A Skeptic In Oz - Alternative Medicine Debate

[troutman]

http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=12199

I must say I was a bit shocked two weeks ago when I was contacted by a producer for The Dr. Oz Show inviting me on to discuss alternative medicine. We have been quite critical of Dr. Mehmet Oz over his promotion of dubious medical treatments and practitioners, and I wondered if they were aware of the extent of our criticism (they were, it turns out).

Despite the many cautions I received from friends and colleagues (along with support as well) – I am always willing to engage those with whom I disagree. I knew it was a risk going into a forum completely controlled by someone who does not appear to look kindly upon my point of view, but a risk worth taking. I could only hope I was given the opportunity to make my case (and that it would survive the editing process).


Here’s the online video of Dr. Novella’s appearance on The Dr. Oz Show:

1. Controversial Medicine: Alternative Health, Part 1
2. Controversial Medicine: Alternative Health, Part 2
3. Controversial Medicine: Alternative Health, Part 3

Dr. Novella's appearance is discussed at length here on the SGTU podcast:The Skeptics' Guide to the Universe
Podcast #302 - Apr 27 2011

http://www.theskepticsguide.org/sgu....terPodcastId=1

[Yasa]

In part 3, when talking about acupuncture; it seemed as though Oz was flustered with Novella's response. I enjoy the subtle jabs at Novella and other "skeptics," as if they're the danger to medicine. Even the title is an attempt at villainizing these doctors. "Why your doctor is afraid of alternative health," I don't think any doctors are "afraid" of it.

Novella stood his ground though, good for him. I probably would have lost it. Thanks for the videos.

[Hack&Lube]

Doctor Oz and Doctor Phil should just get together and make their own show and have a pseudo-science/pseudo-psychiatry quack fest.

It's too bad Oz took over Conan and Letterman's old studio. There's a lot of history in that place.

[troutman]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

Doctor Oz and Doctor Phil should just get together and make their own show and have a pseudo-science/pseudo-psychiatry quack fest.

It's too bad Oz took over Conan and Letterman's old studio. There's a lot of history in that place.

Oprah's Harpo Empire has become the platform for all kinds of woo.

[NuclearFart]

Yeah, I've never understood the "doctor being afraid of alternative medicine", its not as though there is any shortage of business. The concern has always been for the safety of the patient's health, and to a lesser extent, protecting a patients wallet from the snake oil salesmen.

[Cain]

The crazy ideas that people willingly embrace is astounding.

I don't customize my health care personally because I don't understand my body nearly as well as someone who has studied and specialized in this field (ie. my doctor) just like I don't customize my car engine because I'm pretty sure I would do more harm than help to it.

That three segment show really bothered me. Makes me pretty angry when people in "positions of authority" seem to be quite flaky and offer potentially harmful advice to people who are eager to listen. If you are depended on by people for advice which can help or harm their lives I would hope that you go the route of the most dependable information (actual science based medicine) instead of going with a gut feel and turning to "alternative medicine."

[LGA]

To quote Tim Minchin...

“By definition”, I begin
“Alternative Medicine”, I continue
“Has either not been proved to work,
Or been proved not to work.
You know what they call “alternative medicine”
That’s been proved to work?
Medicine.”

[rubecube]

I happened to be at a symposium on Saturday where the subject of alternative medicine was brought up in relation to the treatment of IBD. The consensus of the doctors was that if it works for you then great, but it they would never recommend it as a treatment. The placebo effect works because so many people believe that it can't possibly apply to them.