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{{short description|Medical doctor and skeptic (born 1945)}}
{{short description|Medical doctor and skeptic (1945–2023)}}
{{Infobox military person
{{Infobox military person
| name = Harriet A. Hall
| name = Harriet A. Hall
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| birth_date = {{Birth date|1945|07|02|}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1945|07|02|}}
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| death_date = {{Death date and age|2023|01|11|1945|07|02}}
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| death_date = {{Death date and age|2023|01|11| 1945 | 07 | 02}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skepdoc.info/ |title=SkepDoc: Clear Thinking about Medical Matters|website=skepdoc.info |publisher=Skepdoc |access-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.is/dVavZ |archive-date=12 January 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=David |first1=Gorski |title=We are saddened to announce that The SkepDoc Dr. Harriet Hall has passed away |url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/we-are-saddened-to-announce-that-the-skepdoc-dr-harriet-hall-has-passed-away/ |website=Science-Based Medicine |access-date=2023-01-12 |archive-url=https://archive.is/H7Thi |archive-date=2023-01-12}}</ref>
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| allegiance = [[United States|United States of America]]
| allegiance = [[United States|United States of America]]
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'''Harriet A. Hall''' (July 2, 1945 – January 11, 2023) was a U.S. retired [[family medicine|family]] [[physician]], former [[U.S. Air Force]] [[flight surgeon]], author, [[Science communication|science communicator]] and [[scientific skepticism|skeptic]] of international acclaim, who wrote about [[alternative medicine]] and [[quackery]] for the internationally recognized magazines ''[[Skeptic (U.S. magazine)|Skeptic]]'' and ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' and articles discussing [[evidence-based medicine]] for the ''[[Science-Based Medicine]]'' blog. She usually wrote under her own name or used the [[pseudonym]] "The SkepDoc". She was also a frequent speaker at [[science]] and skepticism related conventions in the [[United States of America|US]] and around the world.
'''Harriet A. Hall''' (July 2, 1945 – January 11, 2023) was an American [[family medicine|family physician]], [[U.S. Air Force]] [[flight surgeon]], author, [[Science communication|science communicator]] and [[scientific skepticism|skeptic]] of international acclaim, who wrote about [[alternative medicine]] and [[quackery]] for the internationally recognized magazines ''[[Skeptic (U.S. magazine)|Skeptic]]'' and ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]'' and articles discussing [[evidence-based medicine]] for the ''[[Science-Based Medicine]]'' blog. She usually wrote under her own name or used the [[pseudonym]] "The SkepDoc". She was also a frequent speaker at [[science]] and skepticism related conventions in the [[United States of America|US]] and around the world.


==Career==
==Career==
Hall received her [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] and [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] from the [[University of Washington]]. She was only the second woman to do her internship in the Air Force and was the first female graduate of the Air Force family to practice residency at [[Eglin Air Force Base]].<ref name="sbm"/>
Hall received her [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] and [[Doctor of Medicine|M.D.]] from the [[University of Washington]]. She was only the second woman to do her internship in the Air Force and was the first female graduate of the Air Force family to practice residency at [[Eglin Air Force Base]].<ref name="sbm"/>


She said she had been a "passive skeptic" for quite some time, only reading the literature and attending the various meetings.<ref name="zone14"/> She met [[Wallace Sampson]] at the [[Skeptic's Toolbox]] workshop in Oregon. He convinced her to write an article for the ''[[Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine]]''<ref name="trc49">{{cite web | url=http://www.ottawaskeptics.org/the-reality-check | title=TRC #49: Homeopathy 101 + Harriet Hall Interview + Sex on the Mind Myth | work=The Reality Check podcast | publisher=Ottawa Skeptics | date=August 1, 2009 | access-date=August 1, 2009 | archive-date=September 18, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918151014/http://www.ottawaskeptics.org/the-reality-check | url-status=live }} (Interview from 16:08 to 33:25)</ref> testing so-called "[[Vitamin O]]" products she had seen advertised in the mail.<ref>{{Citation | author=Hall, Harriet A. | journal=[[Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine]] | title=Analysis of Claims and of an Experiment to Prove That Oxygen is Present in "Vitamin O" | date=Spring–Summer 2003 | volume=7 | issue=1 | pages=29–33 }}</ref> She then began writing articles for ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]''.<ref>Hall, ''SI'' (27)3 2003.</ref><ref>Hall, ''SI'' (30)3 2006.</ref> When she spoke to [[Michael Shermer]] at [[The Amazing Meeting]] about the book ''The God Code'', he encouraged her to write a review of it for [[Skeptic (U.S. magazine)|''Skeptic'']] magazine.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hall|first=Harriet|title=Seek and Ye Shall Find. Book review of The God Code: The Secret of Our Past, the Promise of Our Future, by Greg Braden|journal=Skeptic Magazine|year=2005|volume=11|issue=4|pages=85–6}}</ref> She wrote other articles for that publication, and since late 2006 she has had a regular column in it titled ''The SkepDoc''.<ref name="zone14"/> This is also the name of her web site.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.skepdoc.info/id14.html | title=SkepDoc Columns | work=The SkepDoc | access-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628190718/http://www.skepdoc.info/id14.html | archive-date=June 28, 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Before the Toolbox, "I had not done any writing... one thing led to another and now I'm on the faculty of the Skeptic's Toolbox."<ref>{{cite web|title=Loren Pankratz and Harriet Hall discuss the Skeptic's Toolbox| website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDrJCj9zqY|access-date=2012-08-10}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref>
Hall said she had been a "passive skeptic" for quite some time, only reading the literature and attending the various meetings.<ref name="zone14"/> She met [[Wallace Sampson]] at the [[Skeptic's Toolbox]] workshop in Oregon. He convinced her to write an article for the ''[[Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine]]''<ref name="trc49">{{cite web | url=http://www.ottawaskeptics.org/the-reality-check | title=TRC #49: Homeopathy 101 + Harriet Hall Interview + Sex on the Mind Myth | work=The Reality Check podcast | publisher=Ottawa Skeptics | date=August 1, 2009 | access-date=August 1, 2009 | archive-date=September 18, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918151014/http://www.ottawaskeptics.org/the-reality-check | url-status=live }} (Interview from 16:08 to 33:25)</ref> testing so-called "[[Vitamin O]]" products she had seen advertised in the mail.<ref>{{Citation | author=Hall, Harriet A. | journal=[[Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine]] | title=Analysis of Claims and of an Experiment to Prove That Oxygen is Present in "Vitamin O" | date=Spring–Summer 2003 | volume=7 | issue=1 | pages=29–33 }}</ref> She then began writing articles for ''[[Skeptical Inquirer]]''.<ref>Hall, ''SI'' (27)3 2003.</ref><ref>Hall, ''SI'' (30)3 2006.</ref> When she spoke to [[Michael Shermer]] at [[The Amazing Meeting]] about the book ''The God Code'', he encouraged her to write a review of it for [[Skeptic (U.S. magazine)|''Skeptic'']] magazine.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Hall|first=Harriet|title=Seek and Ye Shall Find. Book review of The God Code: The Secret of Our Past, the Promise of Our Future, by Greg Braden|journal=Skeptic Magazine|year=2005|volume=11|issue=4|pages=85–6}}</ref> She wrote other articles for that publication, and since late 2006 she has had a regular column in it titled ''The SkepDoc''.<ref name="zone14"/> This is also the name of her web site.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.skepdoc.info/id14.html | title=SkepDoc Columns | work=The SkepDoc | access-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628190718/http://www.skepdoc.info/id14.html | archive-date=June 28, 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Before the Toolbox, "I had not done any writing... one thing led to another and now I'm on the faculty of the Skeptic's Toolbox."<ref>{{cite web|title=Loren Pankratz and Harriet Hall discuss the Skeptic's Toolbox| website=[[YouTube]] |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwDrJCj9zqY|access-date=2012-08-10}}{{cbignore}}{{Dead Youtube links|date=February 2022}}</ref>


