‘If we mix cow urine with apple juice, the cow urine does not get better…’ : ‘The Liver Doc’

Q: How do you navigate the challenges of  being a vocal advocate for scientific medicine in a world with diverse healthcare  beliefs? 

A: Medical practitioners like me navigate the challenges of advocating for  scientific medicine by combining education, effective communication, and empathy – by doing medical science communication without remorse or regrets, in black-and white and with substantial evidence to back up that communication. Education in this  context is not just putting up information, but providing evidence to claims of harm or  ineffectiveness through directly discussing real patient stories and factual, substantive anecdotes.

I strive to promote evidence-based healthcare while  rationally disrupting healthcare “beliefs.” One may ‘believe in God,’ but we must ‘trust the Science.’ The aim is to improve public health, public’s perception of  beneficial healthcare and drive the public to embrace Science-based care rather than  belief-based treatments. 

Q: We see a constant stream of home remedies on social media, often leading people  to forgo professional medical advice. How can we empower individuals to  critically evaluate health information online? 

A: Empowering individuals to critically evaluate health information online is  crucial in an era where health misinformation spreads rapidly, unchecked and without  accountability. Various strategies can help people develop critical thinking skills and understand reliable information from unreliable sources – these include, verifying the credibility of the source, looking for evidence and cross-checking information with real experts in the field. Individuals must also be taught to access curated lists of trusted sources,  use credible fact-checking websites (e.g. for herbal & dietary  supplements evidence) and have open communication with their doctor(s). Additionally, individuals  must also be educated about common red flags in health misinformation, such as  promises of quick fixes, miracle cures, and sensationalist language and to be cautious  of personal stories and testimonials, which can be compelling but are not scientifically  reliable. 

Q. What role do medical professionals have in fostering responsible health  communication through social media and public outreach?

A: Medical professionals play a crucial role in fostering responsible health  communication through social media and public outreach by providing accurate,  evidence-based information, correcting misinformation without fear or prejudice, and  engaging with the public in a transparent and empathetic manner.

By building trust and promoting scientific literacy,  medical professionals can help the public make informed health decisions and counter the spread of misinformation. This is a hill that dedicated medical science  communicators such as myself are willing to die on.  

Q: Misinformation is not limited to social media. How can we address the spread of  myths and misconceptions within communities and families? 

A: To address the spread of myths and misconceptions within communities  and families, the first and foremost point is to be consistent in imparting scientific education and debunk health misinformation to improve critical thinking skills within the family. Among other things, school-based health education programs are also vital, as  they can equip young people with critical thinking skills to question misinformation. 

Q: What advice would you give to young medical students who might face pressure  to endorse unproven treatments? 

A: Young medical students who endorse unproven treatments must prioritize  scientific reasoning over cultural, religious, or traditional beliefs in medical practice.  Upholding the principles of evidence-based medicine is essential for ensuring patient  safety and maintaining the integrity of the healthcare profession. Medical students should rely on peer-reviewed research, clinical  trials, and established medical guidelines when recommending treatments. It is also  vital to engage in continuous education and stay updated on the latest scientific  advancements or listen to credible sources who provide such information.

Q: What are some key steps individuals can take to be proactive about their health  and make informed decisions when seeking treatment? 

A: Individuals should prioritize science and health literacy by educating  themselves on the basics of evidence-based medicine and understanding how to  evaluate medical information critically. It is essential to seek information from  credible healthcare sources, such as peer-reviewed medical journals; reputable, unprejudiced, straight-talking health organizations, and certified healthcare  professionals, rather than relying on anecdotal evidence or unverified claims – to  simplify, talk to your doctor, the real one. Furthermore, identifying and rejecting  pseudoscientific practices is crucial which involves being sceptical of treatments that  lack scientific validation and avoiding those that promise quick fixes or miracle cures.  Shutting out health advice from social media influencers and “armchair scientists”  who moonlight as podcast doctors is also vital, as these sources often disseminate  misinformation.

Q: You have spoken out against pseudoscience, but some view it as cultural heritage.  How can we strike a balance between respecting traditions and promoting  evidence-based healthcare? 

A: While cultural heritage and traditions hold significant value in many  societies, healthcare must prioritize empirical evidence and scientific rigor to ensure safety and efficacy. Promoting evidence-based healthcare involves fearlessly  challenging and disrupting dogmatic views on healthcare from cultural, traditional, and religious practices, which lack scientific validation.

Q: Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of evidence-based healthcare  communication and public education in India? 

A: The future of evidence-based healthcare communication and public  education in India appears bleak, as majority of people here remain deeply entrenched  in cultural, traditional, religious, and political beliefs rather than placing trust in sound  science and rationalism – when it comes to informed healthcare choices.

Current efforts are insufficient to combat the pervasive and  expanding influence of pseudoscience and dogmatic views that dominate public  discourse and it is exhausting…