A recent public exchange between Dr. Robert Malone and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis has drawn attention to internal disputes within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding COVID-19 vaccine oversight.
Dr. Malone, recognized for his work in mRNA vaccine technology and as a new member of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), commented on social media about recent resignations at the CDC. He stated, “The real reason for the recent CDC resignations is that the ACIP Subcommittee on COVID 19 vaccines got approval to investigate the safety and efficacy of COVID vaccines, and they knew the gig was up, the truth was about to come out, and they would have to account for their actions. All you need to do is read the recently approved ‘terms of reference’ for that subcommittee and it all becomes clear.” Malone provided a link to the document outlining these terms: https://t.co/609FgmKgbo.
In response, Dr. Daskalakis defended the CDC’s process, saying, “That is false. The terms of reference effectively remove the real function of the workgroup… to advise the CDC director on questions needed to set policy. FDA has vetted the safety and efficacy of the vaccine and has authorized it for this season. Your job is to set clinical policy. When’s the last time you saw a patient?”
Malone then highlighted his background in medicine and research: “For the record. Dr. Demetre- What have you actually accomplished (other than being a self-described ‘activist doctor’), and where were you scientifically trained? You consider yourself an expert on what exactly?” He continued by detailing his credentials: licensed in Maryland, with degrees from UC Davis, UC San Diego, Salk Institute Molecular Biology and Virology Laboratories, Northwestern University, training at Harvard, extensive research experience including pre-clinical discovery research, clinical trials, vaccines, gene therapy, bio-defense, immunology; authoring about 100 peer-reviewed publications; holding senior positions in academia and industry; consulting for WHO; obtaining federal funding; among other achievements.
Daskalakis replied: “My goodness, seems like I struck a nerve. I don’t need to post my entire CV here for your review. Generally I don’t have to lead with my training to prove I am a leader. I don’t feel compelled to prove to people that I am competent. My actions, aware [sic], and achievements have demonstrated my scientific and clinical leadership. My work, sir, speaks for itself.
I have ended countless outbreaks, changed the trajectory of HIV in NYC and the US, and led emergency responses locally and nationally with great success. You can find my extensive publication record on PubMed.
Any doctor who is not an activist for his or her patients has no business in medicine, caring for patients, or setting policy. Advocating for people to get the care that they need is activism.
And, I see patients living with HIV in Atlanta while I managed outbreaks and a $7 billion Center at CDC with over 1300 staff. Google if you want to learn more. I have things to work on other than proving to you that I am qualified.”
Malone responded further: “That is not my CV. Just some high points. My CV is over 30 pages.”
Daskalakis replied: “OMG JINX! Mine is 33!… I think you graduated medical school 7 years before me. I wonder how long my CV will be 7 years from now? The race is on!”
Malone then posted: “Here is the actual full CV in case you care,@dr_demetre,since you decided to play the credentialism card.Still waiting on your scientific training and chops,since you claim to be a scientist.MD and MPH is not scientific training.” He included another link: https://t.co/xkWCBASOwF
This dispute comes amid ongoing scrutiny of COVID-19 vaccine safety investigations at federal agencies.
