, and she said twice.
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
In January 2012, I will be heading to Calcutta, India to study homeopathy with a fourth-generation homeopathic doctor. It has been my dream since completing school to travel to India and study homeopathy. Becoming a homeopath has inspired me to renew my sense of adventure in life, and pursue my passion. As a mother, I think it is vitally important to model this behaviour for my children. Otherwise, telling them to pursue their own passions in life are just hollow words.
Daniela Armenti
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
The event I am most proud of in my career as a homeopath was being invited to speak at St. Joseph’s Hospital in London Ontario. The pharmaceutical students were having a symposium in August of 2009 and they invited me to participate since they wanted to learn more about homeopathy. As I was presenting to the 200 students and pharmaceutical directors from hospitals in the Western Ontario Region, I felt empowered by their genuine interest in homeopathy and their openness to accept a philosophy that was contrary to their beliefs.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
The aspects of my education that have contributed most to my success are as follows. Directly after finishing homeopathic college I was hired to work in a multi-faceted chiropractic clinic. I worked three years alongside wonderful colleagues. I became very busy, very quickly so I gained experience in knowing how to prescribe remedies precisely and accurately. Case management is the key to any successful prescription and I learned to do this well because I had to volume of cases to manage early on. I soon realized in this fast paced environment it was not only the prescription that mattered but that patients would keep coming back and seeking natural healthcare options if there was a sincere love and care for the patients themselves. I saw firsthand how a team approach can accomplish much more than a sole prescription.
Alongside the clinical experience I continued my professional education with Dr. Joseph Kellerstein and Dr. Andre Saine with their post graduate course. I have completed one of the three year programs and this year I completed a webinar course with Dr. Saine. This course allowed me to review the classical philosophy of homeopathy but the goal is to practice and refine your skills as a homeopath by solving old journal cases. The immediate feedback on the cases I submitted assisted me to refine my skills as a homeopath quickly and effectively.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
A 31 year-old male patient came into me complaining of gas and stomach discomfort with a constant hunger. What was striking about this case was the amount of painful, trapped gas abdominally that was very offensive once released. As soon as food entered his stomach he felt as if he had swallowed a ball and he would feel so heavy. The only thing that would make this feel better is if he walked very fast moving cars in their appropriate locations at the car dealership. As he walked fast he felt like he could release the trapped gas. He described that he could eat all day long and he rarely felt satisfied. Right after he ate he felt an empty feeling like he just didn’t eat. He felt that his energy was significantly better since he had recently begun a jogging program. He loved to keep busy whether at home or work. Dislikes the cold, loves the heat. His feet are always cold. He will frequently get a headache with a dramatic weather change from hot to cold. He describes himself as easy going, relaxed, willing to do for others and kind. Very affectionate, easy to forgive others and consolation improves him.
Prescription:
Sepia 1M 2 dry pellets taken beginning of October 2011 by mid-October all stomach heaviness and ball sensation was completely gone; he was eating and not continually to feel hungry after dinner.
Follow-up end of November: patient explained that he had not redosed since a few days prior to the beginning of November. He remained symptom free of the heaviness and ball- like sensation in the abdomen. His appetite was moderate and he would feel full until the following meal time. He had gained 5 to 6 pounds and was happy about this since he is so thin. Yet there were some new symptoms that were concerning him. He was usually irritable with the kids in the morning and impatient. This is not like him at all. He was more tired and required more sleep. More difficulty on rising in the morning. On his right side of his navel on standing there would be cramping that was deep lasting about two minutes long and better by passing gas. Bowel movements again were not as easy to release and the amount was not as abundant. Totality of the new symptoms was taken into consideration along with remedies that were complimentary to Sepia’s action. He took two doses of Nux Vomica 30C and it improved the cramping, bowel movements and mood temperament.
Follow-up mid-February 2011: There had been no return of the heaviness or ball- like sensation. Mood was fine no irritability. Bowel movements were regular with no difficulty. Energy was excellent. Yet he noticed a bit more gas with gas forming foods and a return of old symptoms that occurred directly after eating he would be hungry again. Yet this only occurred 2-3X and went away quickly. If there was any return of old symptoms that were persisting the patient was told to call the office. No redose required.
