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John Walker-Smith

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John Walker-Smith
Walker-Smith in June 2002
NationalityBritish
OccupationGastroenterologist
Years active1985–2001
EmployerUniversity of London

John Walker-Smith is a gastroenterologist well known for his work in pediatrics.[1] From 1985 until his retirement in 2001, he was professor of pediatric gastroenterology at the University of London.[2][3] He also formerly served as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.[4]

MMR vaccine controversy

Walker-Smith is the senior co- author of a paper (along with Andrew Wakefield, the lead author) which identified a unique gastrointestinal condition in autistic children that may be connected to the MMR vaccine. Although there were other studies prior to this 1998 study associating various vaccines with the onset of autism spectrum disorders and gastrointestinal disease,[citation needed] this study is generally regarded as sparking the MMR vaccine controversy.[5] In 2010, Walker-Smith was found guilty by the General Medical Council of professional misconduct who recommended erasure subject to appeal. As a result, he was barred from practicing medicine.[3][6] On appeal, the case heard by Mr. Justice Mitting in the High Court stated that the GMC determinations were superficial and inadequate and so were quashed.[7]

References

  1. ^ Walker-Smith J A. Enduring Memories: A Pediatric Gastroenterologist Remembers. Second Edition 2012, The Memoir Club ISBN 978-1-84104-538-2
  2. ^ Candy, David CA (November 2003). "Memoirs of John Walker-Smith". The Lancet. 362 (9396): 1683. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(03)14821-0.
  3. ^ a b "MMR doctor wins High Court appeal". BBC News. 7 March 2012. Retrieved 25 October 2015.
  4. ^ "Editorial Announcement Regarding Professor John Walker-Smith". Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 55 (2): 120. August 2012. doi:10.1097/MPG.0b013e31825945cf.
  5. ^ Wakefield, AJ; Murch, SH; Anthony, A; Linnell, J; Casson, DM; Malik, M; Berelowitz, M; Dhillon, AP; Thomson, MA; Harvey, P; Valentine, A; Davies, SE; Walker-Smith, JA (February 1998). "RETRACTED: Ileal-lymphoid-nodular hyperplasia, non-specific colitis, and pervasive developmental disorder in children". The Lancet. 351 (9103): 637–641. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(97)11096-0. PMID 9500320.
  6. ^ Burns, John F. (2010-05-24). "Council Bars Doctor Who Claimed Link Between Vaccines and Autism". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2017-10-02.
  7. ^ "MMR row: high court rules doctor should not have been struck off". 7 Mar 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2016.