This week I had the privilege of sitting down for a chat with Dr. Rodney Ford. Dr. Ford is a paediatrician, gastroenterologist, and allergist who has been in clinical practice for over 35 years. A native of New Zealand, Dr. Ford has published numerous books on food allergy and gluten related health issues. His new book is entitled, “Gluten ZERO Global”. I’m excited to announce that our interview with Dr. Ford will be available as part of Cooking2Thrive’s interview series. Watch for more information as we approach the full launch of our website January 2013!
This wasn’t the first time I’d met Dr. Ford, but it was the first time we sat down for a conversation. I came away from our time together feeling a huge sense of appreciation for his courage to listen to the mothers of his patients and give their observations enough credence to begin to explore options that expand the boundaries of current medical protocol.
I was clear that in spite of his love for the edginess of the rock-and-roll music of the band Pink Floyd, his call to revolution regarding the elimination of gluten from everyone’s diet is not motivated by a rebellious nature as much as by true concern for improving the health of his patients. Dr. Ford recognizes that his unique combination of specialties has presented him with an opportunity to see the relationship between several pieces of the gluten puzzle that would not be available to him if he were only a gastroenterologist, only a pediatrician, or only an allergist.
What I find rare is that he recognized the learning opportunity presented by his unique point of view early in his career and had both the courage and fortitude to continually share what he was learning in his practice while being faced with opposition from the larger medical community. No matter how counter to the mainstream it has run, Dr. Ford has remained committed to his message. That is the mark of a true pioneer.
It seems only fitting that scientific studies have begun to show that Dr. Ford’s observations are supported by the data. It must feel like some sort of reward when new voices are continually added to the chorus extolling the dangers of gluten to our brains, nerves, and bellies.
As a patient, I am grateful to Dr. Ford for pushing the envelope and for being dedicated to disseminating the message that a Gluten-ZERO lifestyle is healthy. As a person, I feel inspired by Dr. Ford’s willingness to embrace his opportunity to contribute to the betterment of the world. Thank you Dr. Ford!
To learn more, please visit the website: drrodneyford.com, and make sure to check out our interview with Dr. Ford as soon as it becomes available.
