Recently I discussed a new AMA policy that was written by a group of medical students. You’ve heard plenty from me about why I think doctors should be active in ensuring medical information in the media is accurate. Now here are the thoughts of some of the other authors of this new policy.
Elizabeth Fracica, Mayo Medical School:
As a future physician, I have seen how rapidly the practice of medicine is changing due to the dramatic technological innovations we are experiencing as a society. While many young doctors are excited to use these new tools to enhance their practice, we must also ensure the core ethical values that support a trusting patient-physician relationship are not compromised in the process, as this is at the very core of our duty as a physician. I became involved in this resolution because I saw the need for us to come together as a united physician front. This policy is partially in response to Dr. Oz’s television show, but I believe this policy will also allow us to take an exciting step forward to address some of the broader questions raised by his show, and it will provide us with clear direction moving forward to ensure the needs of our patients truly come first.
Benjamin Meyer, University of South Dakota – Sanford School of Medicine:
As a medical student, I have heard stories from attending physicians involving patients who have been misled by physicians using mass media platforms to disseminate dubious medical advice. Given the high ethical standards to which physicians should be held, I am greatly dismayed by those in our profession who partake in such practices, possibly motivated by pursuit of fame or personal monetary gain. Going forward into the 21st century, physicians will no doubt continue to have abundant opportunities to use media platforms to disseminate medical advice. I feel it is timely for the AMA, as the voice of physicians, to take a strong and firm stand for evidence-based medicine and transparency.
Please continue to share your experiences with patients being misled by inaccurate medical information in the media. You can submit your story to stories@doctorsinoz.com.