Mehmet Oz, MD, host of The Dr. Oz Show and cardiothoracic surgeon, has spoken in response to the letter signed last week by 10 physicians asking New York-based Columbia University to remove him from the medical school's faculty.
According to USA TODAY, Dr. Oz defended his views in a statement: "I bring the public information that will help them on their path to be their best selves," he said. "We provide multiple points of view, including mine, which is offered without conflict of interest. That doesn't sit well with certain agendas which distort the facts."
He also defended his views on genetically modified foods, stating, "I do not claim that GMO foods are dangerous, but believe that they should be labeled like they are in most countries around the world." He said in the statement his show next week will address this issue.
Correction: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Doug Levy, chief communications officer of Columbia University Medical Center, confirmed with USA TODAY that Dr. Oz will continue in his role as vice chairman of the department of surgery. Mr. Levy did not specifically comment on Dr. Oz or his position. Mr. Levy confirmed that Columbia is committed to allowing freedom of expression and academic freedom for all faculty members. We regret this error.
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