Follow-up mid April 2011: Patient never called and reported that all symptoms had stayed improved. There was never any need to take any of the Nux 200C. Treatment had been finalized.
Kashka Kril-Atkins, Homeopathic Practitioner, Clinic Owner, BLUEPRINT Wholistic Health Clinic
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
Although it's been quite a rewarding journey, I think “the moment” is yet to come. One of the gifts of homeopathic practice is that each day, we get to share in the joy of our patients' well-being. We literally change lives. The past year has been momentous for me and beyond realizing the dream of opening an integrative, multidisciplinary Clinic, I have made the commitment to invest in the future of homeopathy. Beyond the scope of my own practice, I have realized tremendous fulfillment from volunteering my time and (limited) talents to raising awareness of homeopathy in Canada as well as being involved in the evolving Regulatory process in Ontario. “The moment” will come for me if I can play a part in raising homeopathy in the 21st Century to the status of a primary care option, widely accepted and used by Canadians.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
This is an easier question to answer. I was very deliberate about my training and accepted from the beginning that an homeopathic education had a beginning, but clearly no end. It is a life-long commitment. I am grateful to both OCHM and CCHM for my education. I am also grateful to Klaus Scheiman-Burkhardt for his dedication to imparting Materia Medica knowledge over the four years that I studied with him (Zahava Scheiman-Burkhart is his partner in life and practice, as well as a Graduate of CCHM). So the three aspects would be:
- Mentorship from some extraordinary instructors who suffered through my endless questions
- Extensive clinical training
- The understanding that my formal training was the basis of a foundation upon which I needed to continue to build by taking opportunities to further my expertise.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins a concern for 5 years prior to homeopathic treatment. Vein surgery was unsuccessful and the varicose veins were bothersome on both legs. He describes the sensation as 'heavy' and it is constantly on his mind. He cannot tolerate the sensation of his trouser fabric brushing against his legs and the varicose veins are constantly on his mind. He described becoming aware of the varicose veins as soon as he rises out of bed in the morning and described the sensation of 'hot blood rushing into my legs", and a heaviness. On a scale of 1 to 10, the severity of this complaint was listed as an 8. "It's constantly on my mind. What's going to happen in the future?" Responsible, the patient also worries about financial security in the future.
Of note:
The patient has a preference for hot, sunny weather. “ It can never be too hot. It's funny though, I feel cold on the inside but I feel hot (to the touch)."
He is thirstless and craves sweets.
He complains of dry skin, especially between the fingers with cracks, especially in the heels.
Generals: Varicose Veins
Generals: Varicose Veins, young people in (Ferr Phos only Rx)
Extremities: Blood, rush of blood to lower limbs
Extremities: Cracked skin - fingers
Mind: Anxiety - money matters about
Chill: Exposure after - sun to the heat of
Rx: Flouricum Acid 30CH - 1 Dry Dose
(Flouricum Acid came up third in repertorization following Sepia and Calc. Materia Medica readings strongly confirmed the remedy choice.)
The patient experienced an immediate relief upon taking the remedy. He slept well and noticed his energy level and mood improved and he was more resistant to stress.
The varicose veins no longer constantly worry him and whereas he ranked this symptom as an '8 out of 10', he now ranks it as a '3 out of ten'. The veins are less pronounced and less sensitive to touch.
He is better able to cope with the stresses of life, and speaks much less about worries for the future.
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Homeopathic prescribing is as rewarding as it is challenging. It's critical that as a professional community, we find time to share our passion, our knowledge, 'our peaks and valleys'. We need to stay close to our Colleges and Associations, our teachers and our peers as well as reach out to other Integrative Practitioners to build a strong network of healers.
Charlotte Robertson
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
Homeopathy is a very deep, clear and wise form of medicine. When I started my practice I realized I was dealing with some insecurity. As a result, I was experiencing too much of my own mind chatter during the initial interviews. However, after some help from a Voice Dialogue facilitator I saw how much power I was giving to my fears and I virtually just stopped! Awareness is everything. I had had an excellent education, I am bright and passionate – the old fears melted away.
