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Dr. Kathleen Kerr, Scientologist

Glycon

World's Most Dangerous Hand Puppet
Messages
299
Location
ON, Canada
I'm sorry to harp on it, but I'm a bit shocked that anyone would take objection to some supposed attack on religious beliefs on my part. Scientology and medicine DO. NOT. MIX. Here is a helpful article:

Scientology's War on Medicine
Scientology discourages any use of medication. Pain and other symptoms are treated by “Assists.” For the Contact Assist you repeatedly press the injured part of the body against the object that hurt it until the pain goes away. There is also the Touch Assist; one person who was treated as a child said her mother wouldn’t stop prodding her with a finger until she said she felt better. So of course she said she did. John Travolta once did an Assist on Marlon Brando at a party; he touched Brando’s leg, both closed their eyes, and Brando said it helped.

Assists can supposedly awaken unconscious persons, eliminate boils, reduce earaches and back pain, and make a drunk sober.

At age 7, Jenna Miscavige was assigned the post of Medical Liaison Officer, responsible for treating sick children and providing vitamins to the healthy. Scientology allowed vaccinations but didn’t permit the use of medicine for the treatment of pain or fever. The church doesn’t believe in comforting children, believing they are adults in young bodies and can handle pain like an adult.

Hubbard chastised subordinates for wearing eyeglasses, tried to convince them they could see without them, and said needing them was a transgression against Scientology.

OTs should not have accidents and illnesses; when one woman developed a cold sore, she was consigned to a condition of Treason.

But that's not all!
A fundamental feature of Narconon is the Purification Rundown, a 3 week program to eliminate toxins. Patients spend up to 8 hours a day in a sauna; they exercise and take massive doses of vitamins, especially niacin. Niacin causes skin flushing and tingling sensations which they interpret as evidence of toxins being purged. One woman said Novocaine from previous dental work began to surface and her mouth went numb for 90 minutes.

Psychotic episodes were treated with the Introspection Rundown: solitary confinement, vitamins, calcium and magnesium. 1995 Lisa McPherson suffered a mental breakdown and died following 17 days of this treatment under guard in a Florida hotel. She lapsed into a coma and died en route to a hospital where there was a doctor affiliated with the church (the ambulance bypassed several closer hospitals). Church officials lied in sworn statements to police, claiming that she hadn’t been subject to an Introspection Rundown. A defector later confessed that he had destroyed incriminating documents. The medical examiner determined that the cause of death was a pulmonary embolus: a clot had formed due to the worst case of dehydration she had ever seen, following 5 days without any liquids. Church lawyers pressured her attorney, threatening a legal battle, and she changed her ruling to say the death was “accidental.” Shortly thereafter she retired and became a recluse.

But wait! There is more!
One auditor was declared a “Suppressive Person” and had a nervous breakdown. Instead of treatment he was punished and made to do manual labor. He escaped, killed his wife, and committed suicide.

Anyone who questions Scientology doctrine is sent to RPF (Rehabilitation Project Force). There they are subjected to terrible living conditions and an inadequate diet, and are made to do manual labor; it has been compared to the prison camps of the Soviet Gulag. One Sea Org man was forced to shovel up asbestos in a renovation project with no protective gear, not even a mask. A woman was made to weld without protective glasses; she burned her eyes and got no medical attention at all. A severely handicapped MS patient who was unable to talk was sent to RPF.

Medical treatment is often cruel and inadequate. A woman who had incapacitating migraines kept auditing herself on the E-Meter in lieu of treatment, because she felt responsible for her pain. A little deaf mute girl was isolated in the Sea Org ship’s chain locker for a week because Hubbard thought it might cure her deafness. Yvonne Gillham, a Sea Org member, died of a brain tumor that would have been operable with earlier diagnosis. She blamed herself for her symptoms and refused to take pain meds because it might interfere with her auditing.

Scientologists are persuaded to wean themselves off any medications. John Travolta’s son was taken off his seizure meds, which may have contributed to his death. A young man taking Lexapro was labeled as a drug addict and his father was ordered to lock his son’s Lexapro in the trunk of his car. The patient killed himself with his father’s pistol. The case was dismissed for lack of evidence.

You know how Scientology is worse than AA? For all its flaws, AA is not persistently hounded by accusations like this!

