Teaching team
Sarah Brien - Course Co-ordinator and Senior Research Fellow
My initial research interests were based on my fascination of the link between brain and behaviour. I have a Bsc in Physiology and Biochemistry, an Msc in Behavioural Biology and a PhD (neurochemistry and psychology of eating behaviour in women). I also have a tax accountancy qualification, and therefore have some financial background.
I have worked as a researcher in complementary medicine, initially part time, for 8 years. My interest in this field arose from my personal interest; my own experience of using homeopathy, and also in the use of CAM for the management of chronic disease. My main research experience is in qualitative research but I have over the last two years begun to develop skills in qualitative research.
I have been involved in supervision of research projects both during my pre CAM days (where I supervised MSc students) and since I have been involved in the CAM field I have supervised both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
I am also a regular reviewer for a number of academic journals.
I am currently funded by a Personal Award Scheme Postdoctoral Researcher Development Award, for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, from the National Institute of Health Research (Department of Health). I also do freelance work investigating nutritional and herbal treatment alternatives for non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis. I am Principle Investigator on all trials listed. I have received previous funding from the Wellcome Trust, and also from charitable organisations (the Samueli Insitute, USA; Southampton Complementary Medicine Research Trust).
Jane Cousins – Course Administrator
I have been working with the Unit now for 4 years, undertaking various office duties and administration for our 3rd year Select Study Units. I have organised our yearly Developing Research Strategies conference and I have also been responsible for the ISCMR website for two years and contributed to the organisation of ISCMR’s yearly conferences.
Keith Carr – Reiki
I came across Reiki in 1993 and after initial training started to treat relatives, friends, and then eventually members of the general public. My wife and I set up a small practice which continued until 2005. As well as giving treatments we also gave talks and workshops on Reiki in local adult education colleges. I have now ‘retired’ but still give treatments from time to time.
Thomas Conba – Osteopath
Elaine Cooke – Chiropractor
Phine Dahle – Psychotherapist
Richard Dreaper – Hypnosis
Caroline Eyles – Homeopathic Physician
I am a practicing homeopath and am registered with the Society of Homeopaths. I completed my Masters in Health Education and Health Promotion in 2002 and am now undertaking a PhD which aims to explore the homeopathic consultation.
Dedj Leibbrandt – Herbalist
George Lewith - Reader and Consultant Physician
George Lewith is Reader in the Complementary Medicine Research Unit, University of Southampton, UK.
George Lewith leads an international CAM research group within the University of Southampton currently comprising 4 postdoctoral fellows and 5 current PhD students. He has raised over £4 million in research funds in the last 10 years and has published over 100 peer reviewed articles since 2001. The research group is focused on differentiating the specific from the non specific effects of CAM and developing models that will help to explain the patient perceived benefits of these interventions. We are currently interested in Pain, Arthritis and Cancer as illness models investigating the effects of acupuncture, healing, homeopathy and herbal medicines.
David Nicolson – Nutritionist
David Owen - Homeopathic Physician
David Owen trained in medicine and during his training he recognised that the conventional model of health left many questions unanswered, David became interested in Homeopathy starting his studies at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital. After qualifying as a doctor David explored a number of complementary medicines before completing his training as a homeopath and becoming a member of the faculty of homeopathy. He has been in full time homeopathic practice on the South coast since 1983. He has always been passionate about homeopathic training and making high quality homeopathic treatment more available. In 1994 he and a small group of colleagues started the homeopathic physicians training group (HPTG). Since 1998 he has been running advanced training programs and supervision groups for homeopaths.
Christine Rose – GP and Medical Sociologist
Norma Waite – Medical Acupuncturist and GP
I qualified from University of Southampton Medical School in 1983. I worked as a GP both in Student Health and an inner city practice for several years. I have been providing acupuncture on the NHS in the Chronic Pain Clinic in Southampton for 12 years. My main interest is the role that acupuncture treatment has alongside conventional therapies for chronic pain.