Hall spoke at the Science-Based Medicine Conference<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=491 | title=Science-Based Medicine Conference | date=March 6, 2009 | author=Novella, Steven | author-link=Steven Novella | work=NeuroLogica Blog | access-date=August 9, 2009 | archive-date=September 17, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917093519/http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=491 | url-status=live }}</ref> and The Amazing Meeting 7,<ref name="tam7">{{cite web | title=The Amaz!ng Meeting 7 Speakers | publisher=[[James Randi Educational Foundation]] | date=February 23, 2009 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | url=http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/component/content/article/37-static/448-the-amazing-meeting-7-speakers.html | archive-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808014403/http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/component/content/article/37-static/448-the-amazing-meeting-7-speakers.html | url-status=live }}</ref> among other venues in 2009. She was interviewed on podcasts such as ''The Reality Check,''<ref name="trc49" /> ''[[Skepticality]]''<ref name="Skepticality79">{{Cite journal | title=Ep. #079 – Interview: Dr. Harriet Hall – The Doctor Is In! | date=June 10, 2008 | url=http://www.skepticality.com/the-doctor-is-in/ | author=Swoopy | first2=Derek | last2=Colanduno | journal=[[Skepticality]] | access-date=November 27, 2011 | archive-date=August 1, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801134527/http://www.skepticality.com/the-doctor-is-in/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[Australian Skeptics#The Skeptic Zone|The Skeptic Zone]]''.<ref name="zone14">{{Cite journal | url=http://media.libsyn.com/media/skepticzone/the_skeptic_zone_14_090123.mp3 | title=#14 Jon Ronson – The Amazing Adventure 2 (James Randi, Susan Hurst, Dr Phil Plait, Rebecca Watson, Dr Harriet Hall) | author=Saunders, Richard | author-link=Richard Saunders (skeptic) | date=January 23, 2009 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | journal=The Skeptic Zone }} (Interview from 46:00 to 50:25)</ref>
Hall spoke at the Science-Based Medicine Conference<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=491 | title=Science-Based Medicine Conference | date=March 6, 2009 | author=Novella, Steven | author-link=Steven Novella | work=NeuroLogica Blog | access-date=August 9, 2009 | archive-date=September 17, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090917093519/http://www.theness.com/neurologicablog/?p=491 | url-status=live }}</ref> and The Amazing Meeting 7,<ref name="tam7">{{cite web | title=The Amaz!ng Meeting 7 Speakers | publisher=[[James Randi Educational Foundation]] | date=February 23, 2009 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | url=http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/component/content/article/37-static/448-the-amazing-meeting-7-speakers.html | archive-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090808014403/http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/component/content/article/37-static/448-the-amazing-meeting-7-speakers.html | url-status=live }}</ref> among other venues in 2009. She was interviewed on podcasts such as ''The Reality Check,''<ref name="trc49" /> ''[[Skepticality]]''<ref name="Skepticality79">{{Cite journal | title=Ep. #079 – Interview: Dr. Harriet Hall – The Doctor Is In! | date=June 10, 2008 | url=http://www.skepticality.com/the-doctor-is-in/ | author=Swoopy | first2=Derek | last2=Colanduno | journal=[[Skepticality]] | access-date=November 27, 2011 | archive-date=August 1, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200801134527/http://www.skepticality.com/the-doctor-is-in/ | url-status=live }}</ref> and ''[[Australian Skeptics#The Skeptic Zone|The Skeptic Zone]]''.<ref name="zone14">{{Cite journal | url=http://media.libsyn.com/media/skepticzone/the_skeptic_zone_14_090123.mp3 | title=#14 Jon Ronson – The Amazing Adventure 2 (James Randi, Susan Hurst, Dr Phil Plait, Rebecca Watson, Dr Harriet Hall) | author=Saunders, Richard | author-link=Richard Saunders (skeptic) | date=January 23, 2009 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | journal=The Skeptic Zone }} (Interview from 46:00 to 50:25)</ref>
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On August 21, 2010 Hall was honored with an award recognizing her contributions in the [[skeptical]] field, from The [[IIG]] during its 10th Anniversary Gala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iigwest.com/iigawards/index.html|title=About the IIG Awards|work=[[Independent Investigations Group]]|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112173009/http://www.iigwest.com/iigawards/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On August 21, 2010 Hall was honored with an award recognizing her contributions in the [[skeptical]] field, from The [[IIG]] during its 10th Anniversary Gala.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iigwest.com/iigawards/index.html|title=About the IIG Awards|work=[[Independent Investigations Group]]|access-date=27 February 2017|archive-date=12 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112173009/http://www.iigwest.com/iigawards/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


