The value of a scientific publication goes beyond this simple benefit, of all relevant information appearing, unambiguously, in one place. It's also a way to communicate your ideas to your scientific peers, and invite them to express an informed view. Ben Goldacre appearbenefitcommunicate share on social
Alternative therapists don't kill many people, but they do make a great teaching tool for the basics of evidence-based medicine, because their efforts to distort science are so extreme. Ben Goldacre alternativebasebasic Change image and share on social
There are many differences between medicine and teaching, but they have much in common. Both involve craft and personal expertise, learned through experience; but both can be informed by the experience of others. Ben Goldacre commoncraftdifference share on social
Doctors and patients need as much data as possible to make an informed decision about what treatment is best. Ben Goldacre datumdecisiondoctor Change image and share on social
I agree, the world would be a better place if doctors were less enthusiastic about adopting very new drugs. Ben Goldacre adoptagreedoctor Change image and share on social
In an ideal world, you might imagine that scientific papers were only cited by academics on the basis of their content. This might be true. But lots of other stuff can have an influence. Ben Goldacre academicbasiscite Change image and share on social
When you prescribe a new drug, often you are prescribing something that has only been tested in a few thousand people for a very short period of time, perhaps only six months, and that's not long enough to know whether there are any medium- or long-term side effects. Ben Goldacre drugeffectlong share on social
Science has authority, not because of white coats, or titles, but because of precision and transparency: you explain your theory, set out your evidence, and reference the studies that support your case. Ben Goldacre authoritycasecoat share on social
There is this peculiar blind spot in the culture of academic medicine around whether withholding trial results is research misconduct. People who work in any industry can reinforce each others' ideas about what is okay. Ben Goldacre academicblindculture share on social
More academics should blog, post videos, post audio, post lectures, offer articles and more. You'll enjoy it: I've had threats and blackmail, abuse, smears and formal complaints with forged documentation. Ben Goldacre abuseacademicarticle share on social
