Recently, certain doctors have accused Dr. (Mehmet) Oz of “quackery.” Dr. Oz responded on his television show to the criticism. I did not need Dr. Oz’s television response to put the lie to the baseless attack on one of the world’s great heart surgeons. Dr. Oz repaired my mitral valve in a complex operation.
A friend of mine had the same operation done by another physician at a different hospital, and he died in the recovery room.
Dr. Oz is a compassionate, caring and gifted surgeon. He, and not some assistant, visited me every day during my hospital stay. He has continued to offer me helpful advice and guidance since my successful operation. The criticizing doctors raised alleged conflicts of interest by Dr. Oz. The only conflicts of interest involved in the Dr. Oz matter, however, are those of the criticizing doctors, several of whom have ties to a proindustry advocacy group that has supported genetically modified foods — a process questioned by Dr. Oz.
Dr. Oz correctly cited the freedom of speech cherished by all Americans and promised to continue offering his helpful medical guidance. That is good news for all who care about good health.
Robert R. Salman
Marlboro