Now maybe some of these accusations are false. But there are so many of them and they are so persistent and the patterns of medical abuse are so well-corroborated, that any sensible person should be wary of getting involved or possibly helping legitimize anything that might lead to such abuse.
 

barbc56

Senior Member
Messages
3,657
You started a thread to make a deal of her religious beliefs. Narconon has nothing to do with ME. And really the program of alcohol recovery pushed by the 12 step program putting your recovery in a higher power is just as bad. Post some proof she has hurt ME patients. Has she? Show us

Point taken.

If I understand correctly, this doctor is only one of a handful of doctors available in the area. With our history it's to be aware of doctors who may lean towards the belief that illness is all in the mind.

That being said, we don't have any solid evidence showing this applies in her particular case other than some things she wrote a long time ago. We even have a patient with a positive review.

Depending on the doctor, you might not even know what religion or cult or beliefs he/she belongs and it may be a moot point as long as the doctor isn't proselytizing. The same thing would apply to other cults, religions or other issues. This happened to me with a therapist but it involved christianity.

Maybe the bottom line is if a doctor starts tauting behavioral treatments or other treatments we feel uncomfortable, run out of the office as fast you can. If the doctor brings in an e meter, run even faster. For those who can run, that is.

It's easy to get over enthusiastic about the topic of Scientology and that includes me, since a big component is the disapproval of medicine and basically blames the victim. It's a fascinating topic in many respects.

In the OPs defense we do talk about specific doctors. But that's usually in the context of that doctors treatments. But not always.

Don't even get me started on the negatives of AA.

Edit. I just upgraded to ios 10 and my keyboard is doing some strange things. I tried to edit but probably miss some things.
 
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taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
That's how they get you. (Read the last article I quote in the OP.)

.

I can say they certainly dont seem interested in me, I put that down to the fact Im on a disability pension and dont have money like Tom Cruise and I probably asked them too many questions :p . They were very eager to get me out of there (I was actually shocked at that, I was basically bustled out the door)
.....................................

She says in her aid that her training helps her deal with human emotions (and whatever it was, sorry I forgot). No doubt with all those hours of dialoging they do, it probably has.

Someone though could be a good dr no matter what their beliefs though I wouldnt recommend someone of that religion to someone who was vulnerable in that kind of way. Its not much different thou to someone telling another not to go to a dr cause they are Christian though of cause not all doctors start bible bashing. Though I must admit one dr in my old town when I had a ganglion on my hand, told me to hit it with a bible till it went.
 
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taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
I told my doctor that I have serious reservations about being potentially examined by Dr. Kerr, in part because I don't want to be seen as someone whose disability status is based on the diagnosis of "that crazy Scientology lady".

My doctor was, like, "Yeah, I hear you."

I also told him about the PACE affair, which made him go :rolleyes:. My doctor is pretty awesome! :woot:

It sounds like Dr Kerr would be the wrong dr for "you" to see seeing you feel so strongly about all this.
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
Tom Cruze, was a celebrity spokesperson for Scientology when he spoke on national tv about the evils of Psychiatry and psychiatric medication, then went on to berate Brook Shields for her use of medications and Psychiatrist to treat her postpartum depression. This by itself doesn't besmirch Dr Kerr's reputation but does bring into question her beliefs which may affect her practice. Just another bit of information when one chooses a doctor and decides to follow their recommendations.

nods, makes one wonder what she does when she gets a patient with depression who counselling doesnt work for.
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
Messages
13,054
Location
Sth Australia
@Glycon It is normal for drs to refer people to other drs they know or have heard of, so it may not mean much as such as refering to herself, that the other doctor happened to be a Scientologist.

You know how Scientology is worse than AA? For all its flaws, AA is not persistently hounded by accusations like this!

and the christians used to hang those they thought as witches. Its interesting that the person who has been to her here found her herself to be fine to see.

I personally do think people should be wary of those in that religion cause I do classify it as like a cult but that doesnt mean that she may not be a good dr for many with our illness esp when doctors for this illness can be hard to find. Unless her patients are saying she's directly doing things wrong due to her religion, I dont think you should throw everything that religion has been known to do at her.

@barbc56 "Maybe the bottom line is if a doctor starts tauting behavioral treatments or other treatments we feel uncomfortable, run out of the office as fast you can. If the doctor brings in an e meter, run even faster" LOL I loved your comment
 

Glycon

World's Most Dangerous Hand Puppet
Messages
299
Location
ON, Canada
Unless her patients are saying she's directly doing things wrong due to her religion, I dont think you should throw everything that religion has been known to do at her.

She referred that person to someone involved in Narconon. She chaired the local branch of Narconon for many years.

