What's really sad is that Oz, like Ben Carson, is by all accounts an excellent surgeon. I've long believed that doctors and engineers should stick to doctoring and engineering and stay the heck out of science and politics, which they consistently muck up.
I think sorcerers, witches, warlocks and shaman could stay the heck out of both medicine. In fact, they should stay clear of all science.
Contrary to woo-woo belief, magic is not technology.
If a doctor has skill in surgery but ignorance of biochemistry, then maybe he should continue to be a surgeon. Surgery depends on the skill of ones hands and eyes. However, this is a narrow skill.
A surgeon, even a good surgeon,, who doesn't understand the basics of chemistry should not claim any expertise. Such a surgeon is just a manual technician. Maybe an good automobile mechanic could replace him in an emergency.
Doctor Oz has been misrepresenting himself as an expert on scientific medicine. He basically has been using his license to pretend to represent actual scientific practice.
A auto mechanic can be very good in his field and still be conning people. In fact, I suspect that it is very common. If an auto mechanic claims that a person needs a new engine when the owner doesn't need one, then that is dishonest. If the mechanic replaces the defective engine with an even more defective engine, then he is even more dishonest.
If this 'good mechanic' lays his hands on the automobile and prays without doing anything, then I suggest the automobile owner shouldn't pay for his services. If the mechanic claims to have replaced the engine but really only chanted the repair mantra, then I suggest this could be the basis of a valid lawsuit.
Most mechanics who do this aren't caught. I conjecture this is common practice. I conjecture that the majority of mechanics who do this are actually quite knowledgeable about automobiles.
Mystic healers should stop incorporating scientific jargon into their sales pitch. Many of these mystic healers (MH) like to use scientific words when presenting their magic. They refer to 'electromagnetic fields' when referring to chakra. They talk about information when they talk about homeopathy. By doing so, they are claiming that their magical spells have some empirical basis with rational data analysis. Their MD degree gives them false credibility with regard to having a rational basis of their superstition.
A doctor should be able to recommend a 'folk medicine' on occasion. I know of several 'traditional remedies' that on occasion may be quite well. However, he should be required to specifically say that this is a traditional remedy with an as of yet undetermined mechanism. He shouldn't be allowed to recommend a tincture without any medication in it on the basis of these electromagnetic fields that no engineer can possibly detect. He shouldn't present myths that phonetically resemble scientific principle.
A surgeon so ignorant of chemistry that he believes homeopathic claims should not be allowed to prescribe medicine that comes after the surgery. I think that is really the issue.
Surgeons are generally not permitted to make the initial recommendation for surgery. Generally, other doctors recommend surgery. The surgeon often acts as a pair of hands and a pair of eyes. He does not have to be an expert on diet. If a person has surgery and given a homeopathic remedy, rather than an antibiotic, then that patient has a good reason to complain. Especially if he doesn't know what the difference is.
A 'chairman of surgery' should have a scientific background far beyond manual skill. The program has involves science beyond cutting flesh neatly. So I think firing him from the chair position is entirely appropriate. I am not sure about taking away his medical degree. However, it is alright by me if he is not allowed to do anything but surgery.
I personally would prefer another surgeon who has the ability to reason.
I guess that I am saying: bring back 'House' ! It was the best show on TV!
