Rashid Buttar

Rashid Buttar is an American osteopathic physician, author, and conspiracy theorist. He is known for his controversial use of chelation therapy for numerous conditions, including autism and cancer, and for his outspoken views on vaccines, which he has linked to autism. Buttar has been a polarizing figure in the medical community, with many experts criticizing his methods and claims as unscientific and potentially harmful.

Early Life and Education

Rashid Buttar was born in London, England, and moved to the United States with his family at a young age. He completed his undergraduate education in biology and theology at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Buttar then earned his medical degree from the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa. He is board certified in Emergency Medicine and Preventive Medicine.

Career

Buttar began his medical career in the United States Army, where he served as a brigade surgeon for 2nd Infantry Division, South Korea, and later as the director of the emergency department at Moncrief Army Hospital and the assistant director of emergency medicine at Brooke Army Medical Center. After leaving the army, he established a private practice focusing on preventive medicine and alternative therapies.

Buttar gained notoriety for his use of chelation therapy, a process that involves the administration of chelating agents to remove heavy metals from the body. He claims that this treatment is effective against a range of conditions, including cardiovascular disease, autism, and cancer. However, these claims have been widely disputed by the medical community, and there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of chelation therapy for these conditions.

Controversies

Rashid Buttar has been the subject of controversy and criticism for his unconventional medical practices and theories. He has been particularly criticized for promoting the idea that vaccines are linked to autism, a claim that has been debunked by numerous scientific studies. In 2010, the North Carolina Medical Board charged Buttar with providing ineffective therapies to cancer patients, among other allegations. However, Buttar defended his practices, claiming that his treatments were effective and that he was being targeted for challenging mainstream medical practices.

Publications and Media

Buttar has authored several books, including "The 9 Steps to Keep the Doctor Away," which outlines his philosophy on health and wellness. He has also appeared on various media platforms, including radio and television, to promote his views on health, medicine, and the alleged dangers of vaccines.

Personal Life

Details about Buttar's personal life are not widely publicized. He is known to be married and has children, but further information about his family is not readily available.

Criticism and Response

The medical and scientific communities have largely criticized Buttar's practices and claims. Experts argue that his promotion of unproven treatments and vaccine misinformation can pose serious risks to public health. Despite this, Buttar maintains a following among those who are skeptical of conventional medicine and vaccines.

Conclusion

Rashid Buttar remains a controversial figure in the realm of alternative medicine. While he claims to offer effective treatments for a variety of conditions, his methods have been criticized as unscientific and potentially dangerous. The debate over Buttar's practices highlights the broader tensions between conventional medicine and alternative therapies.