I wanted to comment about how invaluable is the Center for Peer Review Justice (CPRJ).

In June 2000, following a dubious “review” by physicians, none of whom were in my specialty, my employment was terminated and my career amputated.  There was little advice or information anywhere.  I was stunned and bewildered.

Some months later I became aware of Dr. Richard Willner and then then fledging Center for Peer Review Justice.  Rich had become involved in the case of Dr. Brian Gale, a podiatrist in North Dakota, and Rich was just beginning to learn the ropes.

Since then, he has devoted himself tirelessly, and at a great personal cost, to those unjustly wronged.  As far as I am aware, he has never refused advice or assistance, even though he did this without payment.  Over the years, Rich has developed foremost knowledge and expertise of the whole peer review process.  I believe that he has become aware of over 2,300 cases in the last 3 years, where the motives and performance of a peer review have shown malice, bias, and incompetence.

At present, the CPRJ has an impressive website (PeerReview.org) with an expanding list of cases and opinions, as well as a panel of legal experts who have extensive experience in representing physicians who are victims of a sham peer review.  There is an evolving modus operandi on how to mount a defense, as well as a campaign to expose the abuse of peer review to a wide public.

I would urge any physician who is a victim of such abuse to contact Rich at info@peerreview.org for assistance.  I would also urge any organization, such as the AAPS, to support the Center financially, as Rich cannot continue to bear the costs from his own pocket.

CS, MD (3/19/03)