Today on “The Dr. Oz Show,” the cardiothoracic surgeon, author and TV host addressed the recent scandal involving a letter sent by 10 “mysterious” doctors to Columbia University in an attempt to get Oz pulled as a faculty member, where he’s worked for almost 20 years.
The letter pointed to his “an egregious lack of integrity by promoting quack treatments and cures in the interest of personal financial gain,” and his “baseless and relentless opposition to the genetic engineering of food crops.”
Oz decided to “fight back” and “set the record straight,” as the shows intro boldly stated. Fighting back included analyzing the credibility of some of the letter’s authors, addressing the GMO movement, defending his position on alternative health practices and making a statement about First Amendment rights.
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He started the segment by stating that his primary goal is to allow everyone the option to understand and take care of their bodies, which comes from having access to information, different perspectives and diverse opinions.
“I’ve long believed that doctors should never fight their battles in public. But I now believe, I must,” he said.
He went on to deny claims that he promotes anything for financial gain or that he judges GMO foods. He does, though, support GMO labeling.
An investigative reported looked into some of the critics who authored the letter. For one, they reported that Dr. Henry Miller strongly promotes GMOs, that he was a key supporter of the tobacco industry and that his affiliation with the American Council on Science & Health (ACSH) is suspect. Reportedly the ACSH brings in money from tobacco companies and pesticide makers.
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ACSH Executive Director Dr. Gilbert Ross also signed the letter and, as they point out, is a convicted felon for his participation in a Medicaid fraud scheme. Jack Fisher and Glenn Swogger, Jr., who signed the letter as well, are also affiliated with ACSH. Scott Atlas, also signed, works with Henry Miller at the Hoover Institute, which takes money from GMO foods, the show pointed out.
Oz did the smart thing in the segment, I think, by sitting down and talking with other medical professionals to get an opinion about the analysis of these critics during the show (instead of spending the time responding directly). Dr. Joel Fuhrman defended Oz and went on to say that physicians acting this way is “anti-American” and “anti-freedom.”
Oz has been known to step outside of traditional Western medicine when discussing health and well-being on his show. Certain physicians disagree with that approach, but as Oz points out, some of the alternative practices he stands behind have been done for hundreds of years in other countries. Fuhrman points out that “all drugs are toxic” in theory, so it’s important to always look at lifestyle and natural remedies as a first line of defense.
The controversial weight-loss supplement issue seems to be pretty much behind him since his Senate hearing last year (though, it might still cast a shadow on his credibility). He points out that he hasn’t mentioned any of that in the last year, but he still takes responsibility.
In an exclusive piece for TIME published early this morning, Oz wrote: “I wish I could take back enthusiastic words I used to support these products years ago. And I understand the criticism I’ve received as a result.”
So this recent backlash must be centered around the GMO issue, he said. The issue was touched on on the show with a discussion of Arctic Apples, which are genetically modified to not turn brown when they are cut into. Oz show’s a clip from that segment, which included input from the apple creators, and provided a quote from them in order display the fact that his number one goal is to look at all sides of the story for his show.
At the end of the segment, Oz closed with this: “Public shaming and bullying is not how it should be done. I know I’ve irritated some potential allies in our quest to make America healthy. No matter our disagreements, freedom of speech is the most fundamental right we have as Americans. These 10 doctors are trying to silence that right. So I vow to you, right here, right now – we will not be silenced, we will not give in.”
While Oz has featured some bizarre and not scientifically-backed products and ideas on his show, this segment did highlight that he truly does have a commitment to make health and wellness information available to the public. Plus, even science-based products and practices can be faulty. Because he’s an MD, perhaps there is an assumption that he should stick to purely clinically reviewed information. Not only do a lot of Americans want to also know about alternative practices, honestly, it makes for more well-rounded and interesting TV (as long nothing featured could be actually harmful).
The detailed look at the letter’s authors was the most disturbing part of the segment, and I think it’s fair to say that their credibility and the legitimacy of the letter is pretty much shot. This will all probably die down now. They’ve both said their piece.
