Stephen Barrett, M.D. (born 1933), is a retired American physician who resides in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He is a 1957 graduate of the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons. Barrett is known as an author and editor, who describes himself as a consumer advocate. He is the founder of numerous controversial websites dedicated to exposing what he considers "quackery and health fraud" (including Quackwatch, Chirobase, Dental Watch, Homeowatch, Internet Health Pilot, MLM Watch, Naturowatch, and Nutriwatch).
In addition to his websites, Barrett is a founder, vice-president and a board member of the National Council Against Health Fraud, an advisor to the American Council on Science and Health, and a Fellow of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (CSICOP).
Barrett edits the Consumer Health Digest (a weekly electronic newsletter) and is medical editor of Prometheus Books. His 47 books include The Health Robbers: A Close Look at Quackery in America and five editions of the college textbook Consumer Health: A Guide to Intelligent Decisions.
Platform for activism
The Quackwatch website is his main platform, run by himself and individuals he has designated as scientific and technical advisors, and "numerous" volunteers, all at "minimal expense."[1][2]
Barrett broadly defines "quackery" as "anything involving overpromotion in the field of health," and he believes the word "fraud" should be "reserved only for situations in which deliberate deception is involved." [3][4]
Using these definitions, he has written about quackery and fraud within the fields of acupuncture, algae-based therapies, alternative and complementary medicine, applied kinesiology, ayurvedic medicine, yeast allergies, chelation therapy, Chinese herbal medicine, chiropractic, colloidal silver and minerals, amalgam removal within dentistry, craniosacral therapy, detoxification therapies, DHEA, dietary supplements, ear candling, ergogenic aids, faith healing, genetic diagnoses, glucosamine, growth hormones, hair analysis, herbal medicine, homeopathy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, iridology, juicing, magnet therapy, nutritional therapy for emotional problems, metabolic therapy, organic food, osteopathy, pneumatic trabeculoplasty, reflexology, and many others.
He also maintains lists of individuals, organizations, and websites which he considers to be "questionable" and therefore "does not recommend."
Recognition and awards
Barrett's work has received numerous awards, including the Best physician-authored site, MD NetGuide, May 2003.
He has also been named as one of the outstanding skeptics of the 20th century by Skeptical Inquirer Magazine.
In 1984, he received an FDA Commissioner's Special Citation Award for Public Service in fighting nutrition quackery. In 1986, he was awarded honorary membership in the American Dietetic Association. From 1987 through 1989, he taught health education at Pennsylvania State University.
Criticism
He is often accused of being against all forms of "alternative medicine," so he addresses these accusations on his website:[5][6][7]
Barrett is the subject of much criticism from alternative medicine advocates, and has been involved in numerous lawsuits - usually as the plaintiff - in attempts to stop the actions of those whom he believes have libelled him. [8][9][10][11]
A prominent critic is Tim Bolen of Quackpot Watch. He is very critical of Barrett and other outspoken skeptics whom he calls "quackpots" and "quackbuster conspirators." Barrett does not like the term "quackbuster" because it can suggest militancy, and he never refers to himself as a "quackbuster."
External links
- Advocacy
- Critical
