Challenging the Paradigm

The standard dietary paradigm is based on assumptions that cannot be proven, so they are simply accepted.

Given those assumptions, a set of agreed rules, and protocols can be built.

Being "professional" is maintaining commitment to those rules and protocols.

With these rules we can develop a specialist language to describe the foundation of our knowledge.

We can decide what is an important question, and what might be a valid answer to the question.

This means that professional services can be reliable and understandable and transferable.

Professions are based on evidence and standards and on the reliability of the guiding principles and protocols members agree to abide by.

Professions also protect the right to sell their expertise. Membership of the professional group is mandatory in many countries. The standards of the profession are maintained by the members.

Prof. Tim Noakes, is not a dietician. He gave "dietary advice" although in a very generalised way. "Baby doesn't need the dairy and cauliflower. Just healthy high fat breast milk. Key is to wean baby to LCHF."

His other "sin" is in publishing the book "The Real Meal Revolution" in which he is a co-author.

These actions challenge the very basis of the Dietary Guidelines of South Africa.

Health Professions Council of South Africa
v
Dr. Timothy Noakes

Before the HPCSA Professional Conduct Committee, Joan Adams, Chair.

February 2014 - Dietitian Claire Strydom reports Prof Tim Noakes.

February 2015 - HPCSA accuses Prof. Tim Noakes of unprofessional conduct.

May 2015 - A "quick hearing" turns into a battle. Noakes defends himself. HPCSA unprepared.

November 2015 - HPCSA witness - Prof. Este Vorster, - Child Weaning Expert. She was unprepared for the challenge Noakes offered. Her own research is contradictory. HPCSA seeks more time.

February 2016 - HPCSA offer Prof Wim de Villiers and Prof Willem Pienaar as expert witnesses.
Dr. Noakes gives evidence over 4 days. New dates set for continuation.

October 2016 - Dr Noakes continues his evidence and offers expert witnesses.

The trial ended in 2017.  There were ten counts that the court had to consider. Prof. Noakes was found "Not Guilty" on all ten.  This was a strong rebuke for the Dietitians, and the University of Stellenbosch that supported them. 

What's a Stake Here?

Tim Noakes said in court:

This forum is a unique event in the history of medicine.

It's time to examine the literature to see what we really know.

It's hard for professionals to re-examine the ideas that are the foundation of their professional expertise.

We don't need to keep practicing the medicine of failure. (Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes)

The public need to know the truth - South Africa deserves to know the truth they've been denied for 50 years.

We don't need to be dominated by standards adopted in the USA, or by commercial interests.

We have that choice in this court.