Amanda Cutbill background

I first became interested in complementary medicine mid way through my career after my youngest daughter suffered health problems.

As a toddler, my daughter suffered from Asthma, severe allergic reactions and Eczema that was so bad that her body had to be bandaged seven days a week, 24 hours a day. We saw doctors at four different hospitals but nothing worked and I was constantly worried about the side-effects of such strong drugs and creams.

Then, as a last resort, I started to look at alternative therapies including consulting a medical herbalist. The herbal remedies made a difference and at last my daughter’s health started to improve.

After coping with all the struggles of my daughter’s illness, I decided that I might be able to use this experience in a positive way. I trained as a counsellor and also became a trustee of the National Eczema Society before going back to university to re-train as a medical herbalist.

I am a fully qualified practitioner and hold a BSc honours degree in Herbal Medicine. This involved 4 years study of physiology, anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, pathology, orthodox clinical diagnosis, pharmacology and of course gaining an in-depth knowledge of the medicinal benefit of herbs.

To reflect the holistic nature of treatment plans, students are also taught nutrition and communication skills and undergo a minimum of 500 hours supervised clinical practice.

I am a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (MNIMH). This is the main regulatory body for the profession in the UK. The Institute is involved in training, education, research and consults with the UK and European Governments.

Approach

I aim to combine a passion for herbal medicine with my knowledge of clinical diagnosis and pharmaceutical drugs in order to meet the needs of patients. Experience as a counsellor has taught me the value of offering the opportunity to talk through problems and as a member of the National Institute patients can be reassured that I am bound by their professional code of ethics.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

I am looking to increase my knowledge in specific conditions and I have two courses planned in 2009:

A four day training course at the Penny Brohn Cancer Care Centre ( formerly the Bristol Cancer Care Centre). Many patients who have recovered from Cancer have described how their elation at the news of their remission has changed to concern as their minds turn to 'what they can do to reduce the chances of it returning'.

Attendance on this course is part of my research regarding the choices available and the robustness of the evidence of their efficacy and safety.

A specialist course run by Dr A. Hutchinson, Dr A. Walker, Dr S. Berkovitz and Dr M. Wilcox. My objective in attending this course is to further increase the effectiveness of my treatment for people living with: Colitis, Crohn's disease, Gastritis, Diarrhoea and Constipation.