Most pediatricians are aware their patients subscribe to some type of complementary or alternative therapies (CAM) to help with their health conditions, yet they still choose not to discuss these types of therapies with their patients.

Some of the resistance expressed by pediatricians for CAM treatment options stem from a lack of knowledge about the therapies and possible side effects. A study shows less than 5 percent of pediatricians maintained a working knowledge of CAM therapies. Also, only a select few were familiar with alternative therapies such as dietary supplements or massage therapies.

Patients, on the other hand, have expressed curiosity and interest in CAM therapies and often ask about them during routine doctor visits. This was apparent in a study that showed a whopping 87 percent of patients had brought forth questions to their pediatricians about CAM therapies in the past three months.

Interestingly enough, a survey revealed that 34 percent of pediatricians admitted to either using a form of CAD therapy for themselves or had a family member who used these therapies in the past year.

EurekAlert November 16, 2004

Dr. Mercola's Comment:

Lately, there are news stories popping up every week taking the media by storm that reflect the growing disenchantment patients and medical experts are having with conventional medicine. Some of these stories reached huge proportions such as the Vioxx scandal, which attracted a great deal of attention.

And there are some that don't command the attention they should -- which is why you should subscribe to my free twice-weekly eHealthy News You Can Use newsletter. As a subscriber you will be provided with comprehensive, clear and researched guidance on the best nutrition, medical, emotional therapy and lifestyle choices to improve and maintain total health.

Emphasizing alternative therapies that treat the root cause of disease rather than the symptoms is at the heart of my vision to transform the existing medical paradigm from one addicted to needless pharmaceuticals and surgeries.

From Mercola.com