Narconon purports to cure drug addiction with a dangerous, unscientific regiment of supplements, etc. Narconon is inspired by Scientology and is operated via a Church of Scientology front organization.

If that isn't her "directly doing things wrong due to her religion", then I don't know what would meet your standards for that.
 

Undisclosed

Senior Member
Messages
10,157
I'm sorry to harp on it, but I'm a bit shocked that anyone would take objection to some supposed attack on religious beliefs on my part. Scientology and medicine DO. NOT. MIX. Here is a helpful article:

I told my doctor that I have serious reservations about being potentially examined by Dr. Kerr, in part because I don't want to be seen as someone whose disability status is based on the diagnosis of "that crazy Scientology lady".

Your comments led to the some very negative comments related to Scientology which is classified as a religion. If any members here practice Scientology, then this thread would be quite insulting to them. I just think it's unfair to make speculative comments about what a doctor does and doesn't do in their daily practice related to their religious beliefs.

I am impressed that she seems to have some very good reviews related to her treatment of ME/CFS patients. In Ontario, there are very few doctors that treat ME/CFS. I am not so impressed with her promoting Narconon as a treatment for addictions not because it is related to Scientology but because it uses scientifically unproven protocols. Really as a Doctor, she shouldn't be promoting Narconon but it doesn't make her a bad doctor overall.

Wrong. I started this thread to "make a deal" of her actions and public statements. I couldn't care less what nonsense she believes in her private life. And I never claimed that she hurt any of her patients. Indeed, I never even claimed that she is not a competent doctor (bracketing the Scientology question for a moment). I do, however, think that her own statements about Scientology impacting her practice, multiple reports that she directs her patients to Scientology-related treatments and practitioners, as well as Scientology's abysmal general record of advocating unscientific approaches to medicine and hurting people, are all things people may wish to be aware of.

I don't want to comment on the relative demerits of Narconon and AA, except to say that if one's best defense is "It's just like AA!", then one is on really shaky ground. (By the way, Kathleen Kerr has used the "It's just like AA!" defense in her own Scientology apologetics.)

Is the 'nonsense that she believes in her private life' Scientology? It seems so. You seem to care a great deal that she is a practitioner of Scientology and made some really negative comments about her related to that. You also appeared to start the thread to discuss her belief in Scientology.

Just because Scientologists have an 'abysmal general record of advocating unscientific approaches to medicine and hurting people' doesn't mean that Dr Kerr is hurting people because of her belief in Scientology. Guilt by association. Just because Tom Cruise is a nut that doesn't make her one too. Dr Kerr simply said that Scientology helps her understand and deal with human behaviour and emotion. What if a Doctor said that their beliefs in Judaism helped them understand and deal with human behaviour and emotion? Would that make them less impressive? Many people use their religion to guide their behaviour. I don't see any large numbers of people claiming she is directing her patients to Scientology related treatments and practitioners.

I think people should be aware of the facts especially when discussing a doctor who treats ME/CFS as so few do. If a doctor treating ME/CFS patients is hurting them in any way, then we should discuss that here on a forum for ME/CFS patients. Yes, she practices Scientology but we have no idea to what extent or if she pushes those beliefs on to patients. We have read here that a few members have seen her and didn't know she was a 'Scientologist'. She has been described here and elsewhere as being a helpful doctor when treating ME/CFS patients. She has never been censured by the Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons since she got her licence to practice medicine in 1972. She has no complaints against her on RateMDs.com and this site is the go to place for disparaging doctors. There is no indication that she has 'hurt' anyone related to her religion of Scientology or as a Doctor.

Anyways, I just think it's a slippery slope to put out a lot of speculative comments about a Doctor who you have never personally met just because they practice Scientology. I know two people who have seen her and she was quite helpful and they didn't know she was a Scientologist either because I just asked them. ME/CFS is very difficult to treat and what she did do was help them with chemical sensitivities which improved their quality of life. Wait! What! A doctor who is a Scientologist actually helping a patient. It just can't be :rolleyes:.

I really don't want to have a whole conversation about this because my view on this is much different. I just feel uneasy about this thread and the speculative comments being made related to a doctor and the negative comments being made about Scientology because it might be insulting to some our members. That's all.
 

Glycon

World's Most Dangerous Hand Puppet
Messages
299
Location
ON, Canada
Your comments led to the some very negative comments related to Scientology which is classified as a religion. If any members here practice Scientology, then this thread would be quite insulting to them.

There is nothing wrong with making negative comments relating to a religion if they are true and do not violate people's rights.

