At present, there are around 2,000 trained
anthroposophic doctors, who are members of
national associations of anthroposophic doctors which come under
the umbrella of the
International Federation of Anthroposophic Medical Associations (IVAA)
Based on the number of prescriptions, it has been
estimated that anthroposophic medicinal
products are prescribed by more than 30,000 physicians in 18 of the
27 EU member states, as
well as in Norway, Switzerland, and some 65 countries
worldwide.
Anthroposophic medicine is integrated in general and specialised
public healthcare in several
countries and is used in the context of all illnesses, for both
minor and major indications.
Anthroposophic hospitals include:
- University teaching hospitals.
- Hospitals integrated into public basic health care and emergency
care.
- Departments for anthroposophic medicine in public
hospitals.
- Clinics for special disorders.
Anthroposophic medicine is increasingly recognised in the academic
world and taught at
medical schools in several EU Member states. There are several
research centres for
anthroposophic medicine in Germany, Holland and Switzerland. The
Institute of
Complementary Medicine KIKOM, Bern, Switzerland also provides a
professorship for
anthroposophic medicine.
High standards of professionalism in anthroposophic health care are
achieved through
guidelines for training and practice for anthroposophic
physicians.
In addition to the basic training at medical schools the special
training in anthroposophic
medicine consists of theoretical courses for 2-3 years, followed by
periods of mentorship
within institutions authorised by the national doctors'
associations, and case presentations.
The international community of anthroposophic physicians has agreed
on minimal
requirements for high standard medical services summarized in
"Guidelines for Good
Professional Practice in Anthroposophic Medicine".