GPs and junk science

Peter Gooderham

I was disappointed by the article by Mike Fitzpatrick, ‘GPs and junk science’.1 He crticises Dr Donegan, who gave expert evidence at the High Court and was criticised by the judge,2 and was also criticised subsequently by judges in the Court of Appeal.3

In fairness to Dr Donegan, it must be recognised, whether one agrees with her or not, that her evidence has been considered by the GMC and she has been exonerated.4

I also note that Dr Fitzpatrick makes controversial statements, with references in footnotes, but in two of five instances his references are in fact to his own work! I strongly believe that this detracts from the academic coherence of his article, and would recommend that he cite the original sources — presumably he has in fact done the research?

REFERENCES

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1. Fitzpatrick M
(2007) GPs and junk Science. Br J Gen Pract 57(543):757.
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A&DvB&E, 2003 EWHC 1376 (Fam) http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWHC/Fam/2003/1376.html (accessed 11 Oct 2007).
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Re B(a child) [2003] EWCA Civ 1148 http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2003/1148.html (accessed 11 Oct 2007).
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1. Dyer O
(2007) GMC clears GP accused of giving court ‘junk science’ on MMR vaccine. BMJ 335(7617):416–417.
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