Showing posts with label ND Rubin. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ND Rubin. Show all posts

Friday, December 10, 2010

AZ Licensed ND Underwood Accused of Child Molestation, and How NMDs/NDs Molest Science

here, I cite from a recent account of an naturopath in Arizona accused of child molestation [see 001., below]; then, I detail how naturopathy molests science [see 002., below]:

001. AZCentral.com reports from the Arizona Republic in "Videotape Shows Anthem Doctor Showering With Boy, Authorities Say" (2010-12-10):

"[as reported by Brennan Smith] authorities have discovered a videotape they believe shows an Anthem [naturopathic!] doctor showering with a 9-year-old boy he is accused of molesting, according to Lt. Brian Lee of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office [...] Don Underwood [is] a naturopathic doctor who is accused of molesting a former employee's son [...] Underwood faces seven counts of child molestation and three counts of sexual conduct with a minor in the case of the 9-year-old, who told his mother that Underwood molested him on several occasions [...] authorities said the boy provided 'very descriptive and graphic information implicating Underwood in several felony molestation charges' [...] Dr. Craig Runbeck, executive director of the Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board [more on them below], said he has not received Underwood's police report but will pursue a summary suspension of Underwood's license if his conduct is deemed harmful to his patients [huh? how about society at-large?]."

Note: so, that concerns the horrid [alleged / accused] sexual molestation of a child.

002. naturopathy's molestation of science:

002.a the State of Arizona Naturopathic Physicians Medical Board states:


"mission statement: the primary duty of the Board is to protect the public through the regulation of the practice of naturopathic medicine."

Note: quite a noble goal.

002.a2. that its board members are:

"Catherine Lynn Walker NMD, Chairman; Daniel Rubin ND [ND SCNM 1997], Vice Chairman; Mr. Evan Zang, Secretary/Treasurer; Renee Waldman NMD, Physician Member; Mr. Kip Micuda JD, Public Member; Ms. Linda Barron, Public Member; Dr. Bruce Sadelik, Physician Member."

Note: so, lets look at ND Rubin.

002.b. ND Rubin as a microcosm of naturopathic science molestation:

002.b1. ND Rubin [bio.and CV here, here, here] states naturopathy's essential and required science-ejected premise, vitalism, in "Naturopathic Medicine: Ways, Means and Practicality" [archived from his http://www.naturopathicspecialists.com/uploads/Naturopathic_Medicine_What_is_it.pdf, vsc 2010-03-06]:

"[naturopathy's essential] precepts. Vis medicatrix naturae [slide 010...] vis medicatrix naturae. Vis = energy, strength or force [...] the body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural nontoxic therapies [slide 011...] the vital force. This describes the energy essential for life, the innate life principle, or the inherent power within every living organism. Naturopathic doctors seek to support the vital force [slide 012]."

Note: such vitalism is hugely science-ejected AS A CONTEXT.  The slideshow states "Presented by Daniel Rubin, N.D. [at the] University of Illinois Medical Campus Chicago, IL [on] March 15, 2006."  I've had it in my archives for years.

002.b2. yet, ND Rubin claims that naturopathy is scientific while nonscientific in "Naturopathic Oncology: An Emerging Discipline" [vsc 2010-12-10] (2005-08):

"naturopathic medicine is a distinct system of health care and distinguished by the principles that underlie and determine its practice [...which] are based on objective observation of the nature of health and disease [...and] continually reexamined in the light of scientific advances [...its] methods used are consistent with these principles [...] such principles are vis medicatrix naturae (the healing power of nature) [(VMN-HPN a.k.a. coded vitalism!)...and speaks of] the philosophy, science and practice of naturopathic oncology [...] to attend naturopathic medical school, applicants complete the same science premedical requirements required by conventional schools of medicine. Naturopathic medical schools are 4-year,  graduate level, federally and regionally accredited institutions. The first two years are comparable to conventional medical school, emphasizing basic medical sciences. The second  two years concentrate on clinical sciences, focusing on natural therapeutics [...] the Naturopathic Physicians Licensing Examination [NPLEX] is the standard used by all licensing jurisdictions for naturopathic physicians in North America. It includes five basic science exams -- anatomy, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, microbiology and immunology -- taken after the first two years of naturopathic medical school. The clinical science examinations are taken following graduation and include [...] homeopathy."

Note: science, science, science.  And that label is placed upon naturopathy's VMN-HPN, and homeopathy.  This does not compute: something isn't equal to what it is excluded from!

Currently, isn't it interesting that at ND Rubin's page "Practice Philosophy" we aren't told of this vitalism-science conflation-irrationality [indistinction!].  Yet, ND Rubin does state [and I think it is quite ironic actually, and would be even absurdly funny, if this wasn't such a huge load of ONCOLOGY mischief / horror]:

a reverence for patient's "humanity and dignity";

their "becoming empowered";

"I believe that each individual with cancer should be treated as a person first, and a patient second";

"the best treatment approach";

"the underlying";

"a type of healing that transcends any type of physical or molecular mechanistical medicine";

"a good treatment plan always begins with the education of both the person undergoing the treatment";

"I believe that when the basis of a treatment plan, as well as the basis of cancer is well understood, one will be in a better position to decide if such a treatment is truly appropriate for them";

"the purpose of this writing is to generate understanding though education";

"one needs to understand the fundamentals of the situation".

