518. Lawyer, Physician, Anti-Vaxxer, Jan 6th “Rioter” | Dr. Simone Gold
In this episode of The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, Peterson interviews Dr. Simone Gold, a physician and lawyer with a unique perspective on the Covid-19 pandemic. She voices her criticisms of the medical community's response, including efforts to suppress information on hydroxychloroquine as a potential treatment and what she sees as threats to medical freedom.
Dr. Gold recounts her activism against vaccine mandates, which she believes infringe on parental rights. She also discusses her involvement in the events of January 6th, where she intended to give a speech on medical freedom but was arrested and sentenced for trespassing. The episode provides insight into Dr. Gold's experiences and views regarding Covid-related policies and the justice system.
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1-Page Summary
Dr. Simone Gold's Physician and Lawyer Credentials
Dr. Simone Gold has a unique background as both a physician and lawyer. Peterson notes that she finished high school at 16, college in 3 years, and medical school by 23, making her the youngest medical graduate in America at the time. After her medical internship, Gold attended Stanford Law School, describing it as her most intellectually interesting years where she honed critical legal analysis skills lacking in her medical training's rote memorization.
Dr. Gold's Covid-19 Response Criticisms
Dr. Gold was devastated by her medical peers' lack of curiosity and rigor during the Covid-19 pandemic. She researched the virus extensively but found physicians uninterested in investigating emerging treatments like [restricted term]. Gold cited its proven efficacy against similar coronaviruses and safety record, criticizing the medical community's sudden opposition after Trump endorsed it as unscientific, succumbing to political pressures.
[restricted term] Controversies and Medical Freedom
Dr. Gold witnessed efforts to suppress information on [restricted term] as a Covid treatment, including pharmacists blocking prescriptions. Flawed [restricted term] studies were published then retracted, but the damage to its reputation persisted. Gold linked this suppression to threats against medical freedom, opposing vaccine mandates for children which she viewed as infringing parental rights. She accused health authorities of abandoning public health principles during the pandemic.
Dr. Gold's Activism, Including January 6th
After being fired for her views, Gold formed "America's Frontline Doctors" to aid censored physicians. She spoke publicly on medical freedom and Covid policies, attracting donors to fund lawsuits challenging mandates. Though intending a medical freedom speech on January 6th, Gold was arrested after being swept into the Capitol. Despite pleading guilty to trespassing, she received a 60-day sentence she felt was harsh. Gold continues fighting for medical civil liberties through her nonprofit, driven by her perception of justice system bias evidenced by her Stanford-tied judge.
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Clarifications
- [restricted term], a drug used for malaria and autoimmune diseases, gained attention during the Covid-19 pandemic as a potential treatment. Controversies arose due to conflicting studies on its effectiveness against the virus. Some early studies suggested benefits, but later research and health authorities raised concerns about its efficacy and potential side effects, leading to a polarized debate within the medical community. The controversy surrounding [restricted term] highlighted the challenges of rapidly assessing and disseminating scientific information during a public health crisis.
Counterarguments
- Dr. Gold's rapid educational progression is impressive, but it does not necessarily equate to expertise in virology or epidemiology, which are critical in understanding and responding to a pandemic.
- While Dr. Gold's legal background may enhance her analytical skills, legal training does not replace the specialized knowledge required for public health policy and medical treatment decisions.
- A lack of curiosity and rigor among medical peers is a serious accusation; however, it could also be interpreted that the medical community was exercising caution and relying on established scientific processes to evaluate treatments.
- The endorsement of [restricted term] by Dr. Gold was controversial, and many health experts and studies have not supported its use as a Covid-19 treatment due to insufficient evidence of its efficacy and potential safety concerns.
- The suppression of information claims could be countered by the argument that regulatory bodies were acting to prevent the spread of potentially harmful misinformation and to protect public health based on the best available evidence at the time.
- Vaccine mandates are a complex issue, and while they may raise concerns about parental rights, they are often implemented to protect public health, especially during a pandemic.
- The formation of "America's Frontline Doctors" could be seen as a positive initiative for advocacy, but the organization has faced criticism for spreading misinformation about the pandemic.
- Dr. Gold's involvement in the January 6th event and subsequent arrest, regardless of her intentions, raises questions about the appropriateness of her actions and the consequences of participating in such events.
