Dr Sophia Clarke MB BS, BSc(Hons), MSc, MFHom, Dip FCT
I continue to be fascinated by the human body and its wonderful design. I believe we still have much to understand about it and its amazing complexity.I completed two science degrees before Medicine- Human Sciences, which was very broad-ranging, and then a Masters degree in Human Nutrition, at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In the course of these I studied many research papers,learned to be critical of research methodology, assisted in a large WHO project abroad at the University of the West Indies, and wrote a year-long research thesis. With this background, I found it difficult to accept at face value everything I was taught,and I do feel that good scientists are open-minded and question continuously.
Following this, I studied Medicine at Guys Hospital Medical School, London. Following junior doctors posts at Guys, and in South London, then Banbury and Oxford, I trained in General Practice in the Oxford Region VTS Scheme.
I have trained in Acupuncture with the British Medical Acupuncture Society. This is an ancient technique which is effective in some conditions, especially the more acute musculo-skeletal. I became fascinated by the theory of energy channels called meridians and acupucture points on the surface of the skin. These points can be mapped out exactly with electrical apparatus-they are points of low eletrical resistance in the skin. Blood samples taken before and after acupuncture show significant changes in levels of neuro-transmitter chemicals.
I have studied extensively in Homeopathy having done the Fast Track Training at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital, and passed the MFHom exam in 2004.
I have largely practiced this as my main complementary therapy. I have worked as a Clinical Assistant at Tunbridge Wells Homeopathic Hospital.
I have also studied Health Kinesiology and have attended courses in Ecological Medicine which includes Environmental Medicine, Allergy and Nutrition. These form a sound basis for the practice of Field Control Therapy.
Regarding Field Control Therapy, I have attended courses and seminars taught by the originator, Dr Yurkovsky, a cardiologist, in London and New York. I have also attended further training days in Sussex, Surrey and Dublin. In October 2009 I was awarded the Diploma in Field Control Therapy. This is the highest qualification in FCT, and at present I am the only medically trained homeopath in England to have obtained this.
Another passion of mine is working as a volunteer with my husband at an orphan school in Malawi. We work there once or twice a year for a couple of weeks, planting medicinal plants and vegetables using Permaculture techniques; helping to develop health screening programmes based on local guidelines; and setting up income-generation projects. Back in the UK we raise funds for building classrooms.
I am fully registered with the General Medical Council and covered fully by the Medical Protection Society. I am a member of the Faculty of Homeopathy and the Independent Doctors Federation. I keep up to date in both Conventional Medicine and Complementary Medicine by attending Continuous Professional Development days.
I have annual external appraisals in General Practice, and every 3 years in Homeopathy.