As a result, my initial interviews with clients are so rewarding. I am present. I wait. I watch. I can sense and feel in a way I didn’t have access to before. A real communion takes place and from that level of honour and confidence real healing can take place. So for me, I am most proud of being able to access presence. The moment the patient walks in the door a lovely, gentle feeling of quite expectation begins. Living the present mystery!
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
The classical aspect of our training. The power of the single remedy is constantly emphasized and put into practice. I am a purist and love not only the complexity of homeopathy in general, but the beautiful simplicity of THE well chosen remedy and the instantly transforming power it can have. In my practice I am constantly giving “thanks” to Dr. Samuel Hahnemann and his incredible discovery – and also to my teachers who make the power of this gift of homeopathy come alive.
The post graduate course was excellent. It provided the opportunity to work closely with the teachers and my fellow students on tricky cases and gave me the opportunity to learn more in depth methods of case taking and analysis.
The atmosphere at the college is one of helping, sharing and excellence. There is a sense of community, of belonging and being part of something that is very special and contributes greatly to the health of humankind.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
After suffering for 12 years with a Clostridium difficile infection that she acquired when hospitalized, a client of mine is now symptom free. Her testimony below is quite compelling.
“Charlotte was recommended to me by a friend. I had both acute and chronic pain resulting from a hospital infection. I sought in vain for many years, treatment from a variety of other experts and specialists. After a lengthy intake questionnaire, Charlotte sent me home with a “remedy”. Within a few short months I noticed an incredible difference in my health. After a year and a half of taking my remedy, I am symptom free for the first time in twelve years...quite astonishing. Charlotte is definitely an integral part of my wellness team. I believe homeopathy is the most important health care discovery in human history! “
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
After graduation I attended several advance courses with homeopathic masters from around the world. Dr. Luc De Schepper gave a course in Toronto and asked several difficult and thought provoking questions in relation to classical homeopathy. The only homeopaths that had the answers were from the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine. How do I know? Dr. Luc was surprised that the same people were answering the questions and so he asked where we had studied. I felt very proud!
Lisa Farun
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
I believe that my greatest accomplishment as a homeopath is my consistent 85% cure rate. By that I mean that approximately 85% of my cases have been CURED of illness after homeopathic treatment. Something else that makes me very proud - several of my patients were so impressed by the results of their homeopathic treatment that they chose careers in this field themselves.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
I believe that the solid classical homeopathic education that I received at Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine, especially learning Hahnemann's Organon, and the extensive clinical experience and support were the greatest assets to my homeopathic training. These ultimately formed the foundation of learning that enabled my successful career as a homeopath.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
I recently had a patient who contacted me because she was unable to work due to her illness. Her symptoms included extreme vertigo, where she was listing to the right and could not walk without falling. She also had head pain and her vision was very blurred. She had a few odd symptoms which she told me about; she made many spelling errors (which was never an issue in the past) and her lips and tongue felt sunburned, although she had not been in the sun and had not exposed them to heat recently. I prescribed her 1 pellet of Silica 200C. Three days later, she contacted me to tell me that she felt better than she had felt in her 20's (she's in her 60's now). All symptoms were gone and she had been into work the day before.
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Although I have been in practice for over 8 years, and have seen homeopathy work time and time again, I never cease to be astonished at the efficacy of homeopathy - it truly is amazing!!
Stephanie Marwood
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
There are many moments in my short career as a Homeopath that I am proud of. I have to first start off by saying that I feel very privileged to wake up every morning practicing this fine art. What a gift it is to work with a system of medicine that is safe and non-toxic. My aim is to teach people that homeopathy is available to everyone. I would like to see Homeopathy become a household name and to see people all over the world using this as their first method of treatment. If this were to happen it would take the burden off our health care system and people would be a lot healthier than they are right now.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
I believe that the CCHM is the best school by far and one should look no further. This school is the only one that I am aware of in Ontario that teaches the true Hahnemanian way. I think having the exposure to the different teachers/professors taught me a lot about different methods of prescribing and taking a case. The fact that all the teachers in this school are practicing Homeopaths with successful businesses says a lot. I think the CCHM covered all aspects of what it takes to run a practice. I felt prepared and ready to launch into my new career and could hardly wait to share homeopathy with everyone.