I just think it's unfair to make speculative comments about what a doctor does and doesn't do in their daily practice related to their religious beliefs.

Literally nothing I said is speculative! It is al either based on Dr. Kerr's own statements or on public accusations others (including academics and law enforcement round the world) take quite seriously.

I am impressed that she seems to have some very good reviews related to her treatment of ME/CFS patients. In Ontario, there are very few doctors that treat ME/CFS. I am not so impressed with her promoting Narconon as a treatment for addictions not because it is related to Scientology but because it uses scientifically unproven protocols. Really as a Doctor, she shouldn't be promoting Narconon but it doesn't make her a bad doctor overall.

I don't really disagree with any of this. (It goes a beyond just promoting Narconon, but let's leave that aside.) I wouldn't blame anyone desperate to see any specialist for their serious illness if they chose to ignore these issues. But (1) these issues do have ethical and practical ramifications and (2) people should be aware of them so they can judge for themselves.

Is the 'nonsense that she believes in her private life' Scientology? It seems so.

Please read what I said again. My whole point was to make a general claim that any beliefs, however nonsensical, would have been irrelevant as long as they affected her private life only. On the other hand, describing Scientology as a "New Age Space Opera religion" like I did is making a perfectly factual statement.

You seem to care a great deal that she is a practitioner of Scientology and made some really negative comments about her related to that. You also appeared to start the thread to discuss her belief in Scientology.

You are repeating yourself without addressing any of my attempts to explain things.

Just because Scientologists have an 'abysmal general record of advocating unscientific approaches to medicine and hurting people' doesn't mean that Dr Kerr is hurting people because of her belief in Scientology.

Sure. I have never accused her of hurting people at all. But precisely because Scientology has this record and because Dr. Kerr (by her own admission!) involves Scientology in her clinical and research practice and has administered Scientology's public projects in this area, we cannot pretend that her religion is not a cause for concern. Even if some people here feel it's politically incorrect because Scientology is marketed as a religion. ;)

I think people should be aware of the facts especially when discussing a doctor who treats ME/CFS as so few do.

Exactly! That was my whole purpose in starting this thread!

Anyways, I just think it's a slippery slope to put out a lot of speculative comments about a Doctor who you have never personally met just because they practice Scientology. I know two people who have seen her and she was quite helpful and they didn't know she was a Scientologist either because I just asked them.

Once again, nothing I said is speculative. And speaking of slippery slopes, arguments that begin with "I know two people..." can be used to support pretty much anything. "I know two people whose ME was cured by CBT/GET!", etc. :rolleyes:
 

Dufresne

almost there...
Messages
1,039
Location
Laurentians, Quebec
Dr Kerr didn't once suggest my illness was in my head. As I reported, she actually got me on the right track. We tried a number of medications including nystatin, ketoconazole, acyclovir, hydrocortisone, etc. She is most definitely practicing medicine. And she was really quite good, especially for the time (2006).

Many doctors have religious beliefs. And it seems most religions have controversial ideas. These beliefs seldom influence the way these doctors practice. We have oversight boards for such things and they do a good job.

Should we castigate Jewish doctors because they belong to a tribe that practices what some consider genital mutilation? (rhetorical)
 

Glycon

World's Most Dangerous Hand Puppet
Messages
299
Location
ON, Canada
Dr Kerr didn't once suggest my illness was in my head. As I reported, she actually got me on the right track. We tried a number of medications including nystatin, ketoconazole, acyclovir, hydrocortisone, etc. She is most definitely practicing medicine. And she was really quite good, especially for the time (2006).

Many doctors have religious beliefs. And it seems most religions have controversial ideas. These beliefs seldom influence the way these doctors practice. We have oversight boards for such things and they do a good job.

Should we castigate Jewish doctors because they belong to a tribe that practices what some consider genital mutilation? (rhetorical)

(1) For the thousandth time, nothing I said has anything to do with whether Dr. Kerr is "practicing medicine". Indeed, I began by listing her impressive credentials.

(2) Scientology is not a "tribe". It is officially a religion, but one which is widely regarded as a dangerous and exploitative cult. Anyone can start a religion and hiding behind this label does not automatically make their beliefs exempt from all criticism. If Peter White decides to start "The Church of GET" (with Simon Wessely its Prophet), would criticism of PACE, GET, CBT, BPS, etc. suddenly no longer be okay? ;)

(3) If I found out that my nice Jewish doctor was heavily involved with an organization that has a history of pressuring very sick people into giving up life-saving treatments in favor of "the healing power of Kabbalah" (or something of the sort), I would definitely reconsider being his patient. I would also think his potential patients have the right to know and certainly would hope that they would want to know. And it would have nothing to do with "castigating" anyone for being Jewish.

