The doctors' dilemma. (Comments).Why was Dr. David Healy fired by the University of Toronto Research at the University of Toronto has been responsible for the world's first electronic heart pacemaker, artificial larynx, single-lung transplant, nerve transplant, artificial pancreas, chemical laser, G-suit, the first practical electron microscope, the first cloning of T-cells, and the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health after they made a joint offer of a position as a clinical professor? This question has not been answered by the statement of settlement between Dr. Healy and the two institutions. The distinguished psychiatrist from Wales Wales, Welsh Cymru, western peninsula and political division (principality) of Great Britain (1991 pop. 2,798,200), 8,016 sq mi (20,761 sq km), west of England; politically united with England since 1536. The capital is Cardiff. was vetted by a selection committee then had the offer withdrawn a few days after delivering a lecture in Toronto in November, 2001. Healy's address contained sharp criticism of the way in which anti-depressant drugs are tested and prescribed. (He is not opposed to the use of these drugs but wants them subject to more rigorous controls.) In his speech, he accused pharmaceutical companies of attempting to censor censor (sĕn`sər), title of two magistrates of ancient Rome (from c.443 B.C. to the time of Domitian). They took the census (by which they assessed taxation, voting, and military service) and supervised public behavior. , rewrite re·write v. re·wrote , re·writ·ten , re·writ·ing, re·writes v.tr. 1. To write again, especially in a different or improved form; revise. 2. , ghostwrite ghost·write v. ghost·wrote , ghost·writ·ten , ghost·writ·ing, ghost·writes v.intr. To work as a ghostwriter. v.tr. To write (a speech, for example) as a ghostwriter. , and/or suppress, negative research reports. Initially, Healy claimed his offer was withdrawn because of the influence of the pharmaceutical industry. (Eli Lilly Eli Lilly can refer to:
In the statement of settlement, Dr. Healy accepted the explanation that no drug manufacturer had anything to do with the withdrawal of the offer. So where did the problem arise? As we understand it, most of the Centre staff and faculty members who conduct clinical research in psychiatric drugs disagreed strongly with his approach. His appointment threatened to cause dissension among his colleagues, if it were allowed to stand. Who is right and who is wrong on the psychiatric drug issue? We certainly don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. , but we believe the reaction of the University and the Centre is unfortunate for research and for clinical practice. Scientific endeavor, we have been led to believe, is advanced by skepticism and by challenges to prevailing ideas. Healy would have played such a role in Toronto. As part of the settlement, he is now limited to a visiting professorship of one week per year for the next three years. Dr. David Healy or someone like him, has a role to play at these institutions. We suggest that they fill the position with someone who can articulate the challenges needed to maintain the good name of a scientific institution, and advance the cause of research and practice. |
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