“Noctor” is a word I heard lately from a patient. It apparently means “not a doctor” as in context of the conversation: “What do you mean that you don’t have to be a doctor to have a “medicine” clinic?” Patient asked me to forward results to new clinic. I advised that since this clinic didn’t have any registered medical or allied health professional, I was happy to send everything to the patient so they could bring it along themselves — but I would not be directly sharing confidential health records nor would I refer.

“Wait – you can use the title “Dr.” and not be [an IMC -registered physician]?” Yes – turns out, there are some loopholes.

“Functional Medicine clinics don’t have to have doctors or any registered allied health professionals?” Some do – there are GPs who practice evidence-based medicine along side alternative medicine – but almost anyone can identify as functional medicine practioner. And it’s a lucrative industry globally. (Health and Social Care Act of 2005 or Medical Practioners Act of 2007 have some loopholes when it comes to traditional and alternative practices.)

Does it matter? Well, caveat emptor (“buyer beware”) as the saying goes. If someone is looking for non-traditional, not-a-physician or alternative route, then that is fair. But only if patients are clear on the distinction.

My thoughts:
1. Public or private, docs in Ireland just aren’t looking for business. The reality is we want you to see registered professionals for your chronic disease such as arthritis and diabetes because patients deserve efficacy (evidence says it works), safety, accountability. We also worry about patients who may be vulnerable to predatory and exploitative practices or product sales.
2. The IMC holds me to account, assures a standard of care, and provides a complaints process to protect patients. It doesn’t do that for non-physicians. CORU does likewise for my registered allied health professional colleagues.
3. This can sometimes be a minefield for patients who are left trying to figure out the qualifications of someone offering health and wellness services in private sector.