Gary Fettke, who has promoted the high
fat low carb lifestyle for a long time is like many others, has been
ruthlessly attacked for doing this. Professor Tim Noakes was accusedof exactly the same thing, and the South African authorities dragged
him to court in order to silence him (not yet sure of the verdict).
Gary Fettke is an Australian orthopaedic surgeon who has suffered the same fate as Tim Noakes.
However, in Australia it seems you can be accused, tried and found
guilty without having any chance to defend yourself in person. This
is not a court of law, but the Australian Medical Board (AHPRA) who
can – as with the General Medical Council (GMC) – strike you off
being a doctor. Which for a doctor is a gigantic punishment.
Previously, Gary had been told that he
could not comment on any area of nutrition for advocating a reduction
in sugar intake (to what are now WHO guidelines). Of course, as with
all such cases the ‘authorities’ changed the goalposts from a
discussion on low carb high fat (LCHF) and turned the discussion into
something else.
Namely, that Gary Fettke, as an
orthopaedic surgeon should never give advice on dietary matters.
“The fundamental fact ‘is’ that you are not suitably
trained or educated as a medical practitioner to be providing advice
or recommendations on this topic as a medical practitioner.”
This of course allows the AHPRA to
silence him, without discussion any of the science, and no chance of
any appeal. So, his suspension about discussing any matters of diet
has now been turned into a lifelong ban. Please read Gary’s e-mail:
(This was sent to Dr. Malcolm Kendrick)
Hi everyone,
It is with frustration that I write
to inform you that I have been ‘silenced’, forever, by the
Australian Medical Board, known as AHPRA.
We have a draconian system here in
Australia where anonymous notifications can go in and they
are investigated for public safety. The accused can only submit
material but never have right of reply. It is a star chamber.
I recently got to present that
‘opinion’ of the process and the fabricated evidence at a Senate
Inquiry. My evidence on the failings of AHPRA was granted
parliamentary privilege which allowed a tell all opportunity. Within
a few hours, I received an email final determination of the 2 ½ year
investigation. Coincidence or just another kick in the guts?
My verbal submission and the whole
issue of bullying and harassment in the hospital system is linked
from
http://www.nofructose.com/introduction/senate-inquiry-into-medical-complaints-process-in-australia/
My first notification in 2014 was
from an anonymous dietitian for me advocating cutting back sugar
intake to what is now the WHO recommendations. Behind closed doors,
with no right of reply or appeal, the goal posts shifted and I was
investigated for the whole LCHF concept, for being disrespectful to
health professionals (the Dietitians Association of Australia and the
Heart Foundation, but never an individual) on social media and for
failing to disclose a conflict of interest (COI) in our Nutrition for
Life Centre, whilst on social media.
The good news is that AHPRA have
decided NOT to argue the LCHF concept. I submitted enough material
for a thesis and they have accepted that LCHF may be that the
benefits of the LCHF lifestyle become the accepted best medical
practice.
The central issue for my silencing
has been that my primary medical degree and my further qualifications
as an Orthopaedic Surgeon are not satisfactory to give nutritional
advice. “The fundamental fact ‘is’ that you are not suitably
trained or educated as a medical practitioner to be providing advice
or recommendations on this topic as a medical practitioner.”
If it wasn’t so serious it would
be farcical. This decision is non-appealable under National Law. The
determination is life long and by its wording, does not allow me to
even do research in the area or gain further qualification because
that would involve me communicating in the area of nutrition. The
only thing I have not clarified is if it affects international
boundaries.
We have put up the post this
morning re the AHPRA decision and the launch of our community fund to
keep the LCHF message going
The web page is
and the Facebook one is off Belinda
Fettke No Fructose
The other parts of the AHPRA
decision I can live with.
I will not force anyone to eat
LCHF, not that I ever did or ever could.
I will show respect to the medical
profession (doesn’t stop me from thinking otherwise).
The COI allegation is unproven as I
do declare my vested interest for all patients that I send to
Nutrition for Life. I admit guilt for not doing that in social media
but the doctor/patient relationship is not defined in that context. I
pointed out to AHPRA that they shouldn’t be applying jurisdiction
in an area that is undefined. That went down like a lead balloon.
I also pointed out that AHPRA don’t
govern nutritional advice in Australia. Another lead balloon.
I had a recent notification, again
from an anonymous dietitian, and have been investigated for
‘inappropriate’ reversal of someone’s Type 2 Diabetes and was
also reported for what I was ‘about to say’ at a hospital food
national conference. AHPRA actually asked me for a copy of my speech
BEFORE I gave the talk. I refused as it was an infringement of the
right of free speech.
AHPRA have just this week decided
to close that investigation but have warned me that they will be
observing me to see if a ‘pattern of behaviour’ continues,
presumably in relation to reversing more patients’ diabetes.
I hear rumours that I have
‘attacked’ health professionals at a personal level – that is
simply unfounded and I think started by some naysayers. Alas, I am
having some sh!t thrown at me at times. If you hear something, then
let me know please.
If this sounds like a horror story,
it is. I honestly thought that this would just fade away but strange
things do happen when you upset the ‘industry’. Just see what’s
happening with Tim Noakes. The only thing in Tim’s favour is that
it has gone to court. Mine is a closed process with no right of
appeal, unless I can continue to have politicians assist.
My next step is to challenge the
process via more closed groups and that will be years of tying me up.
I am going the public awareness path as the finding lacks the
common-sense conclusion. We are liaising with some media channels and
politicians. It’s all we can do.
Any support would be appreciated.
Happy to liaise. Feel free to forward this email as it is.
Cheers.
Gary
Gary Fettke
Orthopaedic Surgeon
M.B.,B.S.(University NSW), F.R.A.C.S.(Orthopaedic Surgery), F.A.Orth.A.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
M.B.,B.S.(University NSW), F.R.A.C.S.(Orthopaedic Surgery), F.A.Orth.A.
Science evolves by being challenged.
Not by being followed. @thegaryscience
If you think this is all completely
ridiculous, then please circulate widely, and make as much noise as
possible.
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