Unreliable reporting, lack of accountability, and potential bias in The New Yorker magazine.
In a recent article titled "The Struggle to Define Long Covid," published in The New Yorker, physician and writer Dhruv Khullar delves into the complexities of the long-term effects of the virus. However, the piece has sparked controversy and received criticism from various quarters.
Thomas, a prominent figure in the scientific community, has raised concerns about the article, pointing out several alleged omissions and inaccuracies. One of the main criticisms is that the article overlooks extensive medical research on the physiological issues long Covid patients experience, such as neurological damage, immunological dysfunction, and increased risk of kidney outcomes, among others.
Moreover, the article is accused of omitting the history of medical racism, sexism, and ableism in medicine, which could explain why patients distrust doctors and may accuse them of "gaslighting." This history is crucial in understanding the context of patient-doctor relationships, especially in the midst of a pandemic.
Thomas also alleges that the article concentrates on unsubstantiated statements about long Covid, ignoring well-researched aspects. For instance, the article overlooks the many aspects of long Covid that are supported by academic research, such as changes to the brain caused by the virus.
In addition, Thomas has raised concerns about the financial conflicts of interest of both Khullar and his source, oncologist Vinay Prasad, who have funding from Arnold Ventures, a private investment fund. Thomas has written to The New Yorker to address these issues, urging readers to contact the publication to express their concerns.
The article has also been criticised for its sensationalistic coverage of a patient's suicide, a violation of widely accepted journalism standards. Thomas recommends resources on responsible reporting of suicide, developed in collaboration with organizations including the CDC.
It's worth noting that The New Yorker article has been cited in academic and editorial projects aiming to depict the alienation and lack of empathy experienced by Long Covid patients. Khullar, who has published articles about health policy and science funding, often engages with issues of science funding cuts and their impact on public health research.
However, there are no explicit accusations or documented evidence in these results indicating that Khullar’s Long Covid article contains significant conflicts of interest or significant omissions regarding Long Covid. A full evaluation would require a review of the article and independent critiques.
In light of these controversies, it's important for readers to approach articles on Long Covid with a critical eye, seeking out multiple perspectives and a comprehensive understanding of the issue. Thomas's letter to The New Yorker, which includes the publication's email address for reader correspondence, can serve as a model for those who wish to voice their concerns.
- Thomas, an influential figure in the scientific community, has criticized a recent article in The New Yorker titled "The Struggle to Define Long Covid," highlighting several alleged omissions and inaccuracies about medical research on long-term COVID-19 effects.
- The article is accused of overlooking extensive research on the physiological issues long Covid patients experience, such as neurological damage, immunological dysfunction, and increased risk of kidney outcomes, among others.
- Thomas has also pointed out the article's alleged omission of the history of medical racism, sexism, and ableism in medicine, which could explain why patients distrust doctors and may accuse them of "gaslighting."
- In addition, Thomas has raised concerns about the financial conflicts of interest of the article's author, Dhruv Khullar, and his source, oncologist Vinay Prasad, who have funding from Arnold Ventures, a private investment fund.
- The article has faced criticism for its sensationalistic coverage of a patient's suicide, a violation of widely accepted journalism standards, and Thomas recommends resources on responsible reporting of suicide, developed with organizations including the CDC.
