The charity was founded by the oncologist Michael Baum, medical journalists Caroline Richmond and Diana Brahams, clinical pathologist and biochemist Vincent Marks, TV presenter Nick Ross and nutrionist John Garrow.[2] It began as the 'Campaign Against Health Fraud', mostly targeting unfounded claims by proponents of alternative medicine and downright quackery, but soon broadened to audit all forms of medical practice, and many of its members are more concerned about unproven orthodox therapies than complementary ones. It has attracted criticism from some believers in alternative medicine who claim that scientific approaches cannot be applied to their way of working.[4]
HealthSense maintains it has no commercial sponsors of any form and relies on membership fees and donations from other charities.[2]
HealthSense has a small international membership. It publishes the quarterly HealthSense Newsletter and occasional "position papers" on controversial medical treatments.
Awards
The HealthSense Award: Since 1993, HealthSense has given an annual award to people who have made contributions to evidence-based medicine and ethics.[6][7]
Student prizes: The organisation has an annual research-oriented competition for students in medical fields. HealthSense awards two first prizes of £500 each and up to five prizes of £100 for runners-up.[8]
References
↑"HealthSense UK". UK Government, Charity Commission. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