- The perception of a harsh sentence and justice system bias is subjective, and without more context, it is difficult to assess the fairness of the legal outcome.
- Continuing to fight for medical civil liberties is commendable, but it is important to ensure that advocacy efforts are grounded in scientifically sound principles and do not contribute to public health risks.
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Dr. Simone Gold's Physician and Lawyer Credentials
Dr. Simone Gold's unique background as both a physician and a lawyer demonstrates a rare combination of expertise in the realms of medicine and legal policy.
Dr. Gold Began Medical School At 19, Graduating By 23
Dr. Gold, High School at 16, College in 3 Years, Youngest Medical School Graduate
Simone Gold finished high school at the age of 16 and completed her undergraduate degree in three years. She began medical school at the remarkably young age of 19 and graduated by age 23. Peterson acknowledges Gold as a standout, stating she attended the University of Chicago Medical School early and was considered the youngest person in America to graduate from medical school at that time.
Dr. Gold Gained Legal Expertise With a Law Degree From Stanford
Dr. Gold Pursued a Law Degree At Stanford After Her Medical Internship
Gold's intellectual journey did not end with medicine. Following her one-year medical internship in Virginia, she pursued her interest in health policy and attended law school at Stanford, noted by Peterson as small and competitive. Simone Gold describes her time at Stanford Law School as the most intellectually interesting years of her life, where she not only learned about legal analysis and the Lyndon Johnson Medicare Act but supported herself by moonlighting as a doctor.
Law's Analytical Thinking vs. Medical School's Memorization
Gold offers insights into the different intellectual processes required for medicine and law. She suggests that medical school involved a significant amount of memorization, likening it to a grade school approach focused on learning specific material and approved questions. Conversely, she portrays law school as an environment fostering critical thinking, where students assess various perspectives and opinions, such as contrasting views of Supreme Court justices.
Simone Gold feels that th ...
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Dr. Simone Gold's Physician and Lawyer Credentials
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Actionables
- You can enhance your critical thinking by enrolling in a short online course on legal reasoning. By learning the basics of legal analysis, you'll be able to apply these skills to evaluate arguments and evidence in your daily life, much like a lawyer would. For example, you might take a course that teaches you how to dissect court cases, which will train you to look for the underlying principles and question the evidence presented.
- Start a habit of reading medical journals and practicing critical appraisal of the studies. This will help you distinguish between robust and flawed research, similar to the skills a physician would need. Begin with accessible medical literature and use resources like checklists from evidence-based medicine websites to assess the validity and relevance of the studies you read.
- Creat ...
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Dr. Gold's Covid-19 Response Criticisms
Dr. Simone Gold expresses severe criticism toward the medical community's approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting her peers' lack of curiosity, the controversial status of [restricted term], and the overall response tactics that diverged from established medical practices.
Dr. Gold Was Dismayed by Her Peers' Lack of Curiosity and Rigor During Covid-19 Pandemic
Dr. Simone Gold expressed devastation upon discovering that her peers were not curious about researching diseases and emergencies, particularly with the emergence of a new disease like COVID-19. She contrasts her proactive approach to the pandemic, marked by excitement and extensive research on the virus, against the apparent incuriosity of her peers. Gold criticizes physicians for expressing bizarre behaviors, such as advising patients to receive the new Covid-19 vaccines without the usual caution that doctors would typically uphold.
Dr. Gold Was Shocked to Find Many Physicians Did Not Fully Investigate or Discuss Emerging Covid-19 Research and Treatments
This lack of curiosity was not unique to the COVID-19 pandemic for Gold. Reflecting on her experiences during the Ebola training in 2014, she was already dismayed at her peers' responses to public health emergencies, particularly how decision-makers acted either incompetently or compromised identified protective measures. This earlier criticism suggests an ongoing concern about the medical community's ability to question and investigate emergent health crises thoroughly.
Dr. Gold Advocated [restricted term] As a Safe Covid-19 Treatment Based On Evidence
Dr. Gold discusses the safety of [restricted term] and its efficacy against similar coronaviruses.
Dr. Gold Cited [restricted term]'s Proven Efficacy Against Similar Coronaviruses to Justify Its Potential Against Covid-19
Dr. Gold cites early studies that demonstrated [restricted term]'s effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2. She mentions that SARS-CoV-2 is 78% identical to SARS-1, against which [restricted term] was effective. Based on this similarity, she found it unsurprising that studies available as early as February 2020 showed [restricted term] could stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus in its tracks.