She also spoke at the 6th World Skeptic Congress in Berlin, "Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fairy Tale Science and Placebo Medicine".<ref>{{cite web|title=Promoting Science in an Age of Uncertainty|url=http://www.worldskeptics.org/speakers|publisher=6th World Skeptic Congress|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601050503/http://www.worldskeptics.org/speakers|archive-date=June 1, 2013}}</ref>
Hall also spoke at the 6th World Skeptic Congress in Berlin, "Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fairy Tale Science and Placebo Medicine".<ref>{{cite web|title=Promoting Science in an Age of Uncertainty|url=http://www.worldskeptics.org/speakers|publisher=6th World Skeptic Congress|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130601050503/http://www.worldskeptics.org/speakers|archive-date=June 1, 2013}}</ref>


In 2015 she published a [[YouTube]] lecture series titled "Science Based Medicine", commissioned by the [[James Randi Educational Foundation]].<ref name="Gerbic2016"/> It is presented as a course consisting of 10 lectures regarding the differences between Science-Based and Evidence-Based Medicine, CAM, [[Chiropractic]], Acupuncture, [[Homeopathy]], [[Naturopathy]] and Herbal Medicine, [[Energy Medicine]], Miscellaneous “Alternatives”, Pitfalls in Research, and Science-Based Medicine in the Media and Politics.<ref name="sbmcourse">{{cite web|last1=Hall|first1=Harriet|title=Course Guide for the Video Series Science-Based Medicine|url=http://web.randi.org/uploads/3/7/3/7/37377621/course_guide.pdf|website=James Randi Educational Foundation|publisher=JREF|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404084918/http://web.randi.org/uploads/3/7/3/7/37377621/course_guide.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2015 she published a [[YouTube]] lecture series titled "Science Based Medicine", commissioned by the [[James Randi Educational Foundation]].<ref name="Gerbic2016"/> It is presented as a course consisting of 10 lectures regarding the differences between Science-Based and Evidence-Based Medicine, CAM, [[Chiropractic]], Acupuncture, [[Homeopathy]], [[Naturopathy]] and Herbal Medicine, [[Energy Medicine]], Miscellaneous “Alternatives”, Pitfalls in Research, and Science-Based Medicine in the Media and Politics.<ref name="sbmcourse">{{cite web|last1=Hall|first1=Harriet|title=Course Guide for the Video Series Science-Based Medicine|url=http://web.randi.org/uploads/3/7/3/7/37377621/course_guide.pdf|website=James Randi Educational Foundation|publisher=JREF|access-date=25 July 2016|archive-date=4 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404084918/http://web.randi.org/uploads/3/7/3/7/37377621/course_guide.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>


Since 2018 Hall published a regular column in ''Skeptical Inquirer'' called "Reality Is the Best Medicine".<ref name="Reality is the Best Medicine">{{cite journal |title=The Care and Feeding of the Vagina |journal=Skeptical Inquirer |date=2018 |volume=42 |issue=5 |page=28 }}</ref>{{clear}}
From 2018, Hall published a regular column in ''Skeptical Inquirer'' called "Reality Is the Best Medicine".<ref name="Reality is the Best Medicine">{{cite journal |title=The Care and Feeding of the Vagina |journal=Skeptical Inquirer |date=2018 |volume=42 |issue=5 |page=28 }}</ref>{{clear}}


==Criticism of alternative medicine==
==Criticism of alternative medicine==

Hall was an outspoken critic of alternative medicine, often questioning its effectiveness. "If it were shown to be truly effective, it would be part of regular medicine."<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/07/24/senators_seek_coverage_for_alternative_therapies/ | title=Senators seek coverage for alternative therapies | author=Kranish, Michael | author-link=Michael Kranish | newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] | date=July 24, 2009 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190539/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/07/24/senators_seek_coverage_for_alternative_therapies/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In her work she emphasized the importance of following the scientific evidence for or against any remedy. When asked about the anti-cold remedy [[Airborne (dietary supplement)|Airborne]] she said, "There's more evidence for chicken soup than for Airborne. In the absence of any credible double-blind studies to support the claims for Airborne, I'll stick to hand washing."<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=airborne-baloney | title=Airborne Baloney: The latest fad in cold remedies is full of hot air | author=Shermer, Michael | author-link=Michael Shermer | date=January 2007 | work=[[Scientific American]] | access-date=August 9, 2009 | archive-date=October 9, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009171539/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=airborne-baloney | url-status=live }}</ref> She also criticized the [[U.S. Army]] for its use of [[acupuncture]], saying "the idea that putting needles in somebody's ear is going to substitute for things like morphine is just ridiculous."<ref>{{citation|title=Military Pokes Holes In Acupuncture Skeptics' Theory|author=Farmer, Blake|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/02/16/146944270/military-pokes-holes-in-acupuncture-skeptics-theory|date=February 16, 2012|access-date=February 16, 2012|publisher=[[NPR]]|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625105443/https://www.npr.org/2012/02/16/146944270/military-pokes-holes-in-acupuncture-skeptics-theory|url-status=live}}</ref>
Hall was an outspoken critic of alternative medicine, often questioning its effectiveness. "If it were shown to be truly effective, it would be part of regular medicine."<ref>{{Cite news | url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/07/24/senators_seek_coverage_for_alternative_therapies/ | title=Senators seek coverage for alternative therapies | author=Kranish, Michael | author-link=Michael Kranish | newspaper=[[The Boston Globe]] | date=July 24, 2009 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-date=March 3, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303190539/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/07/24/senators_seek_coverage_for_alternative_therapies/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In her work she emphasized the importance of following the scientific evidence for or against any remedy. When asked about the anti-cold remedy [[Airborne (dietary supplement)|Airborne]] she said, "There's more evidence for chicken soup than for Airborne. In the absence of any credible double-blind studies to support the claims for Airborne, I'll stick to hand washing."<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=airborne-baloney | title=Airborne Baloney: The latest fad in cold remedies is full of hot air | author=Shermer, Michael | author-link=Michael Shermer | date=January 2007 | work=[[Scientific American]] | access-date=August 9, 2009 | archive-date=October 9, 2012 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009171539/http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=airborne-baloney | url-status=live }}</ref> She also criticized the [[U.S. Army]] for its use of [[acupuncture]], saying "the idea that putting needles in somebody's ear is going to substitute for things like morphine is just ridiculous."<ref>{{citation|title=Military Pokes Holes In Acupuncture Skeptics' Theory|author=Farmer, Blake|url=https://www.npr.org/2012/02/16/146944270/military-pokes-holes-in-acupuncture-skeptics-theory|date=February 16, 2012|access-date=February 16, 2012|publisher=[[NPR]]|archive-date=June 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200625105443/https://www.npr.org/2012/02/16/146944270/military-pokes-holes-in-acupuncture-skeptics-theory|url-status=live}}</ref>


