Dr Michael DeBakey, the world famous heart surgeon who, according to the AP, "pioneered such now-common procedures as bypass surgery and invented a host of devices to help heart patients" died last week at age 99, was hailed by most as a pioneer for his 70 years of work and innovation. At the same time, Senator Charles Grassley has launched an investigation into what, according to a report by Gardiner Harris of the NYT, might possibly be unreported consulting fees of millions of dollars that DeBakey received over that same time span from various medical device companies as well as contributions from such companies to the Michael DeBakey Heart Institute.
According to a letter released by Senator Grassley's office: "I have it on good authority that money from device companies can corrupt research and actually turn devices and procedures such a bypass surgery ineffective. There are serious questions as to whether or not Dr. DeBakey's devices were actually needed and whether bypass surgery is truly safe and effective. Indeed, there are questions as to whether Dr. DeBakey actually existed at all..."
As with other Gardiner Harris articles, the article on Dr. DeBakey consists of:
1. A leaked letter from Senator Grassley's office that is quoted uncritically
2. Linked in ad hominem fashion to other "scandals" such as a device manufacturer giving hospitals grants which in no way are related to Dr. DeBakey but Harris wrote about and since he is too lazy to do real reporting he recycles the material
3. Quotes from critics who never met Dr. DeBakey but hate industry in general and are on Harris' speed dial.
Grassley's office has issued a subpoena to Dr. DeBakey requesting he provide information relating to "all fees received from all device companies during periods specified by this office." When reminded that Dr. DeBakey was deceased, Senator Grassley remarked: "That in itself is no excuse for evading the wrath and reach of my office. Does anyone know if DeBakey was actually a ministry?
According to a letter released by Senator Grassley's office: "I have it on good authority that money from device companies can corrupt research and actually turn devices and procedures such a bypass surgery ineffective. There are serious questions as to whether or not Dr. DeBakey's devices were actually needed and whether bypass surgery is truly safe and effective. Indeed, there are questions as to whether Dr. DeBakey actually existed at all..."
As with other Gardiner Harris articles, the article on Dr. DeBakey consists of:
1. A leaked letter from Senator Grassley's office that is quoted uncritically
2. Linked in ad hominem fashion to other "scandals" such as a device manufacturer giving hospitals grants which in no way are related to Dr. DeBakey but Harris wrote about and since he is too lazy to do real reporting he recycles the material
3. Quotes from critics who never met Dr. DeBakey but hate industry in general and are on Harris' speed dial.
Grassley's office has issued a subpoena to Dr. DeBakey requesting he provide information relating to "all fees received from all device companies during periods specified by this office." When reminded that Dr. DeBakey was deceased, Senator Grassley remarked: "That in itself is no excuse for evading the wrath and reach of my office. Does anyone know if DeBakey was actually a ministry?
