Baja Mexico's Hospital Santa
Monica, where Coretta Scott King died, has been shut down. While there are no allegations being made that the clinic
had a part in her death, the attention to the clinic revealed several disturbing facts. Kurt W. Donsbach, the clinic's
founder, investigated by U.S. authorities for practicing medicine and chiropractic care without a license, claimed to
be able to cure diseases with oxygen therapy, nutritional supplements, and a detoxification procedure called oral
chelation. Clinic records indicate surgeries, X-ray procedures and internal medicine were practiced without proper
regulatory authorization.Quacks quibble about the need for science and research, suggestively whispering about conspiracies, claiming known cures are concealed. For the sake of greed and grandiose ego, they unscrupulously prey on people's fears with empty claims of treatment successes. With personal opinion framed in authoritative tone, personal anecdote and patient testimonials, they offer hope in the form of promises. Promises they cannot keep. A diagnosis of cancer can create fear. A diagnostic assessment that conventional medicine has nothing left to offer, in the way of treatment, can create desperate fear. When desperation dictates judgment, logic and reason do not factor in the equation of evaluating alternative approaches.Today, more and more alternative therapies are being scientifically researched, and some are proving valid. However, a concoction of powdered bat wings, hydrogen peroxide and ground rhinoceros horn will not, realistically, make you well again.
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine advises anyone interested in alternative therapies to learn what scientific studies have discovered about the therapy they are interested in. It is not a good idea to use an alternative therapy simply because of something you have seen in an advertisement or on a Web site or because someone has said it worked for them. Conduct research to understand a treatment's risks, potential benefits, and the scientific evidence supporting it's effectiveness. Ask if the information presented comes from a government, university, or reputable medical or health-related association? Investigate the credentials of the practitioner or clinic. Patient be aware, consumer beware.
1. Dear Dalene,
Comments as yours instill fear into those with terminal cancer as far as exploring any options. A local Congressional chief of staff will soon pass because he beleived his friends that Dr. Donsbach is a fraud. We all met and Dr D said to the patient that 12 days of treatment would be needed to see if it would help his condition. That was 8 months ago.
Our friend is now at home hospice care waiting to die without trying the non threatening treatment that saved my cousin tina's life 12 years ago.. You can watch a recent TV interview with her and myself by going to: http://www.maicares.org/tina.htm That broadcast has put our nonprofit on many hit lists as promoting quackery. SHOOT the MESSENGER seems to be status quo but I am used to that denial mentality.
Maybe your readers could investigate what MAI is all about and form their own opinions. Donsbach alleges that chlorine causes cancer and that all forms of it has been banned in Israel. Pretty powerful lobby to shut him up as was done when Coretta King Passed. We too are now being discredited by front organizations for these industries. Just run The Medical Awareness Institute (MAI) on Google and see what they are saying about our credibility now after several years supporting disasters worldwide.
I truley hope that your readers investigate MAI inside and out and if I am misleading anyone I will apologise publicly. Thank you, Patrick Lawler, Founder, MAI www.MAIcares.org
Posted at 3:07AM on Feb 26th 2006 by Patrick Lawler