by Brian Shilhavy
Health Impact News Editor Comments
Earlier this year Health Impact News reported how the British General Medical Council (GMC) erased Dr. Waney Squier’s name from the medical register, effectively removing her license to practice medicine and ending her medical career. See:
Shaken Baby Syndrome Expert and World Renowned Neuropathologist Banned from Practicing Medicine
Known as the UK’s leading scientist in the field of pediatric neuropathology and having worked as a consultant at the John Radcliffe Hospital for 32 years, Dr. Squier’s crime was that she found the medical diagnosis of “Shaken Baby Syndrome” (SBS) to be “rubbish” and without scientific merit.
The diagnosis of SBS has been used in many courts to convict innocent parents of abusing their children by shaking them, and many of these convictions are now being overturned in the United States. See:
University of Michigan Law School Awarded $250K to Learn How to Defend Shaken Baby Syndrome Cases
Dr. Squier’s Unprecedented Support by Colleagues and Peers
According to the BBC, over 350 doctors, scientists and lawyers questioning the decision to remove her medical license have written a letter of support to the British Medical Journal.
Her supporters believe it is unprecedented to have so many distinguished scientists writing to the BMJ in support of a struck-off doctor.
Signatories include Prof Peter Fleming, the doctor who cut cot deaths; Sir Iain Chalmers, the pioneer of evidence-based medicine; and Prof Liliane Boccon-Gibod, an internationally renowned paediatric pathologist. (Source.)
Other Doctors Skeptical of SBS Now Afraid to Testify
Dr. Squier is not the only British doctor who is skeptical of the science behind SBS, but after what happened to Dr. Squier, they are no longer testifying in SBS cases.
The three British pathologists who are openly critical of shaken baby syndrome no longer give evidence in court.
Pathologist Dr. Waney Squier can’t give evidence because she was struck off seven months ago after a General Medical Council (GMC) panel called her evidence “dishonest” and “deliberately misleading.” Her appeal against the decision begins on Monday.
Her two most high-profile fellow sceptics, Dr. Irene Scheimberg and Dr. Marta Cohen, also no longer give evidence in such cases in the criminal and family courts.
Asked why she doesn’t give evidence in shaken baby syndrome cases any more, Dr. Scheimberg told BBC Newsnight: “Because I’m afraid of the possible consequences.” (Source.)
Dr. Squier’s appeal to be put back on the register and be allowed to practice medicine again started this week.
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