Edzard Ernst

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Edzard Ernst side

Edzard Ernst is a retired academic physician and researcher specializing in the study of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). He was born in Germany in 1948 and has had a prolific career, contributing significantly to the critical evaluation of CAM practices through rigorous scientific research. Ernst is known for his outspoken criticism of unproven or ineffective treatments in the field of alternative medicine, making him a controversial figure among proponents of CAM.

Early Life and Education

Edzard Ernst was born in Germany and initially trained as a homeopath before transitioning to mainstream medicine. He studied medicine at the University of Munich, where he also obtained his doctorate. Early in his career, Ernst practiced as a homeopathic physician, which provided him with insights that would later fuel his skepticism of CAM practices.

Career

In 1993, Ernst was appointed to the chair of Complementary Medicine at the University of Exeter, the first such academic position in the world. At Exeter, he established a research unit dedicated to investigating the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of various CAM therapies. Under his leadership, the unit conducted numerous systematic reviews and meta-analyses, contributing significantly to the body of evidence on CAM.

Ernst's work often challenged the claims made by CAM practitioners and advocates, leading to criticism from some quarters and praise from others. His research has been published extensively in peer-reviewed medical journals, and he has authored several books on the subject of CAM, including "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial" co-authored with science writer Simon Singh.

Controversies

Ernst's critical stance on CAM has not been without controversy. He has faced criticism from practitioners and proponents of alternative medicine, some of whom have accused him of bias against CAM. Despite this, Ernst has maintained that his work is motivated by a commitment to evidence-based medicine and patient safety.

Retirement and Legacy

Edzard Ernst retired from his position at the University of Exeter in 2011. Since retirement, he has continued to write and speak about the importance of applying scientific methods to evaluate CAM therapies. His legacy is marked by his contributions to the field of CAM research, particularly in promoting a more critical and evidence-based approach to alternative medicine.

Selected Works

• "Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial" (with Simon Singh)
• "Homeopathy: The Undiluted Facts"
• "A Scientist in Wonderland: A Memoir of Searching for Truth and Finding Trouble"

See Also

• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Evidence-based medicine
• Systematic review
• Meta-analysis