What to look for in a good homeopathic doctor

by Dr Rajesh Shah, MD, Director: Life Force Center, Mumbai, who has treated patients from 180 countries.

(Introduction: Dr Shah heads a large homeopathic center in Mumbai, treating patients from across the world. Life Force is not only a major homeopathic clinic in Mumbai, India but it is one of its kinds in the world.)

All over the world, there is a renewed demand for homeopathic doctors as there is growing awareness about homeopathy. It is not easy to find the best possible homeopath or homeopathic doctor in one’s area, as homeopathic doctors all over the places are not equally trained. The Internet throws a large number of homeopathic doctors across the screen; however, it is not very easy to identify one who is suitable for your needs, for your ailment.

Let me give some thoughts on ‘how to identify best homeopathic doctors’, based on my (Dr Shah) active experience in the field of homeopathy for almost 32 years, at my clinics in Mumbai, India.

I suggest seeing the following aspects in a good homeopathic doctor or a homeopath.

1. Medical qualification and medical exposure

2. Experience relevant to the disease you are seeking help

3. Professionalism

4. Accessibility of services

Let me tell you that all homeopathic doctors globally are not the same in terms of qualification and proficiency; just like in any other profession.

1. Medical qualification and medical exposure

The homeopathic education system varies from country to country. So as the homeopathic doctors. Only in some countries, homeopaths are conventionally trained medical doctors. For example, Germany, Austria, India, Australia, South Africa, etc.

It is important that your homeopathic doctor has medical exposure and training. Your homeopath should be able to read, understand medical reports and apply that knowledge in prescribing for your disease.

2. Experience relevant to the disease you are seeking help:

If you are getting treated for, say Eczema or Neuralgia or Arthritis, it is important that your homeopathic doctor has relevant experience in handling patients with the same disease. Depending on the disease, your homeopath should have undertaken treatment of at least 50 common diseases (like allergies, urticaria, arthritis, alopecia areata, etc) at least twenty uncommon diseases (like Nephrotic Syndrome, Psoriatic arthritis, Ankylosing spondylitis, etc.) and at least five rare diseases (Systemic Lupus, Scleroderma, Lichen Planus pigmentosa, Pulmonary Fibrosis, etc.) ; in order that he can treat you successfully.

3. Professionalism:

Your homeopathic doctor should ideally have a professional set up, a well-staffed clinic and infrastructure and professionals method of handling your case over the period of time. In big cities like New York, London, Mumbai, Dubai, etc., it is not expected from homeopathic doctors to have professional set up.

4. Accessibility of services:

Homeopathic treatment for chronic disease may take time. During the entire course of treatment, it is important that your homeopathic doctor or his associate is available to you through personal visits, phone, email, video conferencing, etc.

It is important for your homeopathic doctor to offer you a professional Patient Support System for easy communication. Interestingly, at Life Force, Mumbai, we have an exclusive Patient Support System, allowing our patients from all over the world to remain connected to us throughout life.