Posted by etcical_line on May 6, 2004, at 20:56:09
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040505/msgs/344054.html
This point is well taken. In the past Dr. Rod was asked to either provide proof he was a doctor & indicate what kind of doctor he is or don't use Dr in his posting name.
As to the issue of "chemist", there are several issues here:
1) Chemists are not trained in the medical arts. It is unethical & unprofessional for them to offer medical advice in a professional capasity. Professionals do tend to know their limits and tend not to step over them.
2) Professionals, in the past, have identified themselves as such. There have been several persons here who did post as medical professionals and where up front about their profession and also were very clear about the limits of their posting here. (information vs. doctor/patientrelationship. This is not a consultation, ect) Otherwise this is a huge violation of medical and science professional ethics.
3) It may not be clear if "chemist" is posting in a professional capacity. However, he/she has directed "ace" to papers this person claims they wrote, off list, while for unknown reasons choose not to allow other posters to review these papers. This, to me, raises some flags. Clearly something is causing many posters to ask "chemist" for advice. "Chemist" is telling people what meds to take. Any reasonable person would infer that posters are seeing this person as an expert in something.
4) Somewhat a separate issue, but I think it is unfortunate few posters understand a chemist is unqualified to treat mental illness. There is a huge gulf between biochemistry and a pdoc treating mental illness with meds. Chemists do not see or treat patients.
5) No one is catching errors in what "chemist" posting, Effexor is not long acting. This is key to understanding it's safe use in patients & key to the well reported problems many have. Misunderstanding it's length of action one could assume no taper is needed.
6) Persons here are often quite desperate for help which leads to a lack of critical thinking. It is reasonable to expect the moderator to know this.
7) Therefore, persons should not have screen namesthat suggest professional qualifications in the medical and mental health areas unless they can provide some proof to the moderator. There is also always the option to pick a neutral name and not claim professional status if someone cannot/does not want to provide supporting credentials.In the end, it is up to the poster to error check and weigh the neuroscience of what someone posts. While the moderator cannot legislate who to trust or not, the moderator has an ethical responsibility in this case to require some proof of professional status.
This is not a limit of expression but a request to clarify if this is a lay person or a professional discussing biochemistry.
poster:etcical_line
thread:344158
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20040307/msgs/344158.html