Famed television host Mehmet Oz, or “Dr. Oz,” devoted his Thursday program to attacking a group of doctors who have questioned his ethics.
“I know I’ve irritated some potential allies in my quest for health,” the television host and surgeon said. “These 10 doctors are trying to silence that. We will not be silenced. We will not give in.”
Last week, the physicians charged Oz with giving health advice that could benefit him financially in a letter asking Columbia University to remove him from its faculty. But Oz tried to turn the tables by pointing to some of their industry ties during his hour-long program.
“I believe doctors should never fight each other in public, but now I believe I must,” Oz told his audience. “These 10 doctors got what they intended — sensational headlines and soundbites.”
Oz also defended his support for requiring manufacturers to indicate on food labels whether they’re genetically modified, insisting he doesn’t claim they’re necessarily harmful, but thinks Americans should get to decide for themselves.
The physicians had accused Oz — who has touted “miracle” cures and weight-loss supplements — of “promoting quick treatments and cures in the interest of financial gain.”
“Dr. Oz has repeatedly shown disdain for science and for evidence-based medicine, as well as baseless and relentless opposition to the genetic engineering of food crops,” they wrote last week.
