All posts by Scott Gavura

Scott Gavura, BScPhm, MBA, RPh is committed to improving the way medications are used, and examining the profession of pharmacy through the lens of science-based medicine. He has a professional interest is improving the cost-effective use of drugs at the population level. Scott holds a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy degree, and a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Toronto, and has completed a Accredited Canadian Hospital Pharmacy Residency Program. His professional background includes pharmacy work in both community and hospital settings. He is a registered pharmacist in Ontario, Canada. Scott has no conflicts of interest to disclose. Disclaimer: All views expressed by Scott are his personal views alone, and do not represent the opinions of any current or former employers, or any organizations that he may be affiliated with. All information is provided for discussion purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for consultation with a licensed and accredited health professional.

The Medical Medium’s Thyroid Pseudoscience

Anthony William calls himself a "Medical Medium". He has no medical expertise, but he provides medical advice based on claimed communication with the spirit world. What could possibly go wrong?

/ May 4, 2017

Overtreating the thyroid

For decades there's been debate about whether thyroid medication is necessary for a mild form of thyroid dysfunction. A new trial helps answer that question.

/ April 20, 2017

Ignorance is Strength?

Findings from a recent consultation suggest that consumers don't want health claims to be supported by evidence. Do consumers really prefer ignorance over evidence? Or is this the product of a industry campaign to derail new, science-based regulations?

/ April 6, 2017

The floor is yours

Open thread for topic suggestions, and anything else SBM-related.

/ March 23, 2017

Anti-Vaccine Chiropractors Threaten Public Health

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC)'s investigation of Manitoba chiropractors reveals widespread antivaccine sentiment. These statement are at odds with medical facts, and critics are questioning why chiropractic remains publicly funded.

/ March 23, 2017

Melatonin: What’s on the label isn’t in the bottle

Melatonin is taken by millions each year. But does it work? Is it safe? And can you trust the label?

/ March 9, 2017

Bring on the Evidence: A new regulatory approach to CAM

Complementary and alternative medicine is popular, but it's poorly regulated, and most products lack good evidence of efficacy. A new approach proposed in Australia may help consumers make more informed, science-based health decisions.

/ February 23, 2017

Do anti-inflammatory drugs effectively treat spinal pain?

While anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used to treat back pain, a new review suggests that they may not provide meaningful benefits to most people.

/ February 9, 2017

How accurately do physicians estimate risk and benefit?

A new study suggests that physicians tend to overestimate the benefits of treatments, tests, and screening tests, while also underestimating harms.

/ January 26, 2017
https://www.flickr.com/photos/euromagic/2351628831/

Peanut Allergy Prevention Advice Does a 180

New guidelines suggest that preventing peanut allergies may be as simple as giving peanut-containing food, beginning in infancy. How did old guidelines, which recommended avoidance, get it so wrong?

/ January 12, 2017