by Frances Fuller
When I first started to work with Dr. Abram Hoffer in 1977, I was not even aware of who he was. I took the job because the office was close to my home and my daughter's school, and because I was interested in field of psychiatry. Within days of starting my job I realized he was THE Dr. Hoffer, whose lecture I had attended some years before, and I was delighted. The fact that he was "controversial" was not a deterrent. In fact, I was impressed by his conviction - and that of his patients - that they were getting better, despite the naysayers of the medical profession. He was not afraid to go against the herd. He told me many times he was in medicine to help patients become well, not to be popular with his colleagues. Help patients recover he did, and almost every one of them loved and respected him. He gave them hope and a sense of their own value by his thoughtful treatment of them; he restored their dignity, something of which many had been deprived.
Working with Dr. Hoffer was incredibly interesting and inspiring. We saw patients with diagnoses of all types: ADHD, cancer, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, and many other forms of physical and mental illness. Over the years, my role in the office changed. I became the office manager and became more directly involved with patients, including answering questions about their treatment when Dr. Hoffer wasn't available to speak with them. Dr. Hoffer was also a prolific writer; I typed his papers and book manuscripts, gaining knowledge all the while.
Finally in 2005, at the age of 88, he retired from the practice of medicine. Shortly thereafter, in 2006, we started our new business together, the Orthomolecular Vitamin Information Centre. From that moment on, my "apprenticeship" began in earnest. We interviewed clients together, assessing nutritional imbalances, educating them about the ways that improved nutrition and nutrients might help them build and maintain wellness, and therefore allow the body to normalize itself. We saw clients from Canada, the U.S., and from as far away as Australia, England, India, Singapore, and Hong Kong. I continue to maintain friendly contact with them.
In 2006, a patient Abram had originally seen for brain cancer in 2002 came back as a client. Prior to seeing Dr. Hoffer, he had received surgery and other standard treatments with poor response; his prognosis was poor and he was depressed. On Abram's recommendation, he improved his diet and started on a vitamin program. He came back because he was moving to another country with his wife and children, and he wanted to thank Dr. Hoffer for saving his life. His cancer had not recurred. He told us that what had helped him the most was when Abram had walked him to the door at the end of the first appointment, put his hand on his shoulder and told him, "I think you're going to be okay." In other words, he had given him hope, something his oncologists did not impart. This man continues to follow the program and remains well. We last communicated in July 2009.
Every year, especially around Christmas, we would receive emails, cards and letters from grateful clients and former patients, telling us how well they are doing. Yesterday I received a card from the mother of a schizophrenic client which read, "I am forever grateful for what you and Dr. Hoffer have done for my son. He is well and recently married the love of his life. Thank you for your wisdom and leading my son to health and wellness. Also, giving me, my life back."
Although Dr. Hoffer died in May 2009, he wanted me to carry on our business, which I will continue to do as long as there is demand for it. He always told me I knew more about orthomolecular nutrition and the use of vitamins than almost any doctor in Canada, and I was honoured he placed such faith in me. Dr. Hoffer can never be replaced, but I am privileged to do my utmost to carry on the work he started, educating and giving hope to clients who consult with me.
For more information please call me in Victoria at 250-386-8756, via email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or through the website at www.orthomolecularvitamincentre.com
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