She publicly criticized the recommendations and products of [[Daniel G. Amen]] in an article at ''[[Quackwatch]]''<ref>Hall, ''Quackwatch'' 2005.</ref> and elsewhere, saying "Amen's recommendations defy science, common sense and logic."<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.salon.com/2008/05/12/daniel_amen/ | title=Brain scam: Why is PBS airing Dr. Daniel Amen's self-produced infomercial for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease? | author=Burton, Robert | author-link=Robert A. Burton | date=May 12, 2008 | work=Salon | page=3 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-date=June 27, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627214135/https://www.salon.com/2008/05/12/daniel_amen/ | url-status=live }}</ref> She also criticized many other proponents of alternative therapies, including [[Andrew Weil]].<ref>{{cite book | last1=Singh | first1= Simon | author-link=Simon Singh | last2= Ernst | first2= Edzard | author-link2=Edzard Ernst | title=Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial| page=257 | publisher=[[W. W. Norton & Company]] | location=New York | year=2008 | isbn=978-0393066616| title-link= Trick or Treatment }}</ref>
Hall publicly criticized the recommendations and products of [[Daniel G. Amen]] in an article at ''[[Quackwatch]]''<ref>Hall, ''Quackwatch'' 2005.</ref> and elsewhere, saying "Amen's recommendations defy science, common sense and logic."<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.salon.com/2008/05/12/daniel_amen/ | title=Brain scam: Why is PBS airing Dr. Daniel Amen's self-produced infomercial for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease? | author=Burton, Robert | author-link=Robert A. Burton | date=May 12, 2008 | work=Salon | page=3 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-date=June 27, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200627214135/https://www.salon.com/2008/05/12/daniel_amen/ | url-status=live }}</ref> She also criticized many other proponents of alternative therapies, including [[Andrew Weil]].<ref>{{cite book | last1=Singh | first1= Simon | author-link=Simon Singh | last2= Ernst | first2= Edzard | author-link2=Edzard Ernst | title=Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial| page=257 | publisher=[[W. W. Norton & Company]] | location=New York | year=2008 | isbn=978-0393066616| title-link= Trick or Treatment }}</ref>


She was an advisor to ''Quackwatch''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.quackwatch.com/09Advisors/medadvbd.html | title=Medical Advisors | work=Quackwatch | date=July 18, 2003 | access-date=August 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513214020/http://www.quackwatch.com/09Advisors/medadvbd.html |archive-date=2008-05-13}}</ref> as well as an Associate Editor and frequent author of the ''Science-Based Medicine'' blog.<ref name="sbm">{{cite web | url=http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?page_id=225 | title=Harriet Hall, MD | work=Science-Based Medicine | date=5 October 2008 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-date=21 August 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821034706/http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?page_id=225 | url-status=live }}</ref>
Hall was an advisor to ''Quackwatch''<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.quackwatch.com/09Advisors/medadvbd.html | title=Medical Advisors | work=Quackwatch | date=July 18, 2003 | access-date=August 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080513214020/http://www.quackwatch.com/09Advisors/medadvbd.html |archive-date=2008-05-13}}</ref> as well as an Associate Editor and frequent author of the ''Science-Based Medicine'' blog.<ref name="sbm">{{cite web | url=http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?page_id=225 | title=Harriet Hall, MD | work=Science-Based Medicine | date=5 October 2008 | access-date=August 8, 2009 | archive-date=21 August 2009 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821034706/http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?page_id=225 | url-status=live }}</ref>


In 2022, Hall published a children's book called "There's No Such Thing as the Tooth Fairy!" about kids who debate the existence of the [[Tooth fairy]].<ref name="sbm-tooth-fairy-book">{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Harriet |title=Announcing a New Children’s Book that Promotes Critical Thinking |url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/announcing-a-new-childrens-book-that-promotes-critical-thinking/ |website=Science-based Medicine |access-date=13 January 2023 |date=2 August 2022}}</ref> Hall had previously coined the term "tooth fairy science" to refer to studying a phenomenon before establishing its existence.<ref name="skepdic-tooth-fairy">{{cite web |last1=Carroll |first1=Robert |title=Tooth Fairy science|url=https://www.skepdic.com/toothfairyscience.html |website=The Skeptic's Dictionary |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref><ref name="tooth-fairy-2011">{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Harriet |title=The SkepDoc: evidence-based medicine, tooth fairy science, and Cinderella medicine |work=Skeptic Magazine |issue=Vol. 17, Issue 1 |publisher=Skeptics Society |date=Fall 2001 |url=https://www.skepdoc.info/evidence-based-medicine-tooth-fairy-science-and-cinderella-medicine/}}</ref>
In 2022, Hall published a children's book called "There's No Such Thing as the Tooth Fairy!" about kids who debate the existence of the [[Tooth fairy]].<ref name="sbm-tooth-fairy-book">{{cite web |last1=Hall |first1=Harriet |title=Announcing a New Children’s Book that Promotes Critical Thinking |url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/announcing-a-new-childrens-book-that-promotes-critical-thinking/ |website=Science-based Medicine |access-date=13 January 2023 |date=2 August 2022}}</ref> Hall had previously coined the term "tooth fairy science" to refer to studying a phenomenon before establishing its existence.<ref name="skepdic-tooth-fairy">{{cite web |last1=Carroll |first1=Robert |title=Tooth Fairy science|url=https://www.skepdic.com/toothfairyscience.html |website=The Skeptic's Dictionary |access-date=13 January 2023}}</ref><ref name="tooth-fairy-2011">{{cite news |last1=Hall |first1=Harriet |title=The SkepDoc: evidence-based medicine, tooth fairy science, and Cinderella medicine |work=Skeptic Magazine |issue=Vol. 17, Issue 1 |publisher=Skeptics Society |date=Fall 2001 |url=https://www.skepdoc.info/evidence-based-medicine-tooth-fairy-science-and-cinderella-medicine/}}</ref>


