“I went to a specialist.” “They were a top expert.” “He was rated as a Top Doctor in Turkey or “Found him listed as a Top Doctor in UK” It should not surprise you that the next question that I ask my patients: who? where?
What’s the criteria to call yourself an “expert”?
What’s the criteria to advertise your services as a “coach”?
What’s the criteria to get awarded the title “top doctor”?
What expertise does a beauty influencer have to endorse a doctor’s qualifications?
None. Absolutely none.
This is really important. There are experts. There are certified coaches. There are doctors recognised as being the best in their field. The problems is that just about any and everyone else can say they are, too!
When it comes to our health, nothing is more important. But the wellness industry – including weight loss, menopause, cosmetic, and fertility – also knows it’s lucrative. In Ireland, there has been some progress in patient and consumer protection, but you might — or might not — be surprised at what rather large loopholes remain. I’ve written extensively about this in the case of cosmetic procedures and fertility before.
So, what questions should a savvy consumer be asking? Especially if you are headed to for-profit upcoming Fertility, Health or Beauty Shows.
If you are paying money, you need to think like a consumer, not a patient. This is difficult where you may be emotionally vulnerable: weight, fertility, body image.
Here are four quick take-aways:
Is this something that has recognised, independent, and accountable regulatory body? CORU and the IMC are two of the important regulatory bodies here. Does this person have an academic appointment at a major institution?Highlight on Nutrition
Nutrition and Dietetics is regulated by INDI and CORU. The term “Dietitian” is now legally protected. However, “nutritionist” is not. Literally anyone can advertise nutrition services. This gets messy: There are organisations that offer membership but may not be recognised, independent, regulatory, or accountable. Learn more about CORU and public protection
Highlight on Nutrition
Nutrition and Dietetics is regulated by INDI and CORU. The term “Dietitian” is now legally protected. However, “nutritionist” is not. Literally anyone can advertise nutrition services.
“Top Doctor” awards are commercial. Full stop. When it comes to hormones, dermatology, and plastic/reconstructive surgery, the IMC Specialist Registration is a good guideline. Can’t tell? Ask your GP for guidance!
Is my doctor really an expert? - What's Regulated?
The IMC Specialist Registration does regulate certain – but not all – specialties. Here are ones you should know: 1. If a doctor is a “thyroid” or “testosterone” expert, they should be registered as a Consultant Endocrinologist. 2. Cosmetic doctors are not regulated. Any doctor can advertise this service. Consultant Dermatologists and Consultant Plastic surgeons are the recognised and regulated experts (and often more expensive, understandably). The other related regulated specialties includent ENT, Opthalmology, and Breast Surgeons.
Is my doctor really an expert? - What's Regulated?
The IMC Specialist Registration does regulate certain – but not all – specialties. Here are ones you should know: 1. If a doctor is a “thyroid” or “testosterone” expert, they should be registered as a Consultant Endocrinologist. 2. Cosmetic doctors are not regulated. Any doctor can advertise this service. Consultant Dermatologists and Consultant Plastic surgeons are the recognised and regulated experts (and often more expensive, understandably). The other related regulated specialties includent ENT, Opthalmology, and Breast Surgeons.
Are you getting the hard sell? We have a shortage of qualified doctors and allied health professionals in Ireland. No one is looking for business.Is functional medicine regulated?
The short answer is: yes. But in practice: no. The Medical Practitioners Act of 2007 restricts the practice of medicine to doctors on the IMC register, which is tightly regulated. However, functional medicine is not a recognisbed specialty on the IMC register. It gets very blurry in certain cases, and it is questionable how it is enforced when alternative medical practitioners, including chiropractors, nutritional therapists, etc. offer functional medical consultations. Are patients clear that there are limits on someone representing themself as someone who can diagnose and treat disease?
Is functional medicine regulated?
The short answer is: yes. But in practice: no. The Medical Practitioners Act of 2007 restricts the practice of medicine to doctors on the IMC register, which is tightly regulated. However, functional medicine is not a recognisbed specialty on the IMC register. It gets very blurry in certain cases, and it is questionable how it is enforced when alternative medical practitioners, including chiropractors, nutritional therapists, etc. offer functional medical consultations. Are patients clear that there are limits on someone representing themself as someone who can diagnose and treat disease?
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