Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Dr. Oz Fires Back After Other Doctors Call for His Ouster From Columbia Med School
Dr. Mehmet Oz says last week's attack by 10 doctors who accused him of promoting "quack treatments" on his TV show was spurred by his vocal support for labeling genetically modified foods 鈥 a stance he says some if not all of those accusers oppose. (Moore, 4/24)
Dr. Mehmet Oz, the embattled medical-advice peddler and cardiothoracic surgeon, devoted numerous segments of his popular, eponymous show on Thursday to blast his critics as "mysterious doctors" with "conflict-of-interest" and "integrity" issues. His response included a carefully produced broadside against the 10 doctors who last week called for his ouster from Columbia University's medical school. (Izadi, 4/23)
During an episode of his syndicated daytime talk program, 鈥淭he Dr. Oz Show,鈥 that was broadcast on Thursday, Dr. Oz said his critics were attacking his freedom of speech. 鈥淚 vow to you right here and right now, we will not be silenced,鈥 he said. Dr. Oz, who is the vice chairman of Columbia鈥檚 surgery department, also defended the advice he shares on his show. 鈥淢y life鈥檚 work has been built around one simple message: You have a right and a responsibility to become a world expert on your own body,鈥 he said during the show, which was taped Tuesday. 鈥淎nd the way you do that is by having access to the best, most current information; multiple points of view; and diverse opinions.鈥 (Ember, 4/23)
Dr. Mehmet Oz's rebuttal to his critics aired on local stations across the country Thursday, part of a public relations blitz that includes an essay in Time magazine and an interview on NBC's "Today" show. (Stetzer, 4/23)