I also think the clinic cases are an integral part of learning. The teachers are different for year two and year three which I think is great as this allows the student to learn different ways of case taking and prescribing. The externship cases were a great way to learn and practice what would soon become a Homeopaths way of life.
I would like to end by saying that I am proud to be a graduate of CCHM and I hope that I continue to inspire people all over the world to use Homeopathy!!!
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
Below is a testimonial from one of my patients.
I had suffered from ulcerative colitis for about 2 years caused mainly through stress and the trauma of a 25 year marriage break up. My colitis was not under control and flared up regularly and it was then that my consultant recommended steroid enemas and oral steroid medication to settle things down. Despite the usual treatment, the colitis was not coming under control.
It was then that a friend recommended I got in touch with her cousin Stephanie and have a consultation to see if she could help. Suffice to say that even after the first consultation I felt so much better after just speaking to her. After careful consideration and referencing, she suggested the appropriate homeopathic medication, which in her opinion, based on my symptoms, emotional state etc., was most suitable for me. Within a month, things had improved. The pains had subsided, the bleeding was not as intense and I had begun to go out without feeling apprehensive about any embarrassing situations! It is now six months and I am virtually cured! I lead a full active social life, I have my confidence back and I am over the moon that I was recommended to seek homeopathic treatment! Homeopathy without a doubt boasts of tremendous powers as a system of medicine and I for one can categorically say it really did work for me!
William Ellwood
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
As a working homeopath, one is frequently exposed to intensely rewarding experiences. Certainly a milestone in my career was the first time I followed a difficult cancer case through to a successful completion; for me (and the patient), it was a kind of homeopathic Everest!
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
i) The opportunity to learn alongside an impressive array of like-minded colleagues was an inspiring and unforgettable experience. I never wanted to miss a day!
ii) In the school I found an atmosphere that encouraged inquiry; question and answer alongside lectures was both stimulating and helpful. This is excellent preparation for a career that is full of rapid problem-solving!
iii) Another experience that was very beneficial to me was the externship clinic process – taking on private patients under supervision while a student. I found this most helpful in learning patient management, while building the nucleus of a practice while in school.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
A 37-year old man consulted me after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. In this case, a new tumor appeared at the site of a previous tumour (right supra-clavicular lymph node) which had been removed surgically. This relapse brought the patient to my door. After evaluating the case, a remedy was prescribed (Calcarea Iodatum), and arrangements were made to meet with the patient again in three weeks. At the next meeting, the patient reported the tumour was diminished by 50%, and was completely resolved in twelve weeks.
Rachel Levine
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
On a daily basis I am so fortunate to witness the wonderful outcomes of homeopathic medicine. I see patients healing and recovering from an illness or traumatic experience that has left one debilitated. It brings me such joy, when a patient is amazed with the relief homeopathy has offered them after having felt hopeless when traditional methods failed them. In my first year of practice, I had an excellent case with a woman in her mid-sixties. She was a retired nurse and a skeptic of homeopathy. Her entire family came to see me so she thought to try it. She was on antidepressants and had severe arthritis in her toes. Within a year, she was off her antidepressants and her pain had completely diminished. She was amazed, especially since she couldn't remember the last time she didn't have pain. Not only was she relieved, but she was able to see beyond the allopathic medical system for the first time. Being a homeopath gives you the tools to facilitate and help direct how a patient can heal themselves.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
First, is the foundation and this was rooted by studying philosophy. CCHM provides a wonderful curriculum in homeopathic philosophy intertwined with western philosophy. This is so vital as it lays groundwork and ideas. At CCHM, the study of Hahnemann's Organon and the medical journals of the masters who practiced long before us, enables the student to begin with a focal point. The brilliance of Hahnemann's work is that it discusses fundamental concepts that are only now being discussed in academic institutions today. The philosophy department at CCHM introduces the student to the brilliance of simplicity, yet intellectual wisdom that homeopathic medicine is so beautifully steeped in.
