Dare to Differ—A Doctor's Quest for a Gentle Cure by Dr. Kusum S. Chand

ISBN: 978-93-5447-329-6; paperback, 213 pages. Language: English

Chand KS. Dare to Differ—A Doctor's Quest for a Gentle Cure. New Delhi: Speaking Tiger;2022;256 pages; ISBN: 978-9354473296; Hardcover; English

Dare to Differ – A Doctor's Quest for a Gentle Cure by Dr. Kusum S Chand is a remarkable book that showcases the author's passion and dedication for homeopathy. It is a testimony of her courage and conviction to follow her heart and pursue her calling.

It is a stellar narrative presented by a postgraduate allopathic doctor with over 45 years of clinical experience who recounts her initial years as a medical doctor and her growing disillusionment with the allopathic system. She candidly shares about her encounter with a homeopath, her initial reluctance to try homeopathy on herself and the surprising effectiveness she experienced first-hand. This pivotal moment sparked her interest in homeopathy, leading to a gradual shift in her perspective. The author writes, ‘A scientific mind is an admission that we do not know everything' and she embarks upon a journey to know more about this ‘alternate system of medicine’;.

This book is a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the author's journey in the field of homeopathy, the ups and downs she faced in practice, her initial experimentation with homeopathic medicines as advised by literature, her assessment of the results and how she evolved her own methodology. Divided into six parts, the book delves into her experiences in various diseases and the valuable lessons she learned along the way. It covers a wide range of topics, including the author's experiences as an allopathic doctor, her dilemmas and the challenges she faced in clinical practice during her transition from allopathy to homeopathy. It discusses in detail her approach in using homeopathy for paediatric care and treating childhood diseases such as neonatal colic, atopic dermatitis, chronic tonsillitis and recurrent respiratory infections. She also shares the challenges she faced in treating such young patients and discusses compelling case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of homeopathy in improving children's health. She found that homeopathy is suitable for children for its gentle, quick action and easy compliance.

There is an exclusive section on treating patients of urinary complaints with homeopathy, where she prescribed multiple medicines to a patient, each targeting some part of pathology. She shares case studies of various diseases such as recurrent urinary infections, recurrent prostatitis, urethral stricture, drug-resistant urinary tract infection and cystitis. She observed that regular use of homeopathic regime led to recovery of the patient and also increased the sensitivity to antibiotics.

Later in the book, the author delves into her experiences in the field of tuberculosis. The author writes, ‘Sometimes, the disease is complicated, needing more than one therapy at the same time. A clinician must be broad-minded and advise in the best interest of the patient.’ Beginning with the background and rationale behind her project on the role of homeopathy in tuberculosis treatment, she emphasises that sometimes a disease requires a multifaceted approach, and a clinician must be open-minded and recommend what is best for the patient's well-being. In this regard, she shares case studies demonstrating how she integrated the practices of allopathy and homeopathy to treat such patients and proceeds to discuss the outcomes and challenges. Drawing from her clinical experiences, she presents case records with scientific evidence that illustrate the collaborative potential of homeopathy and conventional medicine, particularly in the treatment of tuberculosis.

At the last, it is the most intriguing aspect of the book which probes into the author's exploration of the relationship between immunity and disease. She discusses how homeopathy supports and enhances the body's natural defence mechanisms, providing a more holistic approach to patient care. She writes, 'There are many modes of therapy which can alleviate human suffering. To label one as the panacea of all diseases is a narrow-minded approach.' She advocates use of homeopathy in early functional stage of disease when there are few structural changes. She advocates the complementary use of homeopathy with allopathy in diseases with advanced pathology or many structural changes, for the benefit of patient. This approach is especially useful in the management of chronic diseases, recurrent infections, in cases of antibiotic resistance and in diseases such as coronavirus disease 2019, as it will reduce morbidity, expedite recovery, and increase drug compliance.

The book ‘Dare to Differ’ shows the author's ability to explain the basic tenets of homeopathy in a simple and comprehensible language allowing readers to grasp its principles and philosophy. In just over 200 pages, the author is able to recount her real-time experiments and experiences in patient care, comparing and contrasting the practices of allopathy and homeopathy. She skilfully weaves together her professional journey with personal anecdotes as a wife, a mother, a clinician and a ‘two prescriptions doctor’ who would give ‘one prescription of allopathy for the diagnosed disease and the other of homeopathy for symptomatic relief’ to a patient, who either showed an unsatisfactory response to allopathic treatment or required many allopathic medicines for multiple symptoms.

The author's ability to blend storytelling with medical insights makes the book relatable and accessible to a wide range of readers. The author's personal reflections provide readers with a glimpse into the complexities and rewards of practicing homeopathy. She challenges the conventional system of medicine, uses homeopathy along with allopathy in treating patients and develops her own approach to disease management. She also differs from classical homeopathy by prescribing multiple medicines at the same time with positive results. By daring to differ, she offers a unique perspective on healthcare and encourages readers to consider the potential of homeopathy as a gentle and holistic system of healing.

In conclusion, ‘Dare to Differ—A Doctor's Quest for a Gentle Cure’ is a remarkable book that chronicles Dr. Kusum S Chand's journey into the world of homeopathy. The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making ‘Dare to Differ’ an insightful and captivating read. Her personal narratives, experiments and case studies add depth and richness to the book, allowing readers to connect with her experiences on a personal level. The well-organised structure of the book further enhances its readability.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is curious or interested in homeopathy as it gives an overview of homeopathy and its effectiveness in treating various ailments. The book is suitable for both healthcare professionals and general readers who want to learn more about this system and its potential in healthcare.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 August 2023