New ‘Friends of Science in Medicine’ combating pseudoscience in Australian universities

Iridology: who knew diagnosing cancer could be like spotting the shape of a bunny rabbit or a sailing ship in a cloud. Image:iridology.com.cn

The recently formed “Friends of Science in Medicine” (FSM) has quickly acquired 300+ members, including influential supporters from overseas,  and is growing fast.

FSM is hoping to influence universities (at least the reputable ones) to declare their support for science courses that are in fact evidence-based and adhere to accepted scientific methodology. It will then have a go at trying to influence the government, which helps fund these courses and uses taxpayers’ money to allow health fund rebates for “treatments” with these demonstrably ineffective pseudoscientific therapies.

19 out of Australia’s 39 universities now offer these pseudoscience degrees and courses as science or health science, including  Homeopathy, Iridology, Reflexology, Kinesiology, Healing touch therapy, Aromatherapy and ‘Energy Medicine’.

See the Facebook page for ‘Friends of Science in Medicine’