Second, are the teachers. The lecturers at CCHM create an academic environment which allows the student to be active and expressive. This environment encourages a student to use their mind and voice enabling the them to grow as an individual, which translates into a successful practitioner. The curriculum also offers lectures on how to listen. Listening is the most important trait in being a good homeopathic practitioner. These skills are demonstrated in clinical practice by the College's Homeopathic practitioners and lecturers when they treat patients.
Lastly are my colleagues. The relationships that were fostered during my time at the College have lasted far beyond. These relationships are not just purely social, but they are there to continue the dialogue to help and encourage with day-to-day difficulties that arise in a practice and with cases.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
This is a recent case. A man, aged 41, with severe obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), gonorrhea, genital herpes and excessive sweating. When we first started he was on 4 doses of prozac a day. His thoughts were persistent and his actions were ritualistic. His home life as a young boy was riddled with verbal abuse. He had perspired profusely as a child and young adult. He had a fear of contracting a disease, only walking on certain parts of the road. His diet was incredibly rigid to 2-3 items a day. He would excessively bathe and had a fear of poverty.
He was a tall muscularly fit man. His temperament was aggravated in hot and wet weather. He had an aversion to most fruits and vegetables and would binge on fried and sweet foods only on the weekends. He was very thirsty. He would get burning feet and would have to sleep with his feet out of the covers and was generally tired in the afternoon at 3pm and would need a nap.
He was given a dose of Sulphur 30ch each week for three weeks. Immediately he started to get more energy. The eruptions on the penis subsided and the obsessive thoughts reduced. A low dose was chosen to start because of his sensitivity. He was then given a dose of Sulphur 200D. His sweating subsided significantly. This was wonderful, as this inhibited him from a young age. His thoughts were diminishing and the genital outbreak went away. We have worked together for a year and he has just concluded taking his allopathic medication. He is currently taking Nat. Mur. 1M as needed. The homeopathic remedies have helped move him through the underlying ailments that have arisen as well. The remedies also have significantly supported him through the reduction of medication, which involves going through huge withdrawl effects.
Nick Mazolli
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
I remember my third year externship, particularly two of my patients, they were very sick and responded incredibly well to treatment. One was a mother of three with severe digestive and menstrual disorder and the other was a brilliant Harvard student with a debilitating anxiety disorder driving them to alcoholism. There have been many moments since then but that was my first direct experience using homeopathic medicine in the treatment of chronic disease.
The practice of homeopathy definitely has a way of humbling you, but what I am most proud of is that I have chosen a career which allows me to truly help others in a fashion that is little seen in the world of medicine. My own experiences, but more so the many success stories of my colleagues along with the innumerable miraculously cured cases within the homeopathic literature fill me with a deep sense of pride knowing that I am a part of this tradition of healing.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
The first must be the foundation. Learning homeopathy from the original source materials, studying Hahnemann’s Organon and then further incorporating other reliable works of old and contemporary masters who have contributed to homeopathic literature. This core syllabus is vital to a good understanding of homeopathy.
The second would be the accessibility of our teachers in the form of feedback, guidance and encouragement. Their willingness to guide you, correct you and point you down the right path of learning was essential. At the heart of the school is a great nucleus of teachers.
The third would be seeing the mastery of our teachers in clinic and the classroom, having that experience along with their guidance and expertise was invaluable.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
One of my most recent cases was a young girl of nine years old with severe anxiety and panic disorder. She would not touch her brother for fear of contagion and washed her hands immediately after; could not go outside for fear something would happen; could not eat normally or go to the bathroom easily without much anxiety. During the initial appointment she was constantly getting anxious and needing to be calmed, so that her breathing would normalize. She was also very impressionable; you could not tell her that anything was bad for her as this had become an obsession. There had been two very traumatic episodes in her life which contributed to this state. The funny thing was that while engaged in conversation with me her symptoms seemed to vanish.
Physically she was very tall for her age and thin; almost to the point of emaciation. She had also developed very quickly from a baby, had recently gone through growing pains and even began sexual development before the age of 9.
Phos 200c was given, after approximately 3-4weeks her parents reported that she was 95% improved in every way. She began playing outside again, hugging her brother without fear, had no more anxiety attacks, began eating and defecating normally, etc. There was still some anxiety but now it did not inhibit her from trying new things. I have yet to have a follow-up because her parents’ feel she is so much better further treatment is no longer required.
