Ep 481: The Homeopathy Student to Practitioner (H-STEP) Pilot study - with Barbara Roberts & Sandra Venables

Understanding why some homeopathy students go on to practice while others leave the profession is at the heart of a new research project with the potential to shape its future. I’m joined by returning guest Barbara Roberts and first-time guest Sandra Venables to discuss the Homeopathy Student to Practitioner Pilot Study (H-STEP), which aims to better understand homeopathy students and practitioners in Australia and New Zealand. We talk about the challenges students face, the support they need, and the experiences that influence their journey into practice, along with the research and planning behind the study. We also discuss the possibility of a larger, long-term study following students from their training into professional practice.

Episode Highlights:01:20 - Why Your Homeopathy Journey Matters04:32 - Sandra's Homeopathy Origin Story05:44 - How Essential Oils and Remedies Work Together08:08 - From Workforce Data to a New Research Study11:14 - Pilot Study Goals and Structure14:40 - Retrospective Study Considerations16:26 - Research Methodology18:30 - Call to action for homeopaths and students22:32 - Survey Target Audience25:02 - Funding and Support for Research29:33 - Prizes for Survey Participants32:11 - Future of Homeopathy Research36:07 - Defining Success in Homeopathy

About my Guests:Sandra Venables (MPH, Grad Cert Ed (Higher Ed), BHSc) has been in clinical practice for 20 years, in Australia. Currently the Executive Assistant for the Australian Register of Homoeopaths (www.aroh.com.au). An educator, previously homeopathy and critical research skills, currently in the field of aromatherapy (Aromatherapy Today Collective, www.aromatherapytoday.shop), thoughtfully combining both homeopathy and aromatherapy in practice. Obtained a Masters in Public Health (Global Nutrition and Active Living), to support both clinical work and her desire to undertake research while developing knowledge in global health. More recent work has involved participating in a team with The Aurum Project developing and undertaking the research project Homeopathy Workforce Survey (HWFS), www.aroh.com.au/workforcesurvey and Homeopathy Student to Practitioner Study (H-STEP).

Barbara Roberts is a Registered Classical Homeopath and Integrative Pharmacist based in Kerikeri, New Zealand. She holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours (BPharm (Hons)) and a Diploma in Homeopathy (DipHom), graduating from the College of Natural Health and Homeopathy in 2015. She has worked in community phar