Docs and junk science

["Pickett, Bruce D" <Bruce.Pickett@PSS.Boeing.com>]

The following editorial appeared today in the Seattle Times. It is
available online at this URL:

http://www.seattletimes.com/news/editorial/html98/junked_031998.html

Bruce Pickett
bruce.d.pickett@boeing.com

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Posted at 07:07 a.m. PST; Thursday, March 19, 1998 

Docs and junk science 

THE American Medical Association has a promising new antidote to the
junk-science virus plaguing our nation's courts: peer pressure. 

Under a new peer review system proposal being studied by the AMA,
doctors would hold their colleagues accountable for false, misleading
and high-priced testimony that promotes dubious scientific theories.
Just as research published in top medical journals is subjected to a
rigorous review process, so would expert witness testimony be held to
high standards. The details still need to be worked out, but the
professional organization is counting on local chapters to take an
active role in designing a smooth system of accountability. 

With the cooperation of county medical societies and state licensing
agencies, hired guns who engage in courtroom misinformation could be
sanctioned or lose their licenses. The goal is to curb the unscrupulous
conduct of a small number of medical professionals who stoke fear and
litigation by ignoring evidence and exaggerating chemical or
environmental risks. As AMA leaders note, it's not only the credibility
of the medical profession that suffers, but also the quality of patient
care. 

Safe products have been pulled from the market based on irresponsible
medical testimony; patients have been discouraged from using effective
treatments based on junk-science news reports; innovative biotechnology
and pharmaceutical firms have been stymied or bankrupted by unsound
litigation. 

Adopting a no-tolerance policy makes sense. Doctors should practice on
the stand what they practice in operating rooms and clinics: honest
medicine. The AMA plan deserves active support from this region's
medical professionals, hospitals, academic researchers and biotech
firms.