John Somerton
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
Firstly, being witness to the true healing power of homeopathic remedies and then secondly, being it's teac
her.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
Being taught by actual Homeopathic Practitioners, skilled in both it's knowledge and application and at the same time in the art of teaching itself. Definitely, the clinical internship and externship programs and the knowledge of "LM" perscribing.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
There is no, one outstanding case that I can specifically reflect upon, for I value every cured case.
Irrespectively of any case's apparent severity, there is wonder in all healing. "Everyday curing" of the seemingly impossible, all because one took the time to understand the fundamental imbalance in the patient. Further, not treating the symptom, but instead its cause.
Not addressing the condition, but rather the person that has this condition defines Homeopathy (and true healing).
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
How truly grateful I am to have been part of this College, both as a student and as a teacher. Greatful of both a science of medicine and an art that has the ability to fundamentally transform lives, instill true wellness and teach us how we all should ideally live.
Raha Mohammad-Panah
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
Helping patients recover from their illness is with no hesitation the accomplishment that I am most proud of in my career as a Homeopath. Witnessing patients feel well again is just great and unforgettable.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
CCHM taught me how to take a full case, how to analyze and prescribe the most appropriate remedy as well as how to manage the case. Learning and practicing classical Homeopathy are keys to the success of my practice.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
Two years ago I had a 27 year old woman diagnosed with hyperthyroidism who had gone through different medical treatment with no success and the only option left for her was to remove her thyroid gland. In addition to symptoms related to hyperthyroidism, she had asthma since childhood, severe headaches and miscarriages. After taking her full case it became clear that the onset of her symptoms occurred after feeling abused. In addition, she presented with other symptoms such as dwelling on the past, extreme anger with shaking, general aggravation at noon, wakeful after 3am from hunger, extreme desire for salt and thirst for icy cold water and intolerance for any clothing touching her neck. Shortly after taking her remedy, she saw improvement in the majority of her symptoms. After 5 months of treatment her level of TSH, Free T3 and T4 went completely back to normal. She even got pregnant and had a baby boy. Since then she has not been on remedy and she is still doing fine.
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
The outcome of Homeopathic treatment is so fascinating that I never get used to it.
Rodolfo E. Rivas
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
The most proud accomplishments I have had as a Homeopath are to witness the full recovery of patients from inside out, especially when other methods have not worked. Witnessing how homeopathy can heal the deepest most traumatic wounds, not only physical but also mental and emotional traumas.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
The constant studying of the organon, materia medica and the art of prescribing.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
A 34 year old female, married with two young children. She presented with vaginal bleeding for up to one week prior to her menstruation and for one week after. She complained of excruciating lower abdominal pain during her periods and very distinct pain on alternating ovaries around the time of ovulation. She also complained of lower back pain. She was seen by her family physician and by a specialist and was finally diagnosed with hypoechoic left ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, the largest measuring 5cm in diameter. She was also diagnosed with abnormal intraepithelial cells in her cervix due to HPB. The diagnosis was made after undergoing intravaginal ultrasounds, Pap Smears, blood work, and abdominal/pelvic ultrasound. She underwent cervical cryonization and her subsequent Pap Smear still had the same results. Conventional methods recommended a cone biopsy or a Total Hysterectomy with possible Bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy followed by Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT).
After taking the case I realized there were other physical conditions that were also affecting her health, like chronic herniated lumbar disk L4-L5-C1 and mental and emotional stress. After two weeks of starting her homeopathic treatment she reported improvement of most of her symptoms, especially her lower back pain and of her pain during her menstruation. She continued on the same treatment for another four weeks, at which time, she reported a considerable decrease on her pain and the vaginal bleeding prior and post menstruation had decreased to only four days. I modified her treatment taking into account her improved physical symptoms and her emotional state. After three months of treatment with homeopathic medicine, she was given confirmation that her uterine fibroids were decreasing in size, the largest measuring only 2.5 cm in diameter, and her ovaries were found to be normal. She continued on homeopathic treatment for another three months and the subsequent ultrasounds confirmed that her uterine fibroids were consistently decreasing in size. At one year, her ultrasounds came back as normal and her Pap smear was also normal. Her pre and post menstruation bleeding had completely disappeared and she had no complains of painful periods. After one year from her original diagnosis, she was discharged from the care of the specialist, whom had agreed to follow her with diagnostics only while she pursued the homeopathic treatment. The specialists only other option was surgery and HRT.