Yes, the irony is TRULY killing me.

003. overall note:

so, a member of the Board of NDs/NMDs in Arizona is actually A MENACE [molesters are menaces too] to the public's understanding of science since science is claimed absurdly as equal to the actually science-ejected, and therein science is sadly HUGELY molested [of course, in a much differently-heinous context than child molestation].

I could go on and on.

Obviously, if you understand, in the words of ND Rubin, "the fundamentals of the situation" regarding naturopathy and science / their false self-labels,

naturopathy is an absurd pseudoscience doing quite scary things in quite serious situations and with a quite misleading mannerism / M.O.

Ah, the most extreme reversal of values. 'Under lying' indeed.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

The Antiscience-Science of ND Rubin and the AANMC

here, I cite from an Association of Accredited Naturopathic Medical Colleges [AANMC] web page that claims that the scientific method is overemphasized and an impediment to naturopathy's advancement:

Rubin, D. (ND SCNM 1997) states in "Alumni Career Spotlight: Daniel Rubin, ND, FABNO" [vsc 2010-09-18]:

"[his] area of focus/specialty: oncology [...] career highlights and contributions: naturopathic oncology practice (board-certified in naturopathic oncology); board of directors, Naturopathic Physicians Board of Medical Examiners, Ariz.; founding president, Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP); founding vice-chairperson, American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (ABNO) Board of Medical Examiners [...] AANMC: what is the biggest challenge in your work? [...his answer:] one of the greatest challenges we face is the widespread public belief in the scientific method [...] we’re too reliant on the scientific method, and it stands in our way of forging ahead."

Note: ISYN.  Just when I think I've nothing left to write about in terms of naturopathic absurdity, I stumble across a supposed oncologist who doesn't care for use of the best kind of knowledge available in terms of the practice of medicine and a very serious disease.  There's also the absurdity on this particular page wherein the label "science" is within the name one of the AANMC schools.  In the top right corner, the AANMC's schools are listed, including "National University of Health Sciences."  

So, science but not science, a label but not an actuality.  Absurd antiscience-science.  Rubin's alma mater SCNM, by the way, has employed the 'science label' for years and years.  And, of course, AANMC claims the same.

In all actuality, naturopathy forges ahead by pretending science.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

'Naturopathic Oncology' Absurdity - Cancer Specialists Who Admit They're Not Qualified:

here, I cite from web documents at Naturopathic Specialists [NS] of Scottsdale, AZ wherein: NS tells us that naturopaths can get a board certification in oncology and that they are 'world leading cancer experts' looking out for a patient's best interests [ see 001, below]; yet, we are also told by NS that naturopaths are NOT primary care physicians and are NOT best-qualified to handle oncology [see 002., below]; then, I highlight two NS 'at odds' labels which are also naturopathy-wide, that the naturopathic is essentially vitalistic [and supernatural!] while essentially scientific [see 003., below]; I then list the NS NDs [see 004., below]; and, finally, then I show Bastyr's and SCNM's 'vitalistic scientific absurdity' since they are the two alma maters of these oncological NDs [see 005., below]:


"Board Certification in Naturopathic Oncology. Both Drs. Rubin and Alschuler are Fellows of the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology (FABNO).  This Board Certification represents the highest expertise in the area of naturopathic oncology by being recognized as such by our national association, the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) [...which] is rigorous [...] naturopathic oncologists are experts in the application of naturopathic medicine in an oncology setting and are not trained or certified to offer conventional oncology care such as that offered by medical or radiation oncologists [...] Drs. Rubin and Alshuler are experts and world leaders in naturopathic oncology [...] Drs. Rubin and Alschuler believe that good communication is essential to proper treatment [...] Drs. Rubin and Alschuler believe that the highest precept of medical care is to educate people with cancer about their disease. Once people truly better understand what is happening in their body, they often become more empowered. In this sense, education becomes a healing modality [...] empowering people: the goal at Naturopathic Specialists is to make you truly 'in-charge' of your well-being to help motivate, encourage, enable and empower you [...] Drs. Rubin and Alschuler help you navigate the maze of available treatment options and those which may be better suited to you as an individual [...] Drs. Rubin and Alschuler can provide the keys to the myriad of opportunities for treatment that exist in the world of integrative medicine [...] Drs. Rubin and Alschuler are not only skilled in the aspects of your oncological and immunological problems, but are your advocates in all aspects of your treatment."

