Because of my particular interest in carnitine and the urgent need to conduct more clinical research on natural substances, in 1983, FIM conducted a survey on 2,100 male MDs, 500 female MDs, and 500 DOs potential doctornauts asking the following question: “Would you as a physician-patient want the privilege to volunteer for clinical research of natural substances under the supervision of a physician-clinical researcher without FDA, institutional or other restraints?”
Over 50% in each category responded in the affirmative! But here’s another encouraging finding. We called about 100 doctors asking the same question but adding, “if you had a disease such as Alzheimer’s or another disease or disability,” would you volunteer? Almost 100% said they would! This entire experience is described in my book, From Oysters to Insulin: Nature and Medicine at Odds.”
Stephen L. DeFelice, M.D.