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
Homeopathy is not easy. It is definitely an art and science at the same time, but you tend to learn from each patient just a little bit more every time, and after my twelve years of practice I have come to realize that I will never stop learning from this beautiful art. Homeopathy is a life style that once you start to live its principals, it heals you from your own wound and fills you up with so much love and purpose.
Lisa Decandia
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
Graduating from the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine was a special moment. I had a sense of accomplishment and felt honored to be sharing this event with like-minded colleagues. I am very proud to practice homeopathy in my family clinical practice and to share my education, skills and experience with my patients and students of homeopathy.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
I find that I am an experiential learner. Attending class and having the opportunity to interact with professors and students was very helpful for my learning. I also found the student clinic experience invaluable because I could observe real live cases being taken. Having to take on patients myself while I was being supervised gave me the confidence to practice the skills that I learned in class and clinic.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
There is so much involved in treating patients; especially the therapeutic relationship and case taking. We have such a wealth of homeopathic remedies that can truly help people. I treat a variety of people in my family practice and most of them find the homeopathic experience a transformational one. Cure is a process and sometimes it is hard work, but I find that if people are truly committed to the process, then homeopathy can do some amazing things. This is why I have such a passion for it. It is important to have a good ‘grounding’ in homeopathy and I am happy to say, I was able to learn the necessary skills and attributes at the Canadian College of Homeopathic Medicine.
Jack Gagliardi
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
Being able to help patients achieve their best state of health certainly feels like an important accomplishment. It is very satisfying to help patients recover from illness which allows them to become their best selves and live a fulfilling and creative life. There are many cases of patients recovering their health on my website (www.homeopathyheals.com). Those testimonials are there to help people realize just how powerful homeopathic medicine is and that the goal of living a healthy happy life is possible. In the end I’m most proud when a patient no longer needs my services because they are simply “well.”
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
Learning classical Hahnemannian homeopathy is the reason my practice can be considered successful. Understanding how to take a full and complete case with the benefit of the experienced instructors at CCHM was invaluable. The clinic setting at the school allowed us to observe how a proper classical case should be taken and how to effectively prescribe the most appropriate remedy. Instructors were always available to help in the learning process and encouraged discussion and debate in class.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
Here is an extra special case. The following is in the patient’s words:
When I began seeing Jack I was barely able to make it in to his office. I was extremely weak, in great pain, depressed and could barely make it through the appointment.
Jack patiently took my case and worked through each symptom of my case in great detail. Jack prescribed a homeopathic remedy for me and from that day the healing began. He watched over my case and progress with great care and changed remedies when needed
Today I am better than my old self. I am off all my prescriptions medications. I no longer need my asthma puffers, I am able to walk, shop, paint and work on my crafts and I have my energy back. My emotional state is better than it has ever been, I am off my heart medications and I haven't had a seizure (which used to happen almost daily) in over 10 months. Jack actually saw the last seizure I had because it occurred in his office. He acted accordingly, kept me safe and from hurting myself. The seizures usually lasted anywhere from 10-20 minutes and were very violent. Jack actually prescribed for me on the spot and administered the remedy while I was in seizure. Miraculously the seizure was aborted in 30 seconds. Since that dose, I re-dosed once and have never had another seizure.
I am so grateful to Jack for helping me get my life back when the doctors continued to tell me that my condition would not change and that I was going to have a life of constant medication with a poor quality of life. Friends, family and even my pharmacist (who used to see me very regularly) can't believe the change.
I still continue to see Jack regularly to make sure my I keep myself in the best health possible. "
Mary, Toronto
"I began seeing Jack Gagliardi in 2008. I was plagued with 20 years of extremely poor health. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Asthma, a Heart Block, Arthritis, Restless Legs Syndrome, Depression and a Seizure disorder."
