Hi there. Sorry I have been a little AWOL over the past few days. I have been a busy bee, though, not having a holiday as some of you thought. Chance would be a fine thing!
Actually, lots of exciting things. First, I was a speaker at the latests FDIN FreeFrom Conference where I let rip somewhat about the poor nutritional qualities of some freefrom food, and the enormous potential freefrom manufacturers have both with the size of the market and how they could tweak their products to actually help improve the health of the nation and allergy/intolerance sufferers! And, yes, I did duck as I said it. For more on this, read Michelle’s blog post (she was chair) and you can actually view my talk at the FDIN website in a few days, I am told.
Then, at 5am the following morning, I rather bravely or stupidly (and I haven’t decided which yet!) started a research/nutritional therapy MSc at the University of Westminster. I was there all Friday and Saturday, collapsed yesterday and am now back at my desk starting the wade-through of emails and calls.
Why the MSc you might ask? Well, the course is designed to turn us into what are termed ‘scholar practitioners’ – advanced therapists who can assess and contribute to research in natural medicine. Since I have been doing an awful lot of research into the gluten side of things the past year, I thought it would be a good opportunity to consolidate and formalise that research so that it can be used by other health professionals. Or, that’s the idea anyway. I have to admit to coming away in a complete state of panic about how I will fit all the studying in and the clinic work! I am sure I will work it out. Eventually, I may continue into a professional doctorate or PhD but that is miles off yet. Who knows, I could be Dr Rose by the time I am 50! For now, though, for someone who last was in academic life in 1988, it is a bit of a culture shock to say the least..
Anyway, I thought I would let you know what I have been up to and why I was away. I will spend the next few days on patient work so bear with me and I will get back to you.
After that, I will be changing the days I work a bit. I plan to work Mon, Tues, Weds and possibly Thurs on clinic work and Friday/Saturday on studying and research to make sure I get it all done. I will no longer be taking patients on Saturdays simply because most of my study days at Westminster are Fri/Sat.
So, hope you bear with me. You, ultimately, will be the ones who benefit from all this extra work as I will be able to help you even more (I hope), so wish me luck as I once again plunge into academic life. It may take me a bit longer to get back to you, but I hope now you understand the reasons why I may not be quite so quick to reply.
And, by the way, if you are rich, or anyone you know is, I could really do with some sponsorship to get trials and visits done and further the gluten sensitivity research for all of us! (No harm in asking!!) I’ve ordered the books I need this morning and just those have cost over £500 – aargh!
Right, off to those emails. Only 74 to go….
Naturally – Micki made a brilliant presentation a the FreeFrom conference – really made those manufacturers sit up and think about what they were putting in their freefrom food!! We are all very excited about her MSc. Given how much she knows already, you sort of wonder what else she can learn…. Can’t wait – and good luck!!
Bless you, thank you x
All the best Micki – I am sure you’ll fit it all in and it’ll be great to see you gain official recognition for all your life changing research! Go for it! 🙂
Thanks Clare, that’s lovely. Actually, have been quite humbled by the lovely supportive comments I have had from people. Makes me glad I am doing it, even if I am terrified how I will fit it all in! I am sitting here now working out how various systems work on the Uni e-service. What a saddo!
Congratulations for your seminar, and secondly, for your MSc. We need people like you! CA, Canada.