Additionally, she referenced the wor ...
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Dr. Gold's Covid-19 Response Criticisms
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Counterarguments
- The medical community's approach to the pandemic was based on rapidly evolving evidence, and caution may have been a response to the uncertainty and potential risks associated with new treatments.
- Physicians may have been following established protocols and guidelines, which are designed to ensure patient safety, rather than a lack of curiosity.
- The efficacy of [restricted term] for COVID-19 has been widely debated, and subsequent large-scale studies and clinical trials did not support its use as an effective treatment for COVID-19.
- The genetic similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV-1 does not guarantee that treatments effective against one will work for the other, as evidenced by the complex nature of virus-host interactions and drug efficacy.
- Th ...
Actionables
- You can foster your own curiosity by starting a journal to track and analyze different viewpoints on health-related news. For instance, when you come across an article or study, write down the key points, and then actively search for alternative perspectives or follow-up studies. This habit encourages you to see the bigger picture and not just accept information at face value.
- Develop critical thinking skills by enrolling in a free online course that focuses on scientific literacy and understanding medical research. By doing so, you'll be better equipped to assess the validity of various treatments and health claims you encounter, much like evaluating the evidence for [restricted term]'s efficacy.
- Create a discussion group with friends or online community member ...
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Hydroxychloroquine Controversies and Medical Freedom Issues For Covid-19
Dr. Simone Gold raises significant concerns regarding the suppression of information about [restricted term]'s potential as a COVID-19 treatment and discusses broader themes pertaining to medical freedom and autonomy.
Dr. Gold Saw Efforts to Suppress Info on [restricted term] as a Covid-19 Treatment
Dr. Gold witnessed the suppression of [restricted term] information firsthand, observing a dramatic shift in perception towards the drug, alluding to something external influencing this change. Despite its longstanding safety profile, the media narrative suddenly framed [restricted term] as unsafe after it was mentioned by Donald Trump, implying political influences.
Studies on [restricted term]'s effectiveness in treating COVID-19 were halted globally following a retraction of a flawed study published in The Lancet. The retraction was prompted by independent researchers and organizations, including America's Frontline Doctors, who questioned the study's feasibility and authenticity. Despite the retraction, the study had an irreversible negative impact on [restricted term]'s reputation and use in clinical studies.
Pharmacists Restricted From Fulfilling [restricted term] Prescriptions
Legally, pharmacists in the United States are only authorized to dispense medications and clarify dosage errors without interfering with a doctor's prescription. However, Gold claims that pharmacists were blocking [restricted term] prescriptions, receiving a "red box alert" at chain pharmacies like CVS to check the drug's safety. Such restrictions symbolize a broader issue of suppression surrounding the medication.
Flawed Studies on [restricted term] Were Published and Retracted
The initial publication of an article in The Lancet proclaiming [restricted term] unsafe and ineffective for COVID-19 made international headlines. This study's retraction due to unverifiable data did not garner the same attention, and the damage to [restricted term]'s reputation persisted.
Dr. Gold expressed concerns about the truthfulness of medical journals, citing former New England Journal of Medicine editor Marcia Angell who had written a book about journals not telling the truth.
Suppression of [restricted term] Threatens Medical Freedom and Autonomy
Dr. Gold linked her concerns about [restricted term]'s suppression with issues of medical freedom, suggesting that vaccine mandates could extend beyond COVID-19 and potentially lead to a social credit score system.
Covid-19 Vaccine Mandates For Children Viewed by Dr. Gold As Infringing On Parental Rights and Bodily Autonomy
Gold opposed mandates, particularly for childhood vaccinations, viewing them as infringements on rights and autonomy. She labeled the idea of vaccinating children against COVID-19 as horrific, arguing that children faced minimal risk fro ...
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Hydroxychloroquine Controversies and Medical Freedom Issues For Covid-19
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Counterarguments
- The efficacy and safety of [restricted term] for COVID-19 treatment have been widely studied, with many reputable studies finding it ineffective or potentially harmful in this context, which contradicts Dr. Gold's advocacy for its use.
- The politicization of [restricted term] may have influenced public perception, but scientific consensus is based on evidence and peer-reviewed research rather than political statements.
