Secrecy in science: the flock worker's lung investigation.

Abstract

Letters6 April 1999Secrecy in Science: The Flock Worker's Lung InvestigationDavid G. Kern, MD, Robin K. Kern, JD, and Kate T.H. Durand, MHS, CIHDavid G. Kern, MDBrown University School of Medicine; Providence, RI 02912 (Kern)Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Kern)University of Washington; Seattle, WA 98195 (Durand)Search for more papers by this author, Robin K. Kern, JDBrown University School of Medicine; Providence, RI 02912 (Kern)Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Kern)University of Washington; Seattle, WA 98195 (Durand)Search for more papers by this author, and Kate T.H. Durand, MHS, CIHBrown University School of Medicine; Providence, RI 02912 (Kern)Pawtucket, RI 02860 (Kern)University of Washington; Seattle, WA 98195 (Durand)Search for more papers by this authorAuthor, Article, and Disclosure Informationhttps://doi.org/10.7326/0003-4819-130-7-199904060-00013 SectionsAboutFull TextPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissions ShareFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail TO THE EDITOR:“To provide further insight into what happened [regarding the repercussions of the investigation into flock worker's lung], [Annals] asked Miriam Shuchman … to re-explore the story in depth” (1). Unfortunately, Dr. Shuchman focused on confidentiality agreements and, in doing so, lost the opportunity to provide further insight (2). Those wishing to understand what actually happened both during and after the investigation as well as the nature of the available supporting documentation are encouraged to look elsewhere (3-5).Dr. Shuchman's focus led her to exclude the ugly aspects of the story; to prettify what remained; and to portray ...