I originally started studying for a degree in plant science but then changed to philosophy with a particular interest in the philosophy of science. This, seemingly obviously at the time, led to training in Chinese medicine: in acupuncture at the College of Traditional Acupuncture and in herbs with Ted Kaptchuck from whose course I qualified in 1988.
I have been in full-time practice in Exeter since that date and continued to study widely. An interest in philosophy and the history of ideas, in which I have a PhD, has influenced my approach as a balance between the historically rooted and pragmatic. This informs both my clinical practice and my roles as lecturer and clinical supervisor in Chinese herbal medicine at the White Crane Academy.