- The global halt of [restricted term] studies following The Lancet's retracted paper was also due to accumulating evidence from other studies suggesting a lack of benefit for COVID-19 patients.
- Pharmacists have a professional and ethical obligation to ensure the safety of medications dispensed, and their actions may reflect concerns about the off-label use of [restricted term] for COVID-19, rather than suppression.
- The retraction of flawed studies is part of the scientific process to correct the record, and it is not uncommon for retractions to receive less attention than the original publications.
- Concerns about the truthfulness of medical journals are valid, but the peer-review process is designed to maintain scientific integrity, and many journals are committed to transparency and correcting errors.
- The debate over medical freedom must be balanced with public health considerations, especially during a pandemic where individual choices can have widespread community impacts.
- Vaccine mandates, particularly for children, are based on public health data showing that vaccination can significantly reduce the spread of disease and protect vulnerable populations.
- The risk of COVID-19 to children, while generally lower than to adults, is not negligible, and severe outcomes, including death, have occurred, which supports the rationale for childhood vaccinations.
- Policies allowing minors to receive vaccines without parental consent are typically designed to protect public health and the well-being of the child, especially in situations where parental consent ...
Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the drug approval process to better understand how treatments are evaluated and authorized. Start by visiting the FDA's website or other regulatory bodies to learn about the criteria for drug approval, the stages of clinical trials, and the emergency use authorization process. This knowledge will help you form your own opinions on treatment options and the regulatory landscape.
- Develop a habit of cross-referencing medical information from multiple sources. When you come across a study or medical claim, look for other articles, studies, or expert opinions on the same topic. Use tools like Google Scholar to find related research, or platforms like PubPeer where scientists discuss the validity of published studies. This approach helps you build a more rounded understanding of medical issues and the quality of research.
- Enga ...
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Dr. Gold's Activism, Including January 6th, 2021
Dr. Simone Gold has become a controversial figure, joining activism after clashes in the medical profession. Facing arrest for her Capitol presence on January 6th, 2021, Gold's ordeal with the justice system has intensified her drive for advocacy.
Fired From Medical Jobs, Dr. Gold Turned To Activism
Dr. Gold Formed "America's Frontline Doctors" to Aid Physicians Facing Retaliation
After speaking out about medical freedom and Covid-19 policies, Dr. Gold was terminated from two emergency room jobs for participating in an event dubbed "embarrassing." This setback prompted her to unite independent physicians online who shared concerns over censorship, particularly related to [restricted term], forming "America's Frontline Doctors."
Dr. Gold Spoke Publicly On Medical Freedom and Covid-19 Policies
Becoming increasingly public, Dr. Gold worked on giving truth direct to the American and global audience. She brought together doctors and influencers for a speaking event at the Supreme Court to address [restricted term] and Covid-19 policies. Emphasizing medical freedom, she engaged with any large group willing to listen, like Daystar TV network. Her outspoken stance attracted donors who helped fund her cause, enabling her to file lawsuits challenging vaccination mandates.
Dr. Gold's January 6th Capitol Involvement Led to Arrest and Prosecution
Dr. Gold, at Capitol on January 6th, Swept Into Building During Medical Freedom Speech
Though intending to give a speech on medical freedom, Dr. Gold was caught up in the crowd, swept into the Capitol during the upheaval, and subsequently arrested.
Despite Pleading Guilty, Dr. Gold Received a 60-day Sentence, Which She Found Harsh
Facing a potential 20-year penalty on a dubious felony charge, Dr. Gold accepted a plea deal for trespassing. Describing her jail time as unwarranted for a misdemeanor, her conviction led to 60 days in prison, time she decided to use in interviewing other inmates.
Dr. Gold's Post-January 6th Experiences Increased Her Cynicism of the Justice System, ...
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Dr. Gold's Activism, Including January 6th, 2021
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Actionables
- You can educate yourself on the legal process by attending a local court hearing to better understand how trials are conducted and the importance of an unbiased judiciary. By observing a trial, you'll gain firsthand insight into courtroom procedures, the role of the judge, and how bias could potentially affect the outcome of a case.
- Start a book club focused on medical freedom and related topics to foster informed discussions within your community. Choose books that explore the history, ethics, and current debates surrounding medical freedom, and invite members to share their perspectives in a respectful environment, which can help broaden your understanding of the issues at stake.
- Volunteer with a non-profit organizati ...
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