I don't think that anyone outside the field can understand just how bad and pervasive this problem is, it is everywhere and harming patients every day. One more

I don't think that anyone outside the field can understand just how bad and pervasive this problem is, it is everywhere and harming patients every day. One more example - my wife is a surgeon working in a specialized field and in this field there are panels of 'experts' that get together and set the guidelines for how to treat the disease: - The panel is stacked with visiting researchers working for the most senior researcher on the panel. - The most senior experts on this panel recommend treating with a particular drug. It turns out that these experts also happen to receive money from these drug companies. - These researchers then use the results of this panel when applying for NIH grants as proof that this is where the treatment is heading AND THEN, next time the panel happens, also use this research as proof that this is where the treatment is heading. Talk about self interest and circular logic. What is incredibly sad about this is that the results of consensus panels are then quoted by doctors every day and used to lead their treatment of patients.