Secrecy in Science: The Flock Worker's Lung Investigation
Authors: David G. Kern
Journal: Annals of Internal Medicine (1999)

Letters6 April 1999Secrecy in Science: The Flock Worker's Lung InvestigationDavid G. Kern, MD, Robin K. Kern, JD, and Kate T.H. Durand, MHS, CIHDavid G. Kern, MDBrown University School of Medicine; Providence, RI 02912 (Kern)Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Kern)University of Washington; Seattle, WA 98195 (Durand)Search for more papers by this author, Robin K. Kern, JDBrown University School of Medicine; Providence, RI 02912 (Kern)Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Kern)University of Washington; Seattle, WA 98195 (Durand)Search for more papers by this author, and Kate T.H. Durand, MHS, CIHBrown University School of Medicine; Providence, RI 02912 (Kern)Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Kern)University of Washington; Seattle, WA 98195 (Durand)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-130-7-199904060-00013 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:“To provide further insight into what happened [regarding the repercussions of the investigation into flock worker's lung], [Annals] asked Miriam Shuchman … to re-explore the story in depth” (1). Unfortunately, Dr. Shuchman focused on confidentiality agreements and, in doing so, lost the opportunity to provide further insight (2). Those wishing to understand what actually happened both during and after the investigation as well as the nature of the available supporting documentation are encouraged to look elsewhere (3-5).Dr. Shuchman's focus led her to exclude the ugly aspects of the story; to prettify what remained; and to portray ...References1. Davidoff F. New disease, old story [Editorial]. Ann Intern Med. 1998;129:327-8. LinkGoogle Scholar2. Shuchman M. Secrecy in science: the flock worker's lung investigation. Ann Intern Med. 1998;129:341-4. LinkGoogle Scholar3. Kern DG. The unexpected result of an investigation of an outbreak of occupational lung disease. Int J Occup Environ Health. 1998;4:19-32. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar4. Frumkin H, Venables KM, Nemery B, Kim R. Roundtable. Int J Occup Environ Health. 1998;4:33-40. MedlineGoogle Scholar5. Kern DG. Confidentiality agreements and scientific independence. Med Decis Making. 1998;18:239. CrossrefMedlineGoogle Scholar Author, Article, and Disclosure InformationAuthors: David G. Kern, MD; Robin K. Kern, JD; Kate T.H. Durand, MHS, CIHAffiliations: Brown University School of Medicine; Providence, RI 02912 (Kern)Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Kern)University of Washington; Seattle, WA 98195 (Durand) PreviousarticleNextarticle Advertisement FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsSee AlsoFlock Worker's Lung: Chronic Interstitial Lung Disease in the Nylon Flocking Industry David G. Kern , Robert S. Crausman , Kate T.H. Durand , Ali Nayer , and Charles Kuhn III Metrics Cited byHypersensitivity Pneumonitis (Extrinsic Allergic Alveolitis)Patients’ health or company profits? The commercialisation of academic researchThe past and present of pneumoconioses 6 April 1999Volume 130, Issue 7Page: 616KeywordsBehaviorLungsPrevention, policy, and public healthScientists ePublished: 15 August 2000 Issue Published: 6 April 1999 Copyright & PermissionsCopyright © 1999 by American College of Physicians. All Rights Reserved.PDF downloadLoading ...