All posts by Clay Jones

Clay Jones, M.D. is a pediatrician and a regular contributor to the Science-Based Medicine blog. He primarily cares for healthy newborns and hospitalized children, and devotes his full time to educating pediatric residents and medical students. Dr. Jones first became aware of and interested in the incursion of pseudoscience into his chosen profession while completing his pediatric residency at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital a decade ago. He has since focused his efforts on teaching the application of critical thinking and scientific skepticism to the practice of pediatric medicine. Dr. Jones has no conflicts of interest to disclose and no ties to the pharmaceutical industry. He can be found on Twitter as @SBMPediatrics and is the co-host of The Prism Podcast with fellow SBM contributor Grant Ritchey. The comments expressed by Dr. Jones are his own and do not represent the views or opinions of Newton-Wellesley Hospital or its administration.

Pertussis Vaccine During Pregnancy Protects Vulnerable Newborns

Getting a dose of pertussis vaccine during every pregnancy is a strategy that has prevented severe disease in thousands of young infants over the past decade, and saved hundreds of sweet little baby lives. The evidence is clear, but not everyone who is eligible is receiving the recommended dose.

/ March 3, 2023

Vibrating Pills for Constipation: Safe and Effective or Bowel-Shaking Earthquakes of Doubt and Remorse*

A vibrating pill designed to treat chronic constipation is now available by prescription. It will likely help some people, and it's safe, but it isn't a game changer.

/ February 17, 2023

There is really nothing super about Antibiotic Resistant Gonorrhea

Reports out of Massachusetts are raising concerns of a highly resistant strain of gonorrhea being seen for the first time in the United States. Are we close to living in a reality where there are no more effective treatments for this nasty, and potentially deadly, infection?

/ February 3, 2023

Miscellany of Medical Malarkey Part 6

The Ohio measles outbreak is (hopefully) winding down. Vaccine rates among American Kindergartners are dropping. A new cure for sickle cell disease might not reach everyone who needs it. All that, and acupuncture for deadly infections? It appears that the miscellany of medical malarkey has returned again once more!

/ January 20, 2023

Science-Based Satire: A New Fad Diet Has Farmers and Doctors Baffled

Are people crawling around farms eating directly from the plants or using their mouths to dig up root vegetables in order to better absorb the life sustaining essence of their food? No, and frankly I'm surprised at you for even considering the possibility. This is satire. But there are a lot of people out there partaking in some rather silly diet fads.

/ January 6, 2023

More COVID More Measles?

There are a number of potential problems children are facing that are related to the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, not the least of which is a rise in vaccine hesitancy and even anti-vaccine belief.

/ December 23, 2022

The Washington Post Takes on Baby Chiropractic

A recent Washington Post article takes on baby chiropractic and...it isn't terrible! In fact, I've seen many that are a lot worse. Still, sadly, there is an unfortunate and undeserved false balance that should have been cut from the first draft.

/ December 9, 2022

The 2022-2023 Respiratory Virus Season Hits Early and Hard: Part 2

What is RSV and why is it so bad this season? I discuss this and a promising new vaccine candidate.

/ November 25, 2022

The 2022-2023 Respiratory Virus Season Hits Early and Hard: Part 1

RSV, and a few of it's buddies, are back with a vengeance this year and hitting young children earlier and harder than during typical respiratory virus seasons.

/ November 11, 2022

A Popular Home Remedy Causes Severe Burns in Pediatric Patients

Garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years, but the evidence for benefit isn't great. And topical use, particularly in young children, can cause severe burns. Stick to using garlic as a recipe ingredient rather than as a remedy.

/ October 28, 2022