If you think fake news is bad for politics, you should try being a physician

Much of the discussion surrounding the presidential election this year focused on fake news.  There were countless stories in newspapers and on television news shows about these obviously biased and fictitious posts that might have affected the outcome of the election. I could not help thinking during this campaign season that if you think fake news is bad for politics, you should try being a physician. As physicians, we are on the front line in the fight against fake news and deal with the fall out on a regular basis.  This is nothing new, especially for primary care doctors like family physicians, internists, and pediatricians who have to deal with volumes of fake news within the limited amount of time they actually have with a patient. Physicians are always trying disprove fake news with patients.  We talk about the limited benefits of numerous vitamin supplements in the face of countless publications and marketing efforts that do not have to be evaluated by the FDA.  Red yeast rice is not equivalent to statins for preventing heart disease.  Gingko biloba will not treat dementia, no matter how organic or pure it is, no matter how many people write about its effectiveness. A website recently touted the 25 beneficial uses of apple cider vinegar.  This list included treatments for acne, bad breath, underarm and foot odor, to kill bacteria causing a sore throat, prevent diabetes, lower cholesterol, improve digestion and remove warts.  But wait there’s more! Apple cid...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Medications Primary care Source Type: blogs