PRACTITIONER PROFILE
In life , much of our efforts go unsung , but in 2004 he was awarded the prestigious Lady Cilento Award by the Complementary Healthcare Council for his significant contribution to the field of complementary medicine .
He didn ’ t stop there and went on to be an internationally recognised expert and consultant to industry , government and the tertiary sector in herbal medicine , nutraceuticals , therapeutic foods and the public health of complementary medicine .
Stephen Myers was hugely influential in the world of complementary medicine . He worked always toward a goal of recognition and inclusion and he did it through raising educational standards , teaching others how to write and to research and by always being inclusive and supportive of his colleagues . The community has benefitted , directly ( through improvements in professional training and higher degree supervision ) and indirectly ( well qualified and confident practitioners ) from his life ’ s work and lifelong commitment to complementary medicine .
Stephen was a very loyal friend and deeply devoted to his marvellous wife , Lily Cubrilo , and to his family . He combined pragmatism with a humour , was a keen cook , and dog lover . We would walk together on the beach at Evans Head , where he lived , and discuss recipes , politics , the state of the world , important philosophical issues such as whether cars should be allowed to drive on beaches and usually end up remarking on the excellence of his dog George .
He will be much missed by friends , family and colleagues .
Angela Davison
What has kept you practising for 30 + years ? Passion and results . I had a mixed practice from 1988 treating people and horses then in 2000 I dropped the humans ( I could refer them on to excellent practitioners !). I ’ m driven to find solutions for the individual , excitement , the magic moments when you ’ ve helped to turn around a gloomy prognosis . I love helping horses to make positive lasting shifts both physically and mentally . Spurs me on . It ’ s what I do – it ’ s what I am .
What have been the most important changes to natural medicine in your career ? Mainstream recognition and perception of natural therapies – a definite shift in universal consciousness in the year 2000 . Easier access to quality research material . Higher standards of education within the profession .
How do you envisage natural medicine developing over the next 30 years , or , what changes in natural medicine would you most like to see ? Unless all natural medicine associations unite under one umbrella I ’ m afraid big pharma will take over total control . Practitioners of ingestive therapies will then be unable to access their raw tools of trade – this has already started . Natural medicine will be diluted . Unite and be strong – the public deserves this .
What advice do you have for today ’ s emerging practitioners ? Don ’ t get stuck in the scientific box – it can be limiting . Don ’ t disregard empirical knowledge . Do appreciate that what suits one individual may not suit another who may appear to present with similar symptoms / dis-ease .
Always take detailed case notes – build a good referral base .
Be open , read the literature , be across the information from scientific research , but don ’ t believe evidence-based medicine is everything . You can poke holes in every double blind crossover study – it ’ s all useful information for the practitioner but it will never be all .
Experience is the best teacher . Seek out an experienced practitioner to be your mentor – not someone who holds all the academic qualifications but has little or no practical experience .
Everything you have learned and worked hard for to achieve practitioner status is a brilliant base from which you will grow . Always ask questions and never dismiss your intuition .
Enjoy your chosen path !
Angela Davison specialises in Herbal Medicine and Flower Remedies
Above : Stephen with his wife Lily Cubrilo JATMS | Spring 2024 | 173