The world's first academic chair in complementary medicine was established at the University of Exeter in 1993 by Edzard Ernst. A physician who trained in Germany, Ernst transitioned from early clinical experience with homeopathic and alternative practices to a career focused on rigorous systematic reviews and the critical evaluation of evidence-based medical treatments.
Professional Evolution
Born in Wiesbaden in 1948, Ernst pursued medical training at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München. His early career included work at a homeopathic hospital in Munich, where he gained training in modalities including acupuncture, herbalism, and spinal manipulation. He later held the chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the University of Vienna before moving to England to establish the department of complementary medicine at the University of Exeter in 1993.
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Ernst focused his research on the efficacy and safety of alternative therapies using systematic reviews and meta-analyses. He has published over 700 papers throughout his career. He frequently argued that the vast majority of alternative practices lack robust documentation of efficacy. He founded the journals Perfusion and Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies, serving as editor-in-chief for the latter until 2016. In 2008, he co-authored the book Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial with Simon Singh, which examined the scientific evidence behind therapies such as reflexology and homeopathy.
The Smallwood Report Controversy
In 2005, Ernst was invited to collaborate on a report commissioned by Prince Charles regarding the cost-effectiveness of alternative medicine for the National Health Service. After reviewing the draft, Ernst withdrew his participation, labeling the document misleading. This led to a public dispute involving The Lancet editor Richard Horton and a formal complaint filed by the private secretary of the Prince of Wales. Although Exeter University cleared Ernst of wrongdoing during the subsequent investigation, he noted that the pressure surrounding the event contributed to his decision to retire in 2011.
Fast facts
- Born: 1948, Wiesbaden, Germany
- Citizenship: United Kingdom, Germany
- Education: Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München
- Award: John Maddox Prize, 2015
- Fellowship: Academy of Medical Sciences, 2009
- Notable Publication: Trick or Treatment?, 2008
Questions readers ask
What was the focus of Edzard Ernst's research?
He specialized in the evidence-based evaluation of complementary and alternative medicine, emphasizing the need for efficacy and safety data.
Why did he retire from academia?
Ernst retired in 2011, citing circumstances that developed during the university investigation regarding his public criticism of the Smallwood Report.
Achievements
- John Maddox Prize — 2015
- Held posts at University of Vienna and University of Exeter
- Fields: systematic review
