Why doctors don’t support ‘medical freedom’

February 2, 2022

Like many physicians, the writer of this commentary clearly believes the authorities—the CDC, Dr. Fauci and the NIH, the Wisconsin Medical Society, etc. She rightfully cites a big problem: Challenges to experts and authorities undermine trust. Yet neither the author nor her quoted allies ever mention the solution: Factual, rational and respectful discussion. Indeed, the go-to response of government, media and healthcare authorities has been censorship and coercion—exactly the wrong things to find the truth and promote trust.

She quotes the board chair of the Wisconsin Medical Society saying, “we have not heard concerns about regulatory board, health care entities or pharmacies stifling these appropriate physician-patient interactions.” Obviously they did not know what was said at the press conference before commenting on it. Rather than this “hear no evil” dismissal, we should expect some effort by our leaders to learn the facts. That, much more than coercion, might help to restore trust in them.