==''Irreversible Damage'' book review==
==''Irreversible Damage'' book review==

On June 15, 2021, Hall published a book review of ''[[Irreversible Damage]]'' in ''Science-Based Medicine'', stating that the book "brings up some alarming facts that desperately need to be looked into", that the affirmative care model for [[gender dysphoria]] "is a mistake and a dereliction of duty", and that the current political climate has made scientific study of these matters nearly impossible.<ref name="book_review_sbm">{{cite web|last1=Hall|first1=Harriet|title=Book Review: Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters, by Abigail Shrier|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-the-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters/|website=Science-Based Medicine|date=15 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701033126/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-the-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="book_review_sc"/> Within two days, the review was replaced with a retraction notice authored by [[Steven Novella]] and [[David Gorski]]. They stated that the health protocols for dealing with gender dysphoria in children were misrepresented and argued that an increase in gender dysphoria diagnoses can be explained without invoking a theory of social contagion, as well as stating that the science behind gender-affirming care indicates it improves mental health.<ref name="followup_pt1">{{cite web|last1=Novella|first1=Steven|title=The Science of Transgender Treatment|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-science-of-transgender-treatment/|website=Science-Based Medicine|date=30 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701205323/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-science-of-transgender-treatment/|url-status=live}}</ref> Novella and Gorski emphasized that Hall is still an editor in good standing at ''Science-Based Medicine'', and praised her history of promoting good science.<ref name="book_review_sbm"/> ''Science-Based Medicine'' also published a series of articles from doctors specialising in LGBTQ+ health care.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lovell|first=Rose|date=2021-07-02|title=Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: A Wealth of Irreversible Misinformation {{!}} Science-Based Medicine|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/abigail-shriers-irreversible-damage-a-wealth-of-irreversible-misinformation/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|website=sciencebasedmedicine.org|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812030741/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/abigail-shriers-irreversible-damage-a-wealth-of-irreversible-misinformation/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Eckert|first=AJ|date=2021-07-04|title=Irreversible Damage to the Trans Community: A Critical Review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage (Part One) {{!}} Science-Based Medicine|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-to-the-trans-community-a-critical-review-of-abigail-shriers-book-irreversible-damage-part-one/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|website=sciencebasedmedicine.org|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812141554/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-to-the-trans-community-a-critical-review-of-abigail-shriers-book-irreversible-damage-part-one/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Eckert|first=AJ|date=2021-07-18|title=Irreversible Damage to the Trans Community: A Critical Review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters (Part Two) {{!}} Science-Based Medicine|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-to-the-trans-community-a-critical-review-of-abigail-shriers-book-irreversible-damage-the-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters-part-two/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|website=sciencebasedmedicine.org|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812092734/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-to-the-trans-community-a-critical-review-of-abigail-shriers-book-irreversible-damage-the-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters-part-two/}}</ref> Journalist [[Jesse Singal]] criticized Novella and Gorski's retraction of Hall's original article and the factual accuracy of the follow-up articles.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Singal|first1=Jesse|title=How Science-Based Medicine Botched Its Coverage Of The Youth Gender Medicine Debate|url=https://jessesingal.substack.com/p/how-science-based-medicine-botched|access-date=3 August 2021|website=jessesingal.substack.com|archive-date=22 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722060613/https://jessesingal.substack.com/p/how-science-based-medicine-botched|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Singal|first1=Jesse|title=Science-Based Medicine's Coverage Of "Irreversible Damage" Included About 19 Errors, False Claims About Three Sex Researchers, Made-Up Quotes, And Endless Misinformation|url=https://jessesingal.substack.com/p/science-based-medicines-coverage|access-date=3 August 2021|website=jessesingal.substack.com|archive-date=7 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807013243/https://jessesingal.substack.com/p/science-based-medicines-coverage|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lovell|first=Rose|date=2021-09-02|title=About those "19 errors," part one|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/about-those-19-errors-part-one/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-08|website=Science-Based Medicine|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908225908/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/about-those-19-errors-part-one/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Eckert|first=AJ|date=2021-09-06|title=About those "19 Errors," Part Two|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/about-those-19-errors-part-two/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-08|website=Science-Based Medicine|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907074654/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/about-those-19-errors-part-two/}}</ref> Hall's review was republished at [[Skeptic.com]], and an updated version that responds to the critiques has been published on her personal website.<ref name="book_review_sc">{{cite web|last1=Hall|first1=Harriet|title=Trans Science: A review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters|url=https://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/trans-science-review-of-abigail-shier-irreversible-damage-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters/|website=Skeptic.com|date=17 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702061338/https://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/trans-science-review-of-abigail-shier-irreversible-damage-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Harriet|title=Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents – SkepDoc|url=https://www.skepdoc.info/gender-dysphoria-in-adolescents/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810193043/https://www.skepdoc.info/gender-dysphoria-in-adolescents/}}</ref>
On June 15, 2021, Hall published a book review of ''[[Irreversible Damage]]'' in ''Science-Based Medicine'', stating that the book "brings up some alarming facts that desperately need to be looked into", that the affirmative care model for [[gender dysphoria]] "is a mistake and a dereliction of duty", and that the current political climate has made scientific study of these matters nearly impossible.<ref name="book_review_sbm">{{cite web|last1=Hall|first1=Harriet|title=Book Review: Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters, by Abigail Shrier|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-the-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters/|website=Science-Based Medicine|date=15 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701033126/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-the-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="book_review_sc"/> Within two days, the review was replaced with a retraction notice authored by [[Steven Novella]] and [[David Gorski]]. They stated that the health protocols for dealing with gender dysphoria in children were misrepresented and argued that an increase in gender dysphoria diagnoses can be explained without invoking a theory of social contagion, as well as stating that the science behind gender-affirming care indicates it improves mental health.<ref name="followup_pt1">{{cite web|last1=Novella|first1=Steven|title=The Science of Transgender Treatment|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-science-of-transgender-treatment/|website=Science-Based Medicine|date=30 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=1 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701205323/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/the-science-of-transgender-treatment/|url-status=live}}</ref> Novella and Gorski emphasized that Hall is still an editor in good standing at ''Science-Based Medicine'', and praised her history of promoting good science.<ref name="book_review_sbm"/> ''Science-Based Medicine'' also published a series of articles from doctors specialising in LGBTQ+ health care.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Lovell|first=Rose|date=2021-07-02|title=Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: A Wealth of Irreversible Misinformation {{!}} Science-Based Medicine|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/abigail-shriers-irreversible-damage-a-wealth-of-irreversible-misinformation/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|website=sciencebasedmedicine.org|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812030741/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/abigail-shriers-irreversible-damage-a-wealth-of-irreversible-misinformation/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Eckert|first=AJ|date=2021-07-04|title=Irreversible Damage to the Trans Community: A Critical Review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage (Part One) {{!}} Science-Based Medicine|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-to-the-trans-community-a-critical-review-of-abigail-shriers-book-irreversible-damage-part-one/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|website=sciencebasedmedicine.org|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812141554/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-to-the-trans-community-a-critical-review-of-abigail-shriers-book-irreversible-damage-part-one/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Eckert|first=AJ|date=2021-07-18|title=Irreversible Damage to the Trans Community: A Critical Review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters (Part Two) {{!}} Science-Based Medicine|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-to-the-trans-community-a-critical-review-of-abigail-shriers-book-irreversible-damage-the-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters-part-two/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|website=sciencebasedmedicine.org|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210812092734/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/irreversible-damage-to-the-trans-community-a-critical-review-of-abigail-shriers-book-irreversible-damage-the-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters-part-two/}}</ref> Journalist [[Jesse Singal]] criticized Novella and Gorski's retraction of Hall's original article and the factual accuracy of the follow-up articles.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Singal|first1=Jesse|title=How Science-Based Medicine Botched Its Coverage Of The Youth Gender Medicine Debate|url=https://jessesingal.substack.com/p/how-science-based-medicine-botched|access-date=3 August 2021|website=jessesingal.substack.com|archive-date=22 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210722060613/https://jessesingal.substack.com/p/how-science-based-medicine-botched|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Singal|first1=Jesse|title=Science-Based Medicine's Coverage Of "Irreversible Damage" Included About 19 Errors, False Claims About Three Sex Researchers, Made-Up Quotes, And Endless Misinformation|url=https://jessesingal.substack.com/p/science-based-medicines-coverage|access-date=3 August 2021|website=jessesingal.substack.com|archive-date=7 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210807013243/https://jessesingal.substack.com/p/science-based-medicines-coverage|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Lovell|first=Rose|date=2021-09-02|title=About those "19 errors," part one|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/about-those-19-errors-part-one/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-08|website=Science-Based Medicine|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908225908/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/about-those-19-errors-part-one/}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Eckert|first=AJ|date=2021-09-06|title=About those "19 Errors," Part Two|url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/about-those-19-errors-part-two/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-09-08|website=Science-Based Medicine|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-09-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907074654/https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/about-those-19-errors-part-two/}}</ref> Hall's review was republished at [[Skeptic.com]], and an updated version that responds to the critiques has been published on her personal website.<ref name="book_review_sc">{{cite web|last1=Hall|first1=Harriet|title=Trans Science: A review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters|url=https://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/trans-science-review-of-abigail-shier-irreversible-damage-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters/|website=Skeptic.com|date=17 June 2021|access-date=2 July 2021|archive-date=2 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210702061338/https://www.skeptic.com/reading_room/trans-science-review-of-abigail-shier-irreversible-damage-transgender-craze-seducing-our-daughters/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Hall|first=Harriet|title=Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents – SkepDoc|url=https://www.skepdoc.info/gender-dysphoria-in-adolescents/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-08-10|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-08-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210810193043/https://www.skepdoc.info/gender-dysphoria-in-adolescents/}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life and death==
Hall resided in [[Puyallup, Washington]],<ref name="trc49"/> with her husband Kirk (who is also retired from the Air Force). She had two adult daughters.<ref name="tam7"/>
Hall resided in [[Puyallup, Washington]],<ref name="trc49"/> with her husband Kirk (who is also retired from the Air Force). She had two adult daughters.<ref name="tam7"/>