(4) You are mistaken about religious beliefs seldom influencing doctors. Sometimes such influence is positive. All too often, it is negative.

(5) You are also mistaken about oversight boards doing a good job. If they did, these forums would have fewer sad and frightening stories. Also, in my opinion, some of Dr. Kerr's practices discussed in this thread would have received more scrutiny than they apparently have.
 

waiting

Senior Member
Messages
463
I echo what @Dufresne has written.

As we all know well, many doctors are dismissive and disbelieve ME patients; others simply are not ME-literate. Dr. Kerr is a fully ME-literate physician who has cared for – and continues to care for – many patients – including ME patients -- over dozens of years. She practices comprehensive medicine so her patients have access to her expertise in both conventional and complementary medicine. There is nothing unusual about the treatment I have received nor any referrals I have been given. They are in line with what other ME patients receive from ME-literate physicians.

Dr. Kerr is an exceptional clinician and researcher and is the most compassionate doctor I have ever had. The quality of the therapeutic doctor-patient relationship can be an important part of treatment. She has been there for me in very, very tough times. In the toughest of times, she checks in with me to see how I’m doing. How many doctors today do that? She has treated me symptomatically for ME and is up-to-date on all the literature. I really don’t know what would have happened to me if I had not found her. She is a gem.

I have had physicians who come from many different faiths and this has been irrelevant to the clinical care I have received from them. All people of faith – or no faith – are, I’m sure, informed by their beliefs, but no physician has ever proselytized to me.
 

Glycon

World's Most Dangerous Hand Puppet
Messages
299
Location
ON, Canada
Just out of curiosity, @waiting , what is the basis of your evaluation of Dr. Kerr's as a researcher? (As opposed to as a patient.)

Glad you found her helpful, BTW, but - to repeat for the umpteenth time! - my concerns have nothing to do with her clinical competence. She could be the best doctor in the world and my concerns would remain.

Nor do they even have to do with her beliefs, though I find them exceptionally ridiculous at best (as does every other person I've ever met who actually knows anything about Scientology). My concerns pertain to her (well-documented and prominent) public role.
 

barbc56

Senior Member
Messages
3,657
Glad you found her helpful, BTW, but - to repeat for the umpteenth time! - my concerns have nothing to do with her clinical competence. She could be the best doctor in the world and my concerns would remain

Despite what I said above, and after some thinking, I feel this thread has become very disparaging to Dr. Kerr. As much as I find Scientology ridiculous, I think giving her the benefit of the doubt until we have evidence of inappropriate medical decisions is prudent.

Would I be hesitant to have her as a doctor? Probably, but others may be able to look past that if they find her medical beliefs helpful.

She may be a doctor who can compartimentalize her medical beliefs and religion. She may not agree with that part of the Scientology philosophy. An example would be a Catholic who is for birth control, yet the other aspects outweigh the concerns. It's even possible she is working within the church to change this belief. But we just don't know.

Her 2010 study doesn't seem to be related to Scientology belief and appears to be objective.

When were the other examples written? I was thinking the 1980s but now can't find what year they were written. That may make a difference. Is she still a Scientologist?

The bottom line is that we just don't know if/how Scientology influences her practice What we do know is that several of her u patients here have had positive things to say with specific reasons why. That counts for something.

Citing examples of reports of Scientology abuse of medical practices doesn't necessarily reflect her medical practice. Doing this without knowing the facts is quite unfair.

But talking about the general Scientology beliefs about medicine is fair game just as discussing the psychosocial school of thought.

Edit. Changed a few words that predictive text messed and I missed.
 
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Glycon

World's Most Dangerous Hand Puppet
Messages
299
Location
ON, Canada
I think giving her the benefit of the doubt until we have evidence of inappropriate medical decisions is prudent.

This is NOT. ABOUT. HER. MEDICAL. DECISIONS. Read the thread again, as well as all the materials I linked. This stuff goes beyond "ridiculous".

Would I be hesitant to have her as a doctor? Probably, but others may be able to look past that if they find her medical beliefs helpful.

The point is to give people a chance to make informed decisions. Just because some won't care (as is their right - I would never blame a sick person for seeking help!), doesn't mean we cannot discuss it for the possible benefit of the rest.

She may be a doctor who can compartimentalize her medical beliefs and religion.

She isn't, by her own admission.

