RFK Jr., the Secretary for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), recently released a scientific report for “Making America Healthy Again (MAHA).”
As noted by independent sources and confirmed by the White House, the document contains nonexistent studies to support facts as well as crediting authors for studies they did not perform. Correct and complete referencing of studies supporting a report’s conclusions are the foundation of scientific research. It is the sole responsibility of a report’s authors to cite rigorous and reproducible studies supporting a report’s opinions and conclusions. Likewise, the organization’s head is responsible for reviewing a final version before it is presented to the public.
Reports without adequate referencing would be rejected by peer review and by the editors of credible scientific journals. The inclusion of so-called facts and conclusions in the MAHA report without substantiating references demonstrates the egregious incompetence and lack of review by Secretary RFK Jr.
This ineptitude could be due to sloppiness and/or previously formed opinions that are not scientifically supported. Alternatively, if there are no credible support studies, the mistakes might be intentional. Either scenario is unacceptable.
The secretary is formulating health care policy for Utahns and all U.S. citizens. The release of this report demonstrates the lack of experience and expertise, and the inability of the secretary to provide to the public verified and scientifically supported information. He has stated he wants National Institutes of Health researchers to publish only the best science; however, it is apparent that he is incapable of doing so.
There are no “second chances” when issuing such a high visibility report since the “updating” promised by the administration neither restores confidence nor eliminates the perception that pre-determined nonscientifically substantiated opinions are included.
This report in combination with the secretary’s many oral statements that are not scientifically supported, demonstrate the secretary has neither the qualifications nor the ability to lead this critical government agency and shepherd the health of American citizens.
Suzanne Ostrand-Rosenberg, Park City
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