English Training in Anthroposophic Medicine

Based in the UK and open to medical professionals worldwide, this part-time postgraduate training consists of nine one-week modules over three years, combining experiential, face-to-face teaching with supported distance learning.

This training leads to:

• International Certification as an Anthroposophic Physician (for doctors)
• Diploma in Anthroposophic Medicine

Anthroposophic Medicine was founded in 1920 by Dr Rudolf Steiner and Dr Ita Wegman. It responds to the question:

Is there a place for the whole person in contemporary medicine?

Many patients and physicians seek an integrative approach that recognises the human being as a unity of body, soul and spirit. Today, anthroposophic medicine is taught internationally and practised in clinics, hospitals and therapeutic centres worldwide. It is also researched in university settings.

The English Training explores ways of understanding illness and health that go beyond purely physical explanations. It deepens diagnostic insight and therapeutic capacity by cultivating:

• A comprehensive understanding of the human being
• Observation skills rooted in Goethean science
• Integration of medical, psychological and spiritual perspectives

Participants engage with:

• Anthroposophic medicines and pharmaceutical processes
• Art therapy, eurythmy therapy, body therapies and nursing procedures
• Biographical study, counselling principles and meditative practices

Throughout, the ethical and spiritual development of the physician is emphasised as foundational to professional practice.

This training is designed primarily for registered medical practitioners. 

A limited number of places may be open to other health-care professionals with training comparable to medical training, including: 

• Osteopaths
• Chiropractors
• Pharmacists

Ideal for physicians who wish to:

• Learn new methods of observing nature, medicinal plants and the human organism
• Develop an integrated perception of patients encompassing body, soul and spirit
• Build a deeper relationship with medicines, their source materials and processes
• Explore artistic, phenomenological and medative approaches to clinical work
• Strengthen ethical and spiritual capacities for professional development

 

Participants will gain:

• A multi-layered understanding of human physiology and pathology
• Skills in prescribing and understanding anthroposophic medicines
• Insight into non-pharmaceutical therapies (eurythmy therapy, art therapy, nursing)
• Experience-based learning in medicinal plant science and mineral studies
• Enhanced diagnostic perception through qualitative observation
• Understanding of developmental processes, trauma and resilience
• Personal development through spiritual exercises and meditative practice

Face-to-face participation is encouraged throughout the programme. Below are the full details of each module.

Module 1:

• The Four Elements, Four Kingdoms of Nature, Four Organs, Qualitative Anatomy
• Fundamental Aims of Anthroposophic Medicine & Research
• Patient History Taking and Examination with the Aid of the Four Elements
• Spiritual Biography & Conditions for Spiritual Development

Module 2:

• Living Morphology and Projective Geometry
• Tria Principia, Phenomenologic Study of Polarity in the Human Skeleton
• Child Development – Karin Michael and other presenters
• Keys to Resilience or Vulnerability; Biographical Studies – Marah Evans
• Inner Path Work: Trials & Six Soul Exercises

Module 3:

• Eight Metals & Plants
• Medical Meditation from Course to Young Doctors
• Medicinal Plant Study

Module 4:

• Common Psychiatric Conditions: Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar, Schizophrenia
• Clay Modelling Therapy & Anthroposophic Remedies
• Art Therapy, Eurythmy Therapy & Text Study
• Inner Path Work: Subsidiary Exercises & Three-Stage Karma Exercise

Module 5:

• Mistletoe Plant Study
• Fever
• Cancer & Viscum Treatment
• Inner Path Work: Destiny Learning

Module 6:

• Plant Study
• Anthroposophic Paediatrics (with Dr Karin Michael)
• Obstetrics & Gynaecology – Anthroposophic Perspectives
• Anthroposophic Nursing
• Inner Path Work: Eightfold Path

Module 7: Havelhöhe Hospital, Berlin

• Cardiology: Heart Failure, Coronary Heart Disease, Hypertension
• Nephrology & Rheumatology (Dr Matthias Girke)
• Respiratory Medicine (Christian Grah)
• Hepatology & Covid (Harald Mattes)
• Obstetrics & Midwifery (Angela Maaser & Midwife)

Module 8: Trigonos, Snowdonia, UK

• Medicinal Plant Study
• Endocrinology (Prof David Martin)
• Celtic Spirituality; Future Spirituality & Medicine
• Ita Wegman & Rudolf Steiner in the British Isles
• Visit Penmaenmawr Druid Circle
• Introduction to Biodynamic Agriculture
• Practical Anthroposophic Pharmacy

Module 9: Klinik Arlesheim & Goetheanum, Switzerland

• The School for Spiritual Science & the Medical Section
• Michael and Raphael Schools – Marion Debus & Karin Michael
• Visit Ita Wegman Institute
• Neurology (Freidwart Elsas)
• Patient Meetings at Klinik Arlesheim (Philipp Busche)
• Visit to the Group Sculpture at the Goetheanum

Course Lead

• Dr Michael Evans

Course Tutors

• Dr James Dyson
• Dr Matthias Girke
• Anna Hubbard
• Prof David Martin
• Dr Marion Debus

Applicants should be qualified, registered and licensed medical practitioners with an active interest in integrative and anthroposophic approaches to medicine. 

A limited number of places may also be available to other qualified healthcare professionals whose training and clinical practice are comparable to that of medical doctors. This may include professionals such as osteopaths, chiropractors, or pharmacists. 

Applicants should be actively engaged in professional practice, as the training includes clinical reflection, case studies, and mentored work with patients as part of the programme. 

Course fee: £8,000 - £8,200

Option 1:

£8,000 (up-front payment)

• £700 deposit
• £7,300 balance payable at acceptance

Option 2:

£8,200 (payment plan)

• £700 deposit
• Three instalments of £2,500:
  • 1 August 2025
  • 15 June 2026
  • 15 March 2027

Fees include materials but exclude accommodation, meals and travel.

---

Scholarships & Support

Dr Geoffrey Douch Scholarship Fund

Supporting doctors from around the world who are in financial need.

The award may contribute to:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation (if required)

Eligibility depends on:

• Financial need
• Eligibility for the course
• Available funds
• Prioritisation against other scholarship schemes

To complete your application, you will need to prepare:

• A copy or scan of the information page of your passport
• A copy of your medical degree and/or your professional registration
• For other health-care professionals: certificate of qualification or registration
• A personal statement outlining your background and motivation
• A completed Health Statement (download link)
• Emergency contact details

Professional Certification

This training leads to:

• International Certification as an Anthroposophic Physician (for doctors) 

• Diploma in Anthroposophic Medicine (for eligible health-care professionals)