Friends of Science in Medicine

Australian organization advocating for evidence-based medicine

Friends of Science in Medicine logo

Friends of Science in Medicine (FSM) is an Australian organization that advocates for the promotion of evidence-based medicine and the critical evaluation of alternative medicine practices. Founded in 2011, FSM aims to ensure that medical treatments and health care practices are based on scientific evidence and rigorous research.

History

FSM was established in 2011 by a group of concerned scientists, clinicians, and researchers who were alarmed by the increasing acceptance of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Australian universities and health care systems. The founders believed that the integration of non-evidence-based practices into medical education and health care could undermine the quality of patient care and public health.

Objectives

The primary objectives of FSM include:

• Promoting the use of treatments and interventions that are supported by high-quality scientific evidence.
• Advocating for the removal of non-evidence-based courses from university curricula.
• Encouraging regulatory bodies to ensure that health care practices are based on sound scientific principles.
• Raising public awareness about the importance of evidence-based medicine.

Activities

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

• Writing letters and submissions to universities, government bodies, and regulatory agencies.
• Publishing articles and reports that critique non-evidence-based practices.
• Hosting conferences and seminars to discuss issues related to evidence-based medicine.
• Collaborating with other organizations that share similar goals.

Criticism and Controversy

FSM has faced criticism from proponents of alternative medicine, who argue that the organization is dismissive of patient choice and the potential benefits of CAM. Critics claim that FSM's strict adherence to evidence-based medicine may overlook the holistic aspects of health care that some alternative practices offer.

Impact

Since its inception, FSM has had a significant impact on the discourse surrounding alternative medicine in Australia. The organization has been successful in influencing policy changes and raising awareness about the importance of scientific evidence in health care.

Related pages

• Evidence-based medicine
• Alternative medicine
• Complementary and alternative medicine
• Medical education in Australia