The bottom line is that we just don't know if/how Scientology influences her practice

It does, by her own admission. That we don't fully know HOW it does is EXACTLY the reason I created this thread!

What we do know is that several of her u patients here have had positive things to say with specific reasons why. That counts for something.

Of course! On the other hand, there is the part where she used to run Narconon in Toronto, which dispensed bogus remedies to drug addicts and served as a recruitment tool for Scientology. But, you know, details. ;)

Citing examples of reports of Scientology abuse of medical practices doesn't necessarily reflect her medical practice. Doing this without knowing the facts is quite unfair.

I never claimed that it does! How many times must I repeat myself?!?! :mad: In fact, I'm sure she wouldn't pressure cancer patients into refusing painkillers, etc. But she has a long history as a prominent administrator and researcher in organizations and projects established by the people who DO do the horrible things I mentioned in this thread. If you think that is not something people with a complex, misunderstood illness have the right to know, then I don't know what to say! :bang-head:
 

Dufresne

almost there...
Messages
1,039
Location
Laurentians, Quebec
(2) Scientology is not a "tribe". It is officially a religion, but one which is widely regarded as a dangerous and exploitative cult. Anyone can start a religion and hiding behind this label does not automatically make their beliefs exempt from all criticism. If Peter White decides to start "The Church of GET" (with Simon Wessely its Prophet), would criticism of PACE, GET, CBT, BPS, etc. suddenly no longer be okay? ;)

I didn't say Scientology is a tribe, though you could make a case for it. And the fact that I used the word 'tribe' has no bearing on the point. Of course Judaism is officially a religion, too. My point was that we don't question a Jewish doctor's legitimacy because of beliefs and practices of that religion, even those that are medically controversial. I assure you more people have died as the result of circumcision than Narconon therapy.

Secondly we're not talking about religious beliefs exempting doctors from criticism. So your White/Wessely point is irrelevant. ;)

(3) If I found out that my nice Jewish doctor was heavily involved with an organization that has a history of pressuring very sick people into giving up life-saving treatments in favor of "the healing power of Kabbalah" (or something of the sort), I would definitely reconsider being his patient. I would also think his potential patients have the right to know and certainly would hope that they would want to know. And it would have nothing to do with "castigating" anyone for being Jewish.

I was not suggesting people be castigated for being Jewish, but Jewish doctors possibly being castigated for the perhaps reckless medical procedures associated with their faith. Exactly what we're talking about with Dr Kerr. Just a comparison.

Now in the realm of questionable medicine, is Narconon really so heinous?

It's my impression that you've been leaning heavily on guilt by association in this thread rather than evidence of her practicing bad medicine.

I admit I'd think twice about going to see a doctor who is also a Scientologist because I believe the religion is a little out there. Though you really can say the same about most religions. But in this case I just wanted to say I think she's a pretty good doc and that I didn't even know she was a Scientologist from the way she practiced.

Also I've a history with drugs and alcohol that I shared with Dr Kerr, and she didn't once suggest Narconon. It's my impression she keeps Narconon separate from her practice. For all we know she was looking into Narconon therapy from an unbiased perspective and was favorably impressed. In which case I applaud her sticking her neck out for something controversial that she saw something positive in. That's always a nice trait to see in someone.

(4) You are mistaken about religious beliefs seldom influencing doctors. Sometimes such influence is positive. All too often, it is negative.

Mistaken? That's debatable.

(5) You are also mistaken about oversight boards doing a good job. If they did, these forums would have fewer sad and frightening stories. Also, in my opinion, some of Dr. Kerr's practices discussed in this thread would have received more scrutiny than they apparently have.

This, too, is debatable. I believe they do a decent job. Sometimes too good a job. My doc is currently fighting the Quebec board of Physicians and Surgeons over his prescribing Armour thyroid, as well as IV vitamin C.
 

barbc56

Senior Member
Messages
3,657
@Glycon

You do site the study where Dr. Kerr is one of the authors but I can't find the citations for the other information. I may have missed any citations as I'm on my iPhone and can't read the brochure even with my reading glasses . My phone is not able to zoom atm, so if you could point me in the right direction. I may have to look for my magnifying glass.

Thanks
 

barbc56

Senior Member
Messages
3,657
After reading about the institute, I find the fact that Dr. Kerr works with a naturalpath more problematic than her religion which doesn't appear to be interfering with the way she practices.. It's a direct bearing on how they practice medicine.

While I would definitely not be comfortable having a naturalpath for a doctor,. Others may think differently.