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October 17, 2008
Exclusive: Doctor Evil? Physicians & Scientists – Terrorists & Murderers in an Era of Global Terrorism (Part Four of Four)
Discussion
“All that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing,”
Edmund Burke.
If political warfare is an unfamiliar concept to most Americans, the thought of physicians as agents of influence, or violent terrorists is an even more unfamiliar, nay, an unacceptable concept. Patients entrust their lives, especially in times of personal crisis, to virtual strangers all because of the mantel of healer that stranger wears. It is the expectation that each doctor, each health care practitioner has taken an oath to care for the sick and adhere to that pledge. Yet many of these very trusted caretakers may not be so benign. Like other members of society, Mr. Probst who authored an article on the radicalization of the West in the June Publication of the ASIS Council on Global Terrorism, Political Instability and International Crime – mentioned those who in secret support Muslim extremists, but publicly extol the virtues of unity and coalition building have become well integrated into society. How much of organized medicine, like other political institutions, have been co-opted by or at least experienced a rise in activity from those who are members of Muslim Brotherhood? Imagine if entire hospital districts came under the influence of extremists? It is not difficult to imagine because it is already happening globally.
The Muslim Brotherhood has penetrated numerous medical societies in a variety of nations, including not surprisingly the Egyptian Medical Syndicate. The International Medical Group section of the American Medical Association, headquartered in Chicago, has grown significantly over the last few years in both numbers and influence. The Chicago metroplex, similar to Ohio and Michigan, has extremist members of these communities aggressively raise funds for radical Islamic foundations. Some of the funds no doubt end up in Iraq, Iran, Palestine and other extremist enclaves. One wonders how many physicians already practicing in the United States continue to raise or donate money to HAMAS and other extremist organizations.
It is important to remember that most Muslim physicians are just as they appear – good friends, devoted family members, and skilled clinicians. Unlike the street violence and acts of rage focused upon American tourists in the Middle East, fortunately and appropriately Muslim Americans generally did not feel the sting of anger after 9/11, given, thankfully, most of us can (and should) distinguish between terrorists, extremists and our neighbors. But, and of concern to our Muslim friends, neighbors and colleagues, another terrorist event in the US will not likely result in such tolerance. As such it is incumbent upon us to assist the moderate Muslims in limiting the perversion of their religion and halting the spread of extremism.
An honest dialogue among stakeholders with the objective of stemming the radicalization of the West, especially among young as well as established physicians is critical. As suggested in Mr. Probst’s cautionary article, the solution will not arise if we are so politically correct as to avoid the issue. There are exponentially more good physicians than those who intend to do harm. But evil often hides behind good; therein rests the challenge. Although risky to do so, the good must stand up against the bad.
Patients can do the following to ensure their safety:
- Never be alone in the health care environment! All hospitalized patients, even people going to the doctors office or for tests should have an advocate with them – friend, family member, spouse, significant other for note taking, support, guidance
- You or your companion should insist on the following:
- Health care professionals wash their hands before touching you! There should be a sink in every exam or patient room. NO ONE – nurse, doctor, PA or assistant should ever touch a patient without washing their hands thoroughly beforehand.
- Board certified, residency trained or adequately supervised in an accredited training program
- Inquire as to anything being given to you – pill, injection, and test. Double check the name on the orders to make sure you are the intended recipient, then who ordered it, how often it will be administered and why it is being given to you. Ask for it in writing to be placed at the bedside.
- NEVER allow anyone to just put something in your intravenous tubing, body or mouth without knowing who it is, who sent them, what the stuff is, and where the orders are. Try not to be alone at night in a hospital. You’d be amazed how many people got visited by an “angel of death” on the quietest (night) shifts all alone!
- Contact local health department to make certain physicians are actually residency trained, credentialed
- Contact local or federal law enforcement if you witness anything suspicious. In a post 9/11 world, most law enforcement is increasingly savvy about and accepting of the value citizens bring to the table; they know their community well and are positioned to notice unusual activity.
- Avoid witch hunts; go through proper channels. Different doesn’t mean dangerous. Every ethnic group has its nuances, rituals and norms. Neighborliness sometimes requires gentle inquiry not forceful accusation. Who knows, you might make new friends and learn about another culture. At the end of the day, we’re all Americans. If we abandon civility for security, we’ll deserve neither.
It is important to remember not all physician-murderers are terrorists. Some are just plane evil, such as the British physician Harold Shipman who killed over 250 patients.
Hospitals are dangerous places without the aid of malefactors. But for those with intent to do harm – on an individual basis or system wide destruction – there is plenty of opportunity especially for well organized, well funded, determined adversaries.
CONCLUSION
The West faces a significant dilemma; increasingly vocal extremist groups are advancing an agenda and winning the hearts and minds of many of our youth. As in most Western cultures, physicians typically transcend political rivalries. Similarly physicians often transcend factions among Islamic extremists. A physician can also travel about freely with significantly less scrutiny than the average citizen. Physicians, especially academics, are expected to present research internationally; with bona fides, ease of cross border movement is all but assured. The same is true in the US. Extremist health care workers can position themselves innocently into vulnerable, i.e. recruitable populations, as well as infiltrating the more ‘diplomatic’ and ‘sophisticated’ arenas– raising funds, creating foundations, and interacting with the media and politicians.
Solutions to a fifth column that the public increasingly is called to rely upon for health care will be challenging as security, legal, moral and practical considerations collide. More comprehensive background checks for physicians who are considered for positions critical to the preparedness infrastructure are necessary. A coordinated effort across homeland security, medical and other government agencies is needed.
It has been said that the most committed usually win. Our resolve can be no less than that of our adversaries. A highly trained radical Islamic cadre is operating successfully in the US; it is indeed the “third rail” of political discourse. Within this cadre are highly skilled scientists and physicians. We must address this significant challenge to the long term security of our nation. Awareness of the threat is but the first step. It will be a formidable task requiring courage from our leaders and the cooperation of all the key stakeholders, including the public.
FamilySecurityMatters.org Contributing Editor Dr. Robin McFee is a physician and medical toxicologist. An expert in WMD preparedness, she is a consultant to government agencies, corporations and the media. Dr. McFee is a member of the Global Terrorism, Political Instability and International Crime Council of ASIS International. She has authored numerous articles on terrorism, health care and preparedness, and coauthored two books: Toxico-Terrorism by McGraw Hill and The Handbook of Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Agents, published by Informa/CRC Press.
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