Foundation for the Advancement of Innovative Medicine
Foundation for the Advancement of Innovative Medicine (Orthomolecular physician referral service)
Formed in 1986, "FAIM's magazine, Innovation, has carried articles promoting "alternative" cancer therapies, chelation therapy, homeopathy, shark cartilage for arthritis and for protection against tumor growth, and an oral bacterial preparation for chronic fatigue syndrome. One article has described how to sue insurance companies in small claims court when they deny claims for "complementary" treatment. Other articles have blasted fluoridation, mercury-amalgam fillings, and sugar (for allegedly causing digestive problems).
"FAIM's educational fund (FAIM ED) was incorporated in 1991 "to promote the American health care consumer's access to information and education regarding health care alternatives" and "to support promising research projects that may not currently be the focus of government and private efforts." Each year, FAIM (and/or FAIM ED) sponsors several symposia featuring prominent practitioners and promoters of "alternative" medicine. Exhibitors at these meetings have included marketers of supplements, homeopathic remedies, herbs, and other products, many of which are promoted with unsubstantiated claims.
"FAIM's current board of trustees includes seven medical doctors, two osteopaths, and one dentist. The board's president is Michael Schachter, M.D., a psychiatrist who operates a large clinic in Suffern, N.Y. FAIM's past-president and cofounder is Robert C. Atkins, M.D., who operates a large clinic, hosts a radio talk show, publishes a newsletter, markets supplement products, and has written several books on his unconventional methods. In February 1998, FAIM's Web site listed 118 professional members, almost all of whom practiced in New York, New Jersey, or Connecticut. Their fields included medicine, osteopathy, chiropractic, dentistry, acupuncture, naturopathy, psychology, and social work. In September 1999, the list contained only 51." [1]
