PC M.D.
by Sally Satel, M.D.

In this well-researched and absorbing book, Dr. Satel demonstrates how the scourge of Political Correctness has invaded the field of medicine. Labeling as "indoctrinologists" those who are "attempting to redefine public health according to their narrow ideas of social justice," she warns that their prescriptions will ultimately be hazardous to our health.

Satel charges that, with its emphasis on victimology and multi-culturalism, the PC movement is causing serious damage to medical standards, patient care and proven traditional practices. The PC approach to health care, she explains, is to view disease as the result of social factors rather than viruses, genetics, or poor diet and living habits.

PC M.D. explores and discredits the chief claims of the indoctrinologists, whose ranks include university scholars, social activists and some medical professionals. Among their claims:

  • The disparity in well being between minorities and whites is caused by discrimination in health care, and the problem of high blood pressure in blacks is caused by stress due to racism.
  • The patriarchal medical establishment has kept women from participating in research studies, depriving them of the benefits of medical breakthroughs.
  • Nurses are oppressed by the male-dominated medical system and thus are prevented from giving optimal care to patients.
  • The health care system has violated the human rights of psychiatric patients.

Calling themselves "consumer survivors," some former psychiatric patients have become activists for limiting "the powers of psychiatry" by making patients "full partners in diagnosis and treatment." The chapter "Inmates Take Over the Asylum" chronicles the changes in laws governing psychiatric practices over the past 40 years which, for the most part, have done both patients and the general public more harm than good.

PC M.D. successfully refutes other bogus claims of the indoctrinologists with facts and common sense. In countering the "gender-bias" claim, the book shows that single-sex studies conducted during the past 15 years "more often focused on women than men."

As Satel points out, the indoctrinologists' real goal is "to equalize the health status of all Americans by redistributing wealth." Their agenda "is to bring about political change in the name of health, and patients are the ultimate victims of these disturbing trends."

"PC medicine has flourished because too few people have been paying attention," Satel observes. She acknowledges the need for "systemic improvements to the nation's health care system" but emphasizes "the role of the individual in maintaining health."

PC M.D. calls on health care practitioners and researchers to "embolden themselves to defend standards of excellence and professionalism," and charges that "the public also needs to be alerted to the crisis." Dr. Satel's book makes an excellent vehicle for doing just that.

(Basic Books, 2000; 233 pp., $27.00)