Charles Ornstein

Veterans Affairs Official Downplays Agent Orange Risks, Questions Critics

At a meeting in March, a lead analyst in the VA’s compensation service was critical of the media, scientists and the VA’s own administrative tribunal for taking positions that differ from his. The VA said his comments “did not fully or accurately reflect VA’s position” but also said his quotes were being taken out of context.

Charles Ornstein
By Charles Ornstein
U.S. Army spraying Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

Pro Publica -- A key federal official who helps adjudicate claims by veterans who say they were exposed to Agent Orange has downplayed the risks of the chemical herbicide and questioned the findings of scientists, journalists and even a federal administrative tribunal that conflict with his views. Jim Sampsel, a lead analyst within the

Read Full Article

Trump’s Not the Only One Blocking Constituents on Twitter

As elected officials increasingly turn to social media to communicate with constituents, some are blocking those who disagree with them. Some say it violates the First Amendment. Legislators say it’s about promoting a “healthy, civil dialogue.” Expect court battles ahead.

Charles Ornstein
By Charles Ornstein
President Donald Trump's Twitter feed. Twitter users say Trump is violating the First Amendment by blocking people from his feed after they posted scornful comments. (AP/J. David Ake)

As President Donald Trump faces criticism for blocking users on his Twitter account, people across the country say they, too, have been cut off by elected officials at all levels of government after voicing dissent on social media. In Arizona, a disabled Army veteran grew so angry when her congressman blocked her and others from posting

Read Full Article

Despite Judge’s Order, A Cleveland Clinic Doctor Still Can’t Come Back To U.S.

A federal judge’s order has allowed many people with visas to come to the U.S. But Dr. Suha Abushamma isn’t one of them. She was forced to give up her visa. And now she’s suing.

Charles Ornstein
By Charles Ornstein
Suha Abushamma (CREDIT: Facebook)

(REPORT) --- Joyous homecomings and family reunions broke out at airports across the country after a federal judge in Washington state blocked the implementation of President Donald Trump's order barring visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries. But Dr. Suha Abushamma, a Cleveland Clinic medical resident, is still abroad and it's not

Read Full Article

Drug Distributors Penalized For Turning Blind Eye In Opioid Epidemic

The middlemen between drug companies and pharmacies have been hit recently with fines for their role in not calling out suspicious transactions. “They’re like the quarterback. They distribute the ball,” a former DEA supervisor said.

Charles Ornstein
By Charles Ornstein
OxyContin pills are arranged for a photo at a pharmacy in Montpelier, Vt. on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2013.

(REPORT) --- As the toll of the opioid epidemic grows, scores of doctors have lost their licenses and some have gone to prison. Pharmacies are being sued and shuttered. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are under investigation and face new rules from regulators. But penalties against companies that serve as middlemen between drug companies and

Read Full Article

Big Pharma’s Influence Reaches Guideline Writers, Patient Groups, Even Doctors On Twitter

A series of studies published today documents the vast conflicts of interest in medicine. The way we think about disease “is being subtly distorted” by financial ties, the authors of an editorial write.

Charles Ornstein
By Charles Ornstein
A new investigation revealed that the FDA is using a variety of tactics to sway public opinion of certain products (AP Photo).

(REPORT) --- The long arm of the pharmaceutical industry continues to pervade practically every area of medicine, reaching those who write guidelines that shape doctors' practices, patient advocacy organizations, letter writers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and even oncologists on Twitter, according to a series of papers on

Read Full Article

The Nation’s Opioid Epidemic Is Morphing — And Growing

Heroin and, increasingly, fentanyl have overtaken narcotic painkillers as the drugs of choice for addicts — presenting new challenges for law enforcement and health professionals.

Charles Ornstein
By Charles Ornstein
Heroin and fentany seized in a drug raid in the Asylum Hill neighborhood in Hartford, Conn. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016.

The nation’s opioid epidemic shows no signs of abating—and in fact may be headed in a far more dangerous direction. That’s the conclusion of journalist David Armstrong, who has been chronicling the scourge this year for STAT, a new health and medicine website. Armstrong has written about how heroin and, increasingly, fentanyl have overtaken

Read Full Article