Medical board refuses challenge by Sen. Johnson to scientific dialogue
The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) refused a challenge by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) to join him in a public forum with physicians and medical scientists whose approach to COVID-19 differs from the mainstream. The challenge came after the ABIM notified Dr. Peter McCullough, the world’s most published cardiologist, that he is facing disciplinary action for "spreading misinformation”.
“In America, different perspectives and diversity of opinions are protected under our Constitution and in a time of crisis, encouraged,” said Sen. Johnson in a June 15th letter to ABIM President and CEO Dr. Richard Baron. He referenced a forum he hosted in January called “Second Opinion” in which medical experts from across the spectrum could “publicly offer their opinions organized around the ‘four pillars of pandemic response’ as originally published by Dr. McCullough.”
Sen. Johnson also invited representatives from federal health agencies and vaccine manufacturers to join in a dialogue with Dr. McCollough and other likeminded scientists, as well as a November 2021 event which featured vaccine victims.
“Unfortunately, the federal health agencies, public health experts and vaccine manufacturers did not accept my invitation to either event,” wrote Sen. Johnson. “Rather than engage in a public dialogue in which information and perspectives can be openly exchanged and debated, the individuals and organizations responsible for our pandemic response continue to attack and discredit those with a different perspective by using the vague pejorative of ‘spreading misinformation’.”
Sen. Johnson then issued the challenge:
“It is well last [sic] time for the public to hear from many sides regarding COVID-19 in a public forum. The purpose of this letter is to invite you, members of your Credentials and Certification Committee, and any other medical expert of your choosing to come to Washington and engage in an open and honest interchange regarding all aspects of COVID-19, without the threat of reprisal by the ABIM or any other organization. I request your participation in a public forum on one of the following dates: July 26, July 27, July 29, August 2 or August 3.”
“Dr. McCullough will be given the same opportunity to name a panel of experts to represent diverse evidence-based viewpoints,” the senator concluded. “I sincerely hope you will respond positively to this invitation so that we can agree on and schedule a date for this important discussion.”
But Baron declined, saying “it is in the spirit of fairness and confidentiality that I must decline your invitation for a public meeting, as I would for any that I would receive related to specific concerns about any physician certified by ABIM.”
While Dr. McCullough has waived privacy, according to Steve Kirsch, the ABIM is insisting on keeping the hearings behind closed doors without observation.
“Public discussion would, at this point, undermine the confidential process that is afforded to all ABIM certified physicians,” Baron concluded.
