Not all doctors are created equalWe all know that a US shock tabloid is running with a story involving Steve Jobs' health and his possible ongoing treatment (no, we're not linking it). Plenty of news outlets have quoted chunks of this story verbatim, including the grim assessments of several physicians who base their comments and presumptive outcomes on pictures of Steve printed in this paper.
We're not going to comment on the 'substance' of the story except to say that we hope everyone will give Steve and his family the privacy we all would want for ourselves or our loved ones while dealing with health issues.
However, it's worth considering the doctors quoted in this matter. An oncologist contacted by a British paper was circumspect about Jobs' prognosis -- he only reiterated the obvious, that if Jobs is photographed leaving a treatment center it is reasonable to assume he may be receiving treatment (although of course it could be a follow-up visit).
The two physicians quoted in the source story, however, don't really follow a model of prudent restraint -- both deliver stark forecasts for Steve's outcomes. The Next Web did take the trouble to search for one of these doctors, and it turns out he's not an oncologist at all; he's a pulmonologist, which means he specializes in breathing, not in diagnosing cancer patients from telephoto pictures.
TNW didn't include a search for the other doctor quoted, but it didn't take long to discover that he's specialized in sports medicine and pediatrics (although his real specialty appears to be advanced self-promotion, judging by his website and his nutrition-focused radio show). Again, not an oncologist, and not someone with intimate knowledge of Steve's condition.
Whenever you see medical commentary and diagnoses based on photos showing up in these circumstances, it's worthwhile to consider what sort of doctor would seek out this sort of publicity -- and what value they place on their learned medical judgement versus the thrill of seeing their names in print.
If you would like to help support the dedicated work of actual oncologists, researchers, nursing professionals and others focused on the treatment of cancer and related diseases, please consider contributing $10 or more to the American Cancer Society via the 'Source' link below. You can also donate blood or platelets (vital to cancer patients) or volunteer at a local hospital.
Update: Speaking of the ACS, Forbes checked in with their chief medical officer. Otis Brawley says that it is "impossible to make an expectation of someone's life expectancy" based on their photograph or a video clip.Not all doctors are created equal originally appeared on TUAW on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Source | Permalink | Email this | Comments
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