Doctor explains government health mistakes during COVID crisis


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Dr. Scott Atlas recently discussed his controversial COVID-19 views and their vindication in a conversation with PragerU CEO Marissa Streit, addressing censorship, institutional failures, and the path forward for public health leadership.

During their discussion, Atlas reflected on the puzzling censorship of their previous interview, noting the suppression wasn’t just about differing opinions but actual scientific data. “It’s sort of fascinating that there was any censorship of it because all we talked about was the data,” Atlas said. “[It’s] a bit frightening to me that we’re living in a country that refuses to allow facts to be said. It’s worse than just refusing to let dissenting views be heard, because it’s actually suppression of fact. We can’t have a society that pretends that scientific data doesn’t exist.”

The former White House advisor revealed ongoing resistance to his vindicated positions, particularly at Stanford University, where the faculty senate maintained their censure of him despite his accurate assessment of mask ineffectiveness during respiratory viral infections. “There was an effort at Stanford by some rational people to get them to rescind that censure recently, and they voted that down.”

Atlas emphasized the critical need to inspire young professionals to champion truth despite opposition. The conversation highlighted the CDC’s problematic role during the pandemic, where the organization’s missteps led to widespread public distrust.

Discussing potential reforms under a future Trump administration, Atlas expressed cautious optimism about the appointments of Dr. Jay Bhattacharya to lead the NIH and Dr. Marty Makary for the FDA. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting the significant difference in public support between Trump’s first and potential second term.

Atlas praised Elon Musk’s contribution to free speech through Twitter (now X), calling him “the most important person in my lifetime for freedom.”

To rebuild public trust, Atlas proposed several institutional reforms, including enhanced transparency in health organizations and modifications to research funding processes. “We need to have some accountability for the funding,” he said. “This is an idea I have put forth — and I’ve heard Jay [Bhattacharya] also say — which is that we have 15-plus academic medical centers and universities that get over half a billion dollars per year in NIH funding. They need to ensure that they’re [allowing] free speech, free scientific debate. The essence of science and research is the scientific debate. And if they’re forwarding that with faculty censures, for instance, why would they be entitled to U.S. taxpayer money at the tune of $500-, $600-, $700 million a year every year?”

He also recommended implementing a five-year cooling-off period between government service and private sector roles in health-related companies, addressing what he views as unethical practices. “That’s unethical,” he said. “I’ve proposed a five-year delay from when you can work in government and then go work as an employee or on the board of the companies in the health sector.”

Atlas concluded by acknowledging the lengthy process ahead in restoring public confidence in health institutions. “We need to restore trust,” he concluded. “There’s no magic bullet to that, by the way, because it’s very damaged, and again, like I say, rightfully so.”

 

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