Wallace Sampson

Wallace Sampson (March 29, 1930 – May 25, 2015) was an American physician, well-known skeptic, and clinical professor emeritus of medicine at the Stanford University School of Medicine. He was a prominent critic of alternative medicine and pseudoscience, and an advocate for evidence-based medicine. Sampson was the editor-in-chief of the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine and a founding member of the National Council Against Health Fraud (NCAHF).

Early Life and Education

Wallace Sampson was born on March 29, 1930. He pursued his medical education at the University of Michigan, where he earned his medical degree. Following his graduation, Sampson completed his residency in internal medicine, which laid the foundation for his career in medical practice and his interest in medical skepticism.

Career

Throughout his career, Sampson was known for his critical views on non-evidence-based medical practices. He served as a clinical professor of medicine at Stanford University, where he was involved in teaching and mentoring medical students. His academic and professional work focused on the importance of scientific skepticism in medicine, particularly in the evaluation of alternative medicine practices.

Sampson was a leading figure in the skeptical movement, contributing to the discourse on the need for evidence-based practices in medicine. He was an active member of several skeptical organizations, including the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry (CSI), where he contributed to the promotion of scientific skepticism.

Contributions to Skepticism

One of Sampson's major contributions was his role as editor-in-chief of the Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine, a publication dedicated to the critical examination of alternative medicine practices. Through this platform, he aimed to expose treatments that lacked scientific validity and to educate healthcare professionals and the public about the importance of evidence-based medicine.

Sampson was also a founding member of the National Council Against Health Fraud, an organization committed to combating health fraud, misinformation, and quackery. His work with the NCAHF involved public speaking, writing, and participating in debates to advocate for the application of scientific principles in healthcare.

Legacy

Wallace Sampson's legacy is marked by his unwavering commitment to scientific skepticism and evidence-based medicine. His efforts to challenge pseudoscientific practices and promote critical thinking in medicine have had a lasting impact on the medical and skeptical communities. Sampson passed away on May 25, 2015, but his contributions continue to influence discussions on healthcare practices and the importance of scientific evidence in medicine.

Selected Publications

Sampson authored numerous articles and papers critiquing alternative medicine and advocating for evidence-based practices. While a comprehensive list of his publications is beyond the scope of this article, his work remains a valuable resource for those interested in medical skepticism and the critique of pseudoscience in healthcare.

See Also

• Alternative Medicine
• Evidence-based Medicine
• Scientific Skepticism
• National Council Against Health Fraud
• Committee for Skeptical Inquiry