⚫
Hall died on January 11, 2023, at the age of 77.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.skepdoc.info/ |title=SkepDoc: Clear Thinking about Medical Matters|website=skepdoc.info |publisher=Skepdoc |access-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.is/dVavZ |archive-date=12 January 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=David |first1=Gorski |title=We are saddened to announce that The SkepDoc Dr. Harriet Hall has passed away |url=https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/we-are-saddened-to-announce-that-the-skepdoc-dr-harriet-hall-has-passed-away/ |website=Science-Based Medicine |access-date=2023-01-12 |archive-url=https://archive.is/H7Thi |archive-date=2023-01-12}}</ref>


==Selected publications==
==Selected publications==

Revision as of 03:11, 13 January 2023

Harriet A. Hall
Hall, speaking at the Australian Skeptics National Convention, Melbourne 2016
Birth nameHarriet A. Hoag
Born(1945-07-02)July 2, 1945
DiedJanuary 11, 2023(2023-01-11) (aged 77)
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service / branchUnited States Air Force
Years of service1969-1989
RankColonel
AwardsMeritorious Service Medal
Alma materUniversity of Washington
Spouse(s)Kirk Hall
Children2
Other workMedical blogger and critic of alternative medicine
Websitewww.skepdoc.info
The voice of Harriet Hall
recorded in March 2014

Harriet A. Hall (July 2, 1945 – January 11, 2023) was an American family physician, U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, author, science communicator and skeptic of international acclaim, who wrote about alternative medicine and quackery for the internationally recognized magazines Skeptic and Skeptical Inquirer and articles discussing evidence-based medicine for the Science-Based Medicine blog. She usually wrote under her own name or used the pseudonym "The SkepDoc". She was also a frequent speaker at science and skepticism related conventions in the US and around the world.

Career

Hall received her B.A. and M.D. from the University of Washington. She was only the second woman to do her internship in the Air Force and was the first female graduate of the Air Force family to practice residency at Eglin Air Force Base.[1]

Hall said she had been a "passive skeptic" for quite some time, only reading the literature and attending the various meetings.[2] She met Wallace Sampson at the Skeptic's Toolbox workshop in Oregon. He convinced her to write an article for the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine[3] testing so-called "Vitamin O" products she had seen advertised in the mail.[4] She then began writing articles for Skeptical Inquirer.[5][6] When she spoke to Michael Shermer at The Amazing Meeting about the book The God Code, he encouraged her to write a review of it for Skeptic magazine.[7] She wrote other articles for that publication, and since late 2006 she has had a regular column in it titled The SkepDoc.[2] This is also the name of her web site.[8] Before the Toolbox, "I had not done any writing... one thing led to another and now I'm on the faculty of the Skeptic's Toolbox."[9]

Hall spoke at the Science-Based Medicine Conference[10] and The Amazing Meeting 7,[11] among other venues in 2009. She was interviewed on podcasts such as The Reality Check,[3] Skepticality[12] and The Skeptic Zone.[2]

In 2008 she published Women Aren't Supposed to Fly: The Memoirs of a Female Flight Surgeon, an autobiography focusing on her experiences as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force (she retired as a full colonel). As a female physician, Air Force officer, pilot and flight surgeon she was a minority in several respects, and encountered prejudice. The title of the book refers to an incident after her first solo flight when an airport official told her, "Didn't anybody ever tell you women aren't supposed to fly?"[11][13]

