Semmelweis Society was incorporated in 1986 by Dr. Verner Waite of Downey, California when he found his cases disproportionately reviewed by a tissue committee controlled by competitors. Under the law then in effect, he was awarded a settlement; however, California law has changed and now affords 'immunity' to such an extent that abuse is possible, and to date federal law has offerred little relief. He founded Semmelweis Society to encourage impartial, scientific peer review acceptable to all parties ('voir dire' jury selection) as an ethical, professional responsibility supported only by impartial physicians: Beyond expenses, Dr. Waite does not charge for consultation. He encourages others who participate in peer review to consider taking this stand as a matter of conscience and credibility. Medicine and peer review are a public trust--at the end of the day, we are all patients.
Since peer-review-for-profit will endure, protect yourself by signing only by-laws and contracts with fair review--peer review with 'clean hands.' Hold dual hospital appointments. Recall: Dr. Semmelweis was run out of Vienna after suggesting that handwashing saves lives. Compare the AAPS with the AMA and others: Join an organization which. protects you. The career you save will be your own.
