Friends of Science in Medicine

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Friends of Science in Medicine (FSM) is an Australian non-profit organization founded in 2011 with the aim of promoting evidence-based medicine and countering the proliferation of medical treatments and practices that are not supported by credible scientific evidence. The organization was established by a group of concerned scientists, medical professionals, and academics in response to the increasing popularity and acceptance of alternative and complementary medicines within Australian universities and health services.

History

The inception of Friends of Science in Medicine was motivated by a growing concern among the scientific community about the endorsement and integration of alternative medicine practices into academic curricula and healthcare systems without sufficient evidence of their efficacy. The founders of FSM argued that such practices could potentially undermine the integrity of medical education and compromise patient care. Since its establishment, FSM has been vocal in its advocacy for evidence-based practices in medicine and healthcare, engaging in public debates, providing submissions to government inquiries, and participating in educational outreach.

Objectives

The primary objectives of Friends of Science in Medicine are:

• To advocate for the maintenance of high standards of teaching in medical and health-related courses in universities.
• To promote the importance of evidence-based medicine in patient care.
• To challenge the acceptance and integration of unproven and scientifically unsupported therapies in health and medical services.
• To encourage public and professional awareness about the lack of evidence supporting many alternative medicine practices.

Activities

FSM engages in a variety of activities to achieve its objectives, including:

• Submitting position statements and responses to government consultations and inquiries related to health policies and practices.
• Organizing public lectures and forums to educate about the importance of evidence-based medicine.
• Collaborating with other organizations and professionals who share similar goals to promote science-based medicine.
• Providing resources and information to the public and professionals about the evidence, or lack thereof, for various medical treatments and practices.

Criticism and Controversy

Friends of Science in Medicine has faced criticism from practitioners and advocates of alternative and complementary medicine, who argue that the organization's stance is overly restrictive and dismissive of the potential benefits of these practices. Critics also claim that FSM's activities could limit patient choice and access to a broader range of treatment options. FSM maintains that its advocacy is not against complementary and alternative medicines per se, but against the acceptance and integration of any medical practice that lacks a solid foundation in scientific evidence.

Impact

The impact of Friends of Science in Medicine's work is evident in the ongoing public and professional discourse around the role of evidence in healthcare. The organization has contributed to a heightened awareness of the importance of scientific evidence in determining the safety and efficacy of medical treatments and practices. Additionally, FSM's efforts have influenced policy discussions and decisions regarding the funding and regulation of alternative medicine courses and practices in Australia.

See Also

• Evidence-based medicine
• Alternative medicine
• Healthcare in Australia
• Scientific skepticism