Starting in the January 2010 issue, Hall had a regular 250-word column in O, The Oprah Magazine debunking common health myths.[14] Her relationship with the magazine was rocky, and the column ended in the June 2010 issue.[15] She later said about this experience that "The editor who hired me was replaced by a less sympathetic one (...). They restricted me to a measly 200 words and wanted to tell me exactly what to write about and what to say. I couldn’t even recognize the final edited version as my writing."[16]

Hall was on the board and had been a founding member of the Institute for Science in Medicine, formed in 2009. In 2010 she was elected a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.[17]

Hall on the JREF Amazing Adventure — North to Alaska

On August 21, 2010 Hall was honored with an award recognizing her contributions in the skeptical field, from The IIG during its 10th Anniversary Gala.[18]

Hall also spoke at the 6th World Skeptic Congress in Berlin, "Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Fairy Tale Science and Placebo Medicine".[19]

In 2015 she published a YouTube lecture series titled "Science Based Medicine", commissioned by the James Randi Educational Foundation.[16] It is presented as a course consisting of 10 lectures regarding the differences between Science-Based and Evidence-Based Medicine, CAM, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Homeopathy, Naturopathy and Herbal Medicine, Energy Medicine, Miscellaneous “Alternatives”, Pitfalls in Research, and Science-Based Medicine in the Media and Politics.[20]

From 2018, Hall published a regular column in Skeptical Inquirer called "Reality Is the Best Medicine".[21]

Criticism of alternative medicine

Hall was an outspoken critic of alternative medicine, often questioning its effectiveness. "If it were shown to be truly effective, it would be part of regular medicine."[22] In her work she emphasized the importance of following the scientific evidence for or against any remedy. When asked about the anti-cold remedy Airborne she said, "There's more evidence for chicken soup than for Airborne. In the absence of any credible double-blind studies to support the claims for Airborne, I'll stick to hand washing."[23] She also criticized the U.S. Army for its use of acupuncture, saying "the idea that putting needles in somebody's ear is going to substitute for things like morphine is just ridiculous."[24]

Hall publicly criticized the recommendations and products of Daniel G. Amen in an article at Quackwatch[25] and elsewhere, saying "Amen's recommendations defy science, common sense and logic."[26] She also criticized many other proponents of alternative therapies, including Andrew Weil.[27]

Hall was an advisor to Quackwatch[28] as well as an Associate Editor and frequent author of the Science-Based Medicine blog.[1]

In 2022, Hall published a children's book called "There's No Such Thing as the Tooth Fairy!" about kids who debate the existence of the Tooth fairy.[29] Hall had previously coined the term "tooth fairy science" to refer to studying a phenomenon before establishing its existence.[30][31]

Irreversible Damage book review

On June 15, 2021, Hall published a book review of Irreversible Damage in Science-Based Medicine, stating that the book "brings up some alarming facts that desperately need to be looked into", that the affirmative care model for gender dysphoria "is a mistake and a dereliction of duty", and that the current political climate has made scientific study of these matters nearly impossible.[32][33] Within two days, the review was replaced with a retraction notice authored by Steven Novella and David Gorski. They stated that the health protocols for dealing with gender dysphoria in children were misrepresented and argued that an increase in gender dysphoria diagnoses can be explained without invoking a theory of social contagion, as well as stating that the science behind gender-affirming care indicates it improves mental health.[34] Novella and Gorski emphasized that Hall is still an editor in good standing at Science-Based Medicine, and praised her history of promoting good science.[32] Science-Based Medicine also published a series of articles from doctors specialising in LGBTQ+ health care.[35][36][37] Journalist Jesse Singal criticized Novella and Gorski's retraction of Hall's original article and the factual accuracy of the follow-up articles.[38][39][40][41] Hall's review was republished at Skeptic.com, and an updated version that responds to the critiques has been published on her personal website.[33][42]

Personal life and death

Hall resided in Puyallup, Washington,[3] with her husband Kirk (who is also retired from the Air Force). She had two adult daughters.[11]

Hall died on January 11, 2023, at the age of 77.[43][44]

Selected publications

Highlights and publications mentioned in this article:

  • Barrett, S.; WM London; M Kroger; H Hall; R Baratz (2013). Consumer Health: A Guide to Intelligent Decisions. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0078028489.
  • Hall, Harriet A. (Spring–Summer 2003), "Analysis of Claims and of an Experiment to Prove That Oxygen is Present in "Vitamin O"", Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, 7 (1): 29–33
  • Hall, Harriet A. (May–June 2003), "Wired to the Kitchen Sink: Studying Weird Claims for Fun and Profit", Skeptical Inquirer, vol. 27, no. 3, Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, pp. 46–48, retrieved August 8, 2009
  • Hall, Harriet A. (Fall 2003), "Chiropractic Information in a Public Library", Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, 7 (2): 78–86
  • Hall, Harriet (2007) [2005]. "A Skeptical View of SPECT Scans and Dr. Daniel Amen". Quackwatch. Retrieved August 8, 2009.
  • Hall, Harriet A. (Spring–Summer 2005), "Blind-spot Mapping, Cortical Function, and Chiropractic Manipulation", Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, 9 (1): 11–15
  • Hall, Harriett (2005). "Seek & Ye Shall Find: The God Code (Book Review)". Skeptic. 11 (4).
  • Hall, Harriet A. (May–June 2006), "Teaching Pigs to Sing: An Experiment in Bringing Critical Thinking to the Masses", Skeptical Inquirer, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 36–39, retrieved August 8, 2009
  • Hall, Harriet A. (June 24, 2008), "Death By Medicine", Science-Based Medicine, retrieved August 9, 2009
  • Hall, Harriet A. (2008). Women Aren't Supposed to Fly : The Memoirs of a Female Flight Surgeon. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse. p. 221. ISBN 978-0595499588. OCLC 263094055.

