It cuts both ways
There has been much press about the formal retraction issued by the Lancet (British Medical Journal) in recent days. It is regarding their famous publication that drew into question the link between the MMR vaccine and Autism. It has now been retracted, much to the joy of the medical community.
“..incumbent on us all in science, in journals and in the media to be very certain of the strength of a study before rushing to publish, and to be aware of the potential effects.” http://bit.ly/av4OnU
I agree with the above statement made by Dr. Elliman, a pro-vaccine doctor. We need very stringent and long established studies to be conducted before ANY type of treatment is performed. (Or a formalized, signed consent where the patient accepts the risks and acknowledges the novelty of the treatment.)
However, his statement should be applied to the medical field as well, not just the “alternative care” model. What are the long standing implications of vaccinations, prescription drugs, spinal fusions? Key word here is LONG STANDING. I’m not talking about 3 months and 6 months. What about 5 years? 10? 40? Do we really know? No, we don’t.
Are we “very certain of the strength of a study”? On the same day I read that statement, I found two other articles on Google Health News:
1) Seventeen Canadians became sick after receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine. http://bit.ly/9J26YS
2) FDA Liver Risk Warning for Bristol-Myers HIV Drug. http://bit.ly/drSTyU
We need to ask ourselves what the actions we take today will do to/for us in the future. This applies not only to medicine, but to diet, exercise, relationships… life in general. Do any of us take the time to really think things through before taking action?
