There is no defense for this. No explanation can excuse this. The Florida study is fraudulent. It is scientific misconduct of the highest order. There must be accountability. The Florida Medical Board, UF and ABIM simply have to address this.
Unfortunately this isn't the only time the public has been defrauded during the pandemic. There are other examples of fake science including “experts” with falsified credentials who have defrauded the nation.
These are not victimless transgressions. People believe these fake experts and their fake science. Republicans especially believed this and they paid with their lives. Multiple studies prove conclusively that vaccination rates plummeted among viewers of FOX News (largely Republicans) and excess numbers of them died as a result. Well done studies estimate 300,000 to 400,000 Americans died unnecessarily due to refusal to be vaccinated. Those are the victims. They believed doctors with fraudulent resumes and fraudulent studies. This must not go unpunished.
Finally, this analysis demonstrates exactly why one needs training in critical appraisal to be able to read and interpret studies. Without that formal training, no one, no matter how smart you are, will be able to dissect a study to this degree.
I am certain vitriolic personal attacks will follow in the comments. Please bring them on so other readers can see the psychopathology of antivaxxers on full display.
Dr. Jetelina does remarkable work. She deserves recognition as a public servant.
Steve Kirsch is NOT a credible source for anything outside of his area of expertise.
Speaking of scientific misconduct, this is how science works now: if your results are too good, NEJM will automatically reject your paper without any valid reason: https://stevekirsch.substack.com/p/if-your-results-are-too-good-nejm