President's Message

Junk Science — We Should Be Concerned Mike F. Mass, M.D., President

In the late 1800's a system of thought was refined that led to the tremendous advances in research and technology that continues through the present This system, as we all know, is called the scientific method. It requires a logical system of experimentation in an unbiased way before we can accept theories as fact. Experiments ranged from very basic genetic trials of Mendel to the elegant array of formulae that led to the proof of Einstein's theory of relativity. It is with pride that we as physicians lay claim to this heritage and, as such, add the title of scientist to that of healer. It is generally accepted that whenever possible clinicians will use treatments that have been "proven" following the scientific method.

There have always been theories that remain enticing, yet unproven. When advanced solely for the purpose of personal gain, they have justifiably been called quackery. In recent years, however, it seems that relatively small groups have been able to mask theory as fact, to the detriment of us all. The major forum for this new junk science has been the courtroom where until recently it seemed that virtually everyone with a graduate degree could have his opinions accepted as legal fact. In his book, Galileo's Revenge, author Peter Huber states, "The pursuit of truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth has given way to reams of meaningless data, fearful speculation and fantastic conjecture. Courts resound with elaborate, systemized jargon-filled, serious sounding deceptions that fully deserve the contemptuous label used by trial lawyers themselves: "junk science."

We as physicians are all too familiar with this in malpractice litigation, but I believe the danger to our country really lies in product liability and the continued misperception of "facts" presented by various litigants or "public interest groups." Sometimes their claims seem ludicrous, but even those may be believed by a large segment of the public when they are continuously repeated in the tabloids. These actions unfortunately lead to new products being withdrawn or not even developed. In a more ominous way, they even affect the direction of vital public policy.

A dinner conversation the other night actually proved to be the origin of this editorial. Our subject was the notion that public misperceptions guide policy even when they run counter to established scientific proof, or even common sense (which isn't so common these days). The case in point that evening was the use of radiation to sterilize foods. Somehow the public has been persuaded that this would result in radioactive or chemically distorted carcinogenic foods. The preservation of food has always been a major problem for civilizations, and remains a public health issue with which we should be concerned. Yet, in spite of both experimental and practical proofs of its safety, food processors are afraid to use this technology for fear of public rejection. Thus, we have been denied a major technological advance in our increasingly complex and fragile food distribution system due to the vociferous comments of a few "experts." It is disappointing that the scientific community has not done more to counter these impressions.

I attended a lecture last week dealing with what we generally call "alternative" methods of pain control. I was gratified to hear that real efforts are being made to understand the scientific basis for their effectiveness, and that controlled studies are being done. We as physicians will have the continued tension between the science and the art of medicine. Our patients deserve both from us, and we must learn to balance them in an intellectually honest manner.

March, 1998/ Jacksonville Medicine

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