References

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  2. ^ a b c Saunders, Richard (January 23, 2009). "#14 Jon Ronson – The Amazing Adventure 2 (James Randi, Susan Hurst, Dr Phil Plait, Rebecca Watson, Dr Harriet Hall)". The Skeptic Zone. Retrieved August 8, 2009. (Interview from 46:00 to 50:25)
  3. ^ a b c "TRC #49: Homeopathy 101 + Harriet Hall Interview + Sex on the Mind Myth". The Reality Check podcast. Ottawa Skeptics. August 1, 2009. Archived from the original on September 18, 2009. Retrieved August 1, 2009. (Interview from 16:08 to 33:25)
  4. ^ Hall, Harriet A. (Spring–Summer 2003), "Analysis of Claims and of an Experiment to Prove That Oxygen is Present in "Vitamin O"", Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, 7 (1): 29–33
  5. ^ Hall, SI (27)3 2003.
  6. ^ Hall, SI (30)3 2006.
  7. ^ Hall, Harriet (2005). "Seek and Ye Shall Find. Book review of The God Code: The Secret of Our Past, the Promise of Our Future, by Greg Braden". Skeptic Magazine. 11 (4): 85–6.
  8. ^ "SkepDoc Columns". The SkepDoc. Archived from the original on June 28, 2014. Retrieved August 8, 2009.
  9. ^ "Loren Pankratz and Harriet Hall discuss the Skeptic's Toolbox". YouTube. Retrieved 2012-08-10.[dead YouTube link]
  10. ^ Novella, Steven (March 6, 2009). "Science-Based Medicine Conference". NeuroLogica Blog. Archived from the original on September 17, 2009. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  11. ^ a b c "The Amaz!ng Meeting 7 Speakers". James Randi Educational Foundation. February 23, 2009. Archived from the original on August 8, 2009. Retrieved August 8, 2009.
  12. ^ Swoopy; Colanduno, Derek (June 10, 2008). "Ep. #079 – Interview: Dr. Harriet Hall – The Doctor Is In!". Skepticality. Archived from the original on August 1, 2020. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
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  14. ^ Thorp, Brandon K. (December 10, 2009). "Harriet Hall's Big Big News". SWIFT. James Randi Educational Foundation. Archived from the original on December 13, 2009. Retrieved December 10, 2009.
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  18. ^ "About the IIG Awards". Independent Investigations Group. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2017.
  19. ^ "Promoting Science in an Age of Uncertainty". 6th World Skeptic Congress. Archived from the original on June 1, 2013.
  20. ^ Hall, Harriet. "Course Guide for the Video Series Science-Based Medicine" (PDF). James Randi Educational Foundation. JREF. Archived (PDF) from the original on 4 April 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  21. ^ "The Care and Feeding of the Vagina". Skeptical Inquirer. 42 (5): 28. 2018.
  22. ^ Kranish, Michael (July 24, 2009). "Senators seek coverage for alternative therapies". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved August 8, 2009.
  23. ^ Shermer, Michael (January 2007). "Airborne Baloney: The latest fad in cold remedies is full of hot air". Scientific American. Archived from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved August 9, 2009.
  24. ^ Farmer, Blake (February 16, 2012), Military Pokes Holes In Acupuncture Skeptics' Theory, NPR, archived from the original on June 25, 2020, retrieved February 16, 2012
  25. ^ Hall, Quackwatch 2005.
  26. ^ Burton, Robert (May 12, 2008). "Brain scam: Why is PBS airing Dr. Daniel Amen's self-produced infomercial for the prevention of Alzheimer's disease?". Salon. p. 3. Archived from the original on June 27, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2009.
  27. ^ Singh, Simon; Ernst, Edzard (2008). Trick or Treatment? Alternative Medicine on Trial. New York: W. W. Norton & Company. p. 257. ISBN 978-0393066616.
  28. ^ "Medical Advisors". Quackwatch. July 18, 2003. Archived from the original on 2008-05-13. Retrieved August 8, 2009.
  29. ^ Hall, Harriet (2 August 2022). "Announcing a New Children's Book that Promotes Critical Thinking". Science-based Medicine. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  30. ^ Carroll, Robert. "Tooth Fairy science". The Skeptic's Dictionary. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  31. ^ Hall, Harriet (Fall 2001). "The SkepDoc: evidence-based medicine, tooth fairy science, and Cinderella medicine". Skeptic Magazine. No. Vol. 17, Issue 1. Skeptics Society. {{cite news}}: |issue= has extra text (help)
  32. ^ a b Hall, Harriet (15 June 2021). "Book Review: Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters, by Abigail Shrier". Science-Based Medicine. Archived from the original on 1 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  33. ^ a b Hall, Harriet (17 June 2021). "Trans Science: A review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters". Skeptic.com. Archived from the original on 2 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  34. ^ Novella, Steven (30 June 2021). "The Science of Transgender Treatment". Science-Based Medicine. Archived from the original on 1 July 2021. Retrieved 2 July 2021.
  35. ^ Lovell, Rose (2021-07-02). "Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: A Wealth of Irreversible Misinformation | Science-Based Medicine". sciencebasedmedicine.org. Archived from the original on 2021-08-12. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  36. ^ Eckert, AJ (2021-07-04). "Irreversible Damage to the Trans Community: A Critical Review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage (Part One) | Science-Based Medicine". sciencebasedmedicine.org. Archived from the original on 2021-08-12. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  37. ^ Eckert, AJ (2021-07-18). "Irreversible Damage to the Trans Community: A Critical Review of Abigail Shrier's Irreversible Damage: The Transgender Craze Seducing Our Daughters (Part Two) | Science-Based Medicine". sciencebasedmedicine.org. Archived from the original on 2021-08-12. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  38. ^ Singal, Jesse. "How Science-Based Medicine Botched Its Coverage Of The Youth Gender Medicine Debate". jessesingal.substack.com. Archived from the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  39. ^ Singal, Jesse. "Science-Based Medicine's Coverage Of "Irreversible Damage" Included About 19 Errors, False Claims About Three Sex Researchers, Made-Up Quotes, And Endless Misinformation". jessesingal.substack.com. Archived from the original on 7 August 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2021.
  40. ^ Lovell, Rose (2021-09-02). "About those "19 errors," part one". Science-Based Medicine. Archived from the original on 2021-09-08. Retrieved 2021-09-08.
  41. ^ Eckert, AJ (2021-09-06). "About those "19 Errors," Part Two". Science-Based Medicine. Archived from the original on 2021-09-07. Retrieved 2021-09-08.
  42. ^ Hall, Harriet. "Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents – SkepDoc". Archived from the original on 2021-08-10. Retrieved 2021-08-10.
  43. ^ "SkepDoc: Clear Thinking about Medical Matters". skepdoc.info. Skepdoc. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
  44. ^ David, Gorski. "We are saddened to announce that The SkepDoc Dr. Harriet Hall has passed away". Science-Based Medicine. Archived from the original on 2023-01-12. Retrieved 2023-01-12.
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