Note: so, NDs Rubin and Alschuler are marketing themselves as "rigorous"ly qualified, "expert" "world leaders" in a kind of oncology. I disagree with SO MUCH. Ah, the rigor of the AANP: yet, AANP grossly labels the profoundly science-ejected as science. Ah, the rigors of good naturopathic communication: yet, NDs do not transparently communicate their fundamental science-ejected premise. Ah, the rigors of naturopathic education / educating: wherein, absurd sectarian figmentations are labeled scientific and nonsectarian at AANMC schools. Ah, the rigors of naturopathic empowerment: wherein, you are fleeced as their pockets are lined commercially. Ah, the rigors of naturopathic guidance: wherein you are given sugar pills like homeopathy and told that they have a profound or powerful effect on health. Ah, the rigors of naturopathic treatment expertise: wherein wacko therapies like reiki and craniosacral therapy are mislabeled as hugely efficacious. Ah, the rigors of naturopathic advocacy: wherein, naturopathy poses a fiduciary duty / 'professional ethical status' that naturopathy cannot possibly live up to [because it is couched in absurdity (see 003., below)].

002. NS states in "Consent to Consultation" [vsc 2010-03-06, 2012-01-13]:

"consent to consultation [...] Naturopathic Specialists [...] provide[s] services to people [...] who have been diagnosed with cancer [...] the patient understands that Naturopathic Specialist’s Physicians [...] are not primary care physicians [PCPs], board certified medical oncologists or immunologists. Dr. Rubin is board certified in naturopathic oncology. None of the physicians are trained nor qualified to manage the overall care of a person with cancer [...] the patient understands that the physicians may not be able to manage the overall care of a person with cancer [...] the patient understands that the treatment suggestions provided by the Physicians are not all accepted by the United States FDA and therefore should not be taken as such [...] I have read and understood the above criteria and give my full consent to a consultation and / or treatment from Naturopathic Specialists."

Note: I find the disconnect HUGE.  NDs usually hugely claim to be PCPs, yet here we get the admission that they don't think they are.  After claiming a huge ability to coordinate a patient's cancer regimen as 'oncologist', they then state that they are not qualified to be 'physicians'.  Plus, as a patient you get to be a part of experimental, unapproved protocols in all this illogic / absurdity.  Who would consent?  Sadly, likely, the desperate or unaware cancer patient.

003. naturopathy's essential absurdity -- the vitalistic science-ejected posed as science [a subset of naturopathy's 'anything is science' posture!]:

003.a. Rubin, D. (ND SCNM) of NS states naturopathy's essential vitalism in "Naturopathic Medicine: Ways, Means, and Practicality" [vsc 2010-03-06]:

"precepts. Vis medicatrix naturae [slide 010...] vis medicatrix naturae. Vis = energy, strength or force [...] the body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The physician's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural nontoxic therapies [slide 11...] the vital force. This describes the energy essential for life, the innate life principle, or the inherent power within every living organism. Naturopathic doctors seek to support the vital force."

Note: ye old science-ejected vitalistic nonsense.

003.b. Alschuler, L.N. (ND Bastyr 1994) of NS states naturopathy's supposed science basis in "Meet Our Physicians":

"she believes that her job as a naturopathic physician and educator is to stimulate and support the innate healing processes within each individual by applying a scientifically based strategy that utilizes the most natural and least harmful approaches possible."

 Note: so, naturopathy therein is the science-based nonscientific being that 'naturopathy supports the science-ejected vital force scientifically', in sum.

004. currently, NS lists their NDs as:

Rubin, D. (ND SCNM 1997, FABNO AANP), 
Alschuler, L.N. (ND Bastyr 1994, FABNO AANP), 
Coats, M. (ND SCNM 2008), 
Turner, L. (ND SCNM 2007).

Note: so, we might assume that these NDs learned 'naturopathy's essential absurdity M.O.' from their alma maters Bastyr and SCNM!

005. therefore, turning to Bastyr and SCNM [naturopathic institutional absurdity alert!]:

005.a. Bastyr states naturopathy's essential vitalism in "Alternative Medicine: Homeopathy and Children” (Seattle P.I.; 2007-08-01) via Mercer, N.J. (ND Bastyr 1987):

“[she's a] naturopathic physician specializing in homeopathy and an adjunct faculty member, Bastyr U. [...] how does it work? Homeopathy turns on the 'self heal' switch. Chinese medicine calls it the 'chi.' Naturopathic medicine calls it the 'vis.' Homeopathy calls it the 'vital force.' They all describe the energy inhabiting the human body that when stimulated moves the human system toward greater health" while claiming the naturopathic is essentially scientific.

005.b. SCNM states naturopathy's essential vitalism in "Is Alternative Medicine For You?" (2003):

"the healing power of nature [...] first described in western medicine by Hippocrates, the vis medicatrix naturae, is also referred to as chi in Chinese medicine, prana in ayurveda, and vital force in homeopathy. When alive, the vis medicatrix naturae enables humans and other living beings to resist entropy and decay, unlike inanimate objects that are subject to these effects. Creating treatment plans that harness the healing power of nature [...] the essence of naturopathic medicine" while claiming such is essentially scientific.

Note: all the while, such vitalism is hugely science-ejected.

Note: this post was lightly updated 2012-01-13.