Yesterday s issue of the New York Times Magazine featured a paean to Dr. Mehmet Oz of "Oprah" fame for the enthusiasm with which he weighs in on various medical topics, often far afield from his specialty as a cardiothoracic surgeon.
You d think he was a God-like figure based on this article, says Dr. Whelan. There s nothing critical of him whatsoever. However, we at ACSH know the other side of the story. For example, he defied all the medical authorities who advocated getting the H1N1 vaccine, and he said he would not get his children vaccinated.
Dr. Ross agrees: Dr. Oz also sells a lot of products that allegedly promote good health. People around the country adore him, and he has basically been given the mantle of America s doctor by Oprah. He is, by all accounts, an excellent cardiothoracic surgeon, so frankly I don t know where he gets time for all of his other pursuits. Specifically, his repeated endorsements of the supposedly life-extending substance resveratrol -- some would say over-eager recommendations -- are based on absolutely no human science relevant to health or longevity. Further, his warnings about endocrine disruptors in the water supply, and his disapproval of the CDC vaccination schedule are enough to drive home the point that he should not be trusted unless he is in the operating room removing hearts and lungs.
