Medically Trained Influencers Spread Harmful Health Misinformation Despite Training

Medical professionals who deliberately spread health misinformation represent a dangerous betrayal of public trust that can have devastating consequences. While most healthcare providers adhere to evidence-based practices, a concerning number have leveraged their credentials to promote unproven or dangerous health advice, particularly during times of crisis.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, several medically trained professionals capitalized on public fear and uncertainty. Dr. Simone Gold, a trained physician, founded America’s Frontline Doctors, an organization that actively campaigned against lockdowns, masks, and vaccine mandates while promoting unproven treatments like ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine.

The organization operated a lucrative business model, offering expensive telemedicine appointments where patients could obtain prescriptions for these controversial medications through their associated pharmacy. This profiteering may have contributed to real harm – in Oregon alone, five people were hospitalized after taking ivermectin based on such recommendations, with two requiring intensive care.

A comprehensive study identified 1,777 cases of harm associated with ivermectin use for COVID-19 between May 2020 and December 2021. In what some might view as poetic justice, Gold was later sentenced to 60 days in prison for participating in the January 6th Capitol riot.

The problem extends far beyond individual cases. Research published in JAMA Network Open identified 52 medical professionals who spread disinformation during the pandemic. The study authors noted that approximately one-third of the more than 1.1 million COVID-related deaths in the US (as of January 2023) were potentially preventable if public health recommendations had been followed.

Dr. Joseph Mercola, an osteopathic physician, represents another concerning case. Named as the top spreader in the “Disinformation Dozen” by the Center for Countering Digital Hate, Mercola promoted dangerous COVID-19 treatments, including hydrogen peroxide (essentially bleach) as a respiratory treatment.

Mercola’s troubling history predates the pandemic. In 2016, the Federal Trade Commission took action against him for marketing indoor tanning systems with false claims. Despite being a medical professional who should understand the well-documented link between tanning beds and increased skin cancer risk, Mercola’s advertising claimed, “Research proves that indoor tanning systems do not increase the risk of melanoma skin cancer” – a statement directly contradicting scientific evidence.

His advertisements also falsely claimed FDA endorsement and manufactured endorsements from the Vitamin D Council, which he had paid for. While Mercola was forced to pay millions in settlements and cease selling tanning beds, his website continues to attract tens of millions of monthly visitors, allowing his influence to persist.

More recently, the current measles outbreak in the United States has spawned a secondary health crisis. In Texas, medical professionals are reporting a surge in pediatric patients requiring treatment for both measles and vitamin A toxicity. This coincides with prominent anti-vaccine advocate Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s public calls for the CDC to promote vitamin A use for measles.

While vitamin A can reduce mortality in children with severe measles who are already deficient (uncommon in the US), there is no evidence it prevents measles infection. However, as a fat-soluble vitamin, excess vitamin A accumulates in the body, potentially causing headaches, vision problems, bone pain, liver damage and other serious symptoms.

The pattern is clear: medically trained individuals using their credentials to spread misinformation can cause direct physical harm to vulnerable populations. They also damage public trust in legitimate medical professionals and institutions, making it increasingly difficult for people to distinguish between evidence-based recommendations and harmful misinformation.

For consumers navigating this complex information landscape, maintaining healthy skepticism is crucial. When evaluating health claims – even from those with medical credentials – consider whether the individual is selling products related to their advice, if they reject scientific consensus without compelling evidence, and whether their claims seem too good to be true. Most importantly, consult with trusted healthcare providers before making significant health decisions based on information encountered online.