4. Do you have anything else you would like to share?
I can’t stress enough the importance of learning and practicing classical Hahnemannian homeopathy. CCHM is the best place in Ontario to learn the proper time tested way of practicing homeopathic medicine.
Marianne Martinovic
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
I think going to my Homeopath every 6 weeks is something I am most proud of. I don't think you can help others if you don't work on yourself. Being vulnerable to the process as a client with an experienced Homeopath is indispensable to setting up your own practice, creating healthy boundaries and understanding the scope of what a remedy can do to balance you mentally, physically and emotionally. I have had some aha/wow moments of "This stuff really works!". All I know is that I struggle to understand Homeopathy, there is nothing I would rather do for work, and I love Homeopathy in the most expansive definition of what that is.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
Listening to lectures by so many great Homeopaths with such diversity helped my understanding of Homoepathic Medicine as an art as well as a science. Understanding the fundamentals of Homeopathy allows for an expanded understanding of what is healing exactly. I feel that choosing to do this work really means being an ongoing student, making mistakes, hopefully learning and always being open to new ideas.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
This is a challenging question. I believe that many layers of the onion need to be peeled and I think that is an ongoing process of life. Sometimes we see gorgeous results in acute cases like croup and sometimes we see a more complicated case of a child who doesn't participate in class at the age of 4 and a dose of Tuberculinum and all of a sudden they are engaged in group activities, less violent and picking up a pencil for the 1st time. I have learned to be happy if I see a shift in the case regardless of whether or not Homeopathy gets the credit. So often there is improvement and the client gives credit to something tangible that they have done to get good results. If I just do what I do that has to be enough.
Zahava Scheiman-Burkhardt
1. Which accomplishment/event/moment are you most proud of in your career as a Homeopath?
Over the years, my practice has become specialized in Pediatrics, Pregnancy, Labor and Delivery, Menopause and Mental Health for all ages. I have observed patients getting healthier, stronger and cured when they were told they would have to live with a disease or on medication for the rest of their lives. All of these events have been rewarding. But ultimately, one of my most triumphant successes was attending my patient’s birth on Skype. We were connected by camera through the internet from the beginning of labor, to the calling of the midwife, to conferring with the midwives, to the birth of the baby. I was able to observe the mother throughout the labor and delivery and as such was able to prescribe remedies in the moment based on what I was observing. This not only helped my patient to remain comfortable and relaxed during all stages of labor, but accelerated the birth of the child. Finally, to be available for my patients at this most memorable event in their lives was truly a fulfilling experience for me.
2. What 3 aspects of your Homeopathic education contributed the most to your success?
Homeopathic education is ongoing and continues year after year. Education continues for me on a daily basis by learning from each of my patients. The knowledge of reliable Materia Materia and cases from clinical practice have also lent itself to my experience and being successful in prescribing. For the safety of the patient the knowledge of Pathology, Anatomy and Physiology, have been of utmost importance.
3. Share with us a recent and successful case treated with Homeopathic Medicine.
Six month old baby girl, presented with diarrhea, of 4 weeks duration, yellow and green in color. No fever, urination normal, feeding normally, no lethargy, no weight loss. By the 3rd week, bowel movements had increased to 6 times per day, exploding out of the diaper and up her back. There was no soreness or excoriation around the anus. The diarrhea appeared to be painless. The child does have flatus but not necessarily with the stool. No odor to the stool. Podophyllum 30ch (one dose).
Follow up the next day (day 2): Diarrhea decreased to 3x for the day. Repeat Podophyllum 30ch, one dose.
Follow up (day 3): Bowel movement in the morning had much more consistency. Repeat remedy only if bowel movements revert back to diarrhea.
Telephone call (day 7): No further remedy was required after the single doses on the initial two days of treatment. Child’s stool remained consistent in color, consistency and frequency.
Rubrics:
Rectum: Diarrhea, in children
Rectum: Diarrhea, painless
Stool: Thin, Green
Stool: Thin, Yellow
Stool: Forceable, sudden, gushing
A further look into the Materia Medica confirmed the choice of remedy.