British Homoeopathic Journal April 1997, Vol. 86, pp. 65~66

O u r cover Simplified representation of homoeopathic action on regulatory systems. See the paper by Bellavite at al. in this issue.

How do we get where we want to go?

Where are we going and how are we going to get there? These are fair questions to ask our- selves and the organizations we belong to. For an organization to operate most effectively, there needs to be a congruence of priorities and values between the organization and its mem- bers. The Faculty of Homoeopathy has recently clarified its priorities (see Strategic Plan report- ed in the current edition of Simile) beginning to answer the question of where we are going. Just as important as our priorities are the values that we choose as an organization (i.e. how are we going to get there?).

For many of us who belong to homoeopathic organizations, there is a relationship between the values we would like the organization to hold and the values that we exhibit in our clini- cal practices and scientific endeavours. Values such as seeing things holistically, with their interconnections, the ability to listen, being objective and aware of our limitations, being able to operate fairly and responsibly. The val- ues we choose as an organization obviously affect how the organization operates internally, as well as how we relate to other organizations. I would like to take this opportunity to explore how these values affect the way we approach some of the urgent issues that we face.

The hol is t ic pe r spec t ive of the Facul ty should link the many diverse activities that are being undertaken by individuals and groups wi th in h o m o e o p a t h y , some of which are reported in this Journal. Although these activ- ities necessarily reflect different opinions and information, they are in many ways just the surface of a more impor tant whole. In the same way as we might find a diamond lying in the earth and only initially see several shiny surfaces, closer examination reveals a more precious whole.

The abi l i ty to l isten is re f lec ted in our desire to give a voice to all members within the Faculty. However , the organization can be easily paralysed by dissenting voices or by failing to reconcile voices that seem to pull in different directions. This can be resolved not only by individuals listening, but also by ensur- ing that we know when individual voices are r e p r e s e n t a t i v e o f a g roup of m e m b e r s . Representation carries a responsibility propor- tional to the contribution which an individual makes to the organization. Fairness is reflected in how we listen to different voices and balance different needs within the organization. The basic principles of fairness, listening, represen- tation and responsibility are key values driving the current Faculty reorganization.

The Faculty is also demonstrating its values externally in trying to promote homoeopathy without sacrificing quality to availability. Many of us would consider this a basic principle of fairness, We are also developing relationships with other organizations and in so doing we need to ensure we are objective and aware of our limitations; it is important that an organiza- t ion is def ined for and by i t se l f be fore it develops external relationships; otherwise it is liable to be defined by the other organizations to which it relates. The organizat ions with which the Faculty is looking to develop rela- t ionsh ips inc lude o ther hea l th care organizations, complementary medical organi- zations and international homoeopathic bodies. All these important relationships will be helped by us clarifying what we can and what we can- not expect to achieve. To take one example, the Faculty has a wide-ranging international mem- bership. For many years it provided a 'gold standard' in homoeopathic training and exami- nation in many parts of the world. What now is

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the international role for the Faculty? We already have representation with international organizations like the LMHI and members of the Faculty are at the forefront of clinical devel- opments (such as the use of homoeopathy in pr imary health care) and research into homoeopathy (as illustrated by the recent Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital conference). The Faculty, I am convinced, has an important international role, and the way to develop and define this is by clarifying our organizational values and priorities.

As an organization, we have not only to meet today's challenges, but also to look ahead, dar- ing to put the Faculty in as slrong a position as is possible and to shape an organization that not only meets our current needs but can also respond to the future needs of those who are only now beginning to study homoeopathy, and beyond. For example, in addressing the issues around specialist training, we need to consider how we wish homoeopathy to be practised in 5, 15 or 25 years' time and what is the best way forward to meet these challenges. We can begin to address these questions through setting priori- ties and objectives, but they require us to be functioning healthily and reflecting values that

we can be true to, not just responding to external demands.

Change is not always easy and we face a fluid environment in which other health care organizations are changing dramatically; this requires a flexibility of response governed by values not fixed by policy. Health care mirrors some interesting conflicts around change. For homoeopathic prescribers, there is the tension between operating creatively on one hand and exploring new medicines and different ways of integrating them on the other, and the conserva- t ive pract ice of staying close to our philosophical base and the historical roots of past great thinkers and experienced prescribers. In treating our patients, we have to cope with this tension; we are aware that for change to take place, there often have to be aggravations and healing crises. These tensions and reactions are a necessary part of growth but not always predictable or comfortable.

I look forward to tackling these issues and other important questions with you in a trusting and vibrant organization that reflects the views of and empowers the actions of its members.

DAVID OWEN President, Faculty of Homoeopathy