TY - JOUR T1 - The alternative regression JF - British Journal of General Practice JO - Br J Gen Pract SP - 165 LP - 165 VL - 57 IS - 535 AU - Mike Fitzpatrick Y1 - 2007/02/01 UR - http://bjgp.org/content/57/535/165.abstract N2 - Although cancer specialists have recently challenged the corporate opportunism of the world of alternative health care, many GPs remain sympathetic to the drive to integrate these anachronistic methods within primary health care.1While advocates of alternative medicine claim that it offers a more compassionate mode of health care, scientific medicine's claim to be more humane rests on its unparalleled record of achievement in the treatment of disease and the relief of suffering. Alternative healers raise unrealistic expectations and provide therapies whose effectiveness (and safety) have rarely been objectively confirmed. The worst medical doctor can cure diseases and save lives; the best alternative healer can only offer false hopes.Alternative practitioners proclaim a ‘holistic’ approach, which takes account of the patient's body, mind, and spirit. They condemn orthodox … ER -