Dr. Nancy Olivieri - Whistleblowing in Medical Research

Dr. Olivieri recounts her story, and the lessons she learned during 30 years of one of the most serious and ongoing ethical scandals in medical history. The conflict began after Dr. Olivieri raised concerns about patient safety in a clinical trial in Toronto. The story moved to villages in Asia, to the European Court of Justice, to a dramatic showdown at the US FDA, and back to more coverups in Toronto. As of 2024, bullying, defamation, firings and endless lawsuits continue, with patients being the most recent victims. This is a story of coverups: of false and misleading science, of research and professional misconduct, of regulatory capture and of the complicit silence of nearly everyone in power in Canadian academia.


Comments in chat:

Dr. Anna MD: Appears that this is the process. Threats from Health Authority, The College, BC Psychiatric Association, The Academic Institution to stop using “credentials”, Health Canada investigation, Threats from “non profit” for defamation…
Dr. Anna MD: Not to mention Meta Advertising Library and censorship when Otsuka is criticized. Facebook and Instagram accounts closed, legal request to censor, “does not meet our community guidelines”. IMO, complicit in covering up patient data collection and direct to consumer advertising of antipsychotics to children. Pharma funded case workers (nurses) injecting the depot to all the “psychotic” patients with no oversight.
Dr. Anna MD: In my opinion, many of the individuals behind the marketing of drugs are pharmacists, accountants, MBA’s etc and the Hippocratic Oath is not applied in business. Business is about making $$$ and profit at all costs. My question is how did you do it without going bankrupt?
Dr. Anna MD: I have had several meetings with “Health Canada” now CADTH. The CEO is a home care nurse. Who approves drugs and WHY? No one takes any responsibility. So Health Canada investigates my clinic for selling “drugs”. Sunscreen. A 1 year investigation on sunscreen. Meanwhile, they approve Abilify Maintena injections for bipolar so every depressed single mother, post part depression and pot smoking youth getting injected every month and side effects ignored, more drugs added, to receive the payment. 1 833 EXP CONN
John Grogan: Q. With chronic and prolonged stress, how does one maintain mental health? Were there dark days?
Dr. Anna MD: I am shocked at how many “experts” will do anything and say anything for Otsuka $$$$ … money goes through Agence UNIK (virtual medical education). Academic institutions like McGill, Ottawa, UBC … truly unbelievable. They are “writers” and offer “medical education” at $750/hour. In psychiatry 12,000 people were injected with this long acting depot antipsychotic with NO CONSENT. Arrested for injections if necessary at Van Island Health and Fraser Health.
Charles Bennett: great chat. terrific. can u state something about canada vs us. in us libel is not allowed except for very rare cases
Peter Gordon: My experience was in psychiatry. I was an NHS psychiatrist for 25 years. We were "educated" by Paid Opinion Leaders. Nothing has changed in all this time. Marketing should have no place in education. What can we do about this? Why do healthcare institutions do diddly squat?
James Brophy, Dr.: Do you think your lack of university support was about the money or due to Hanlon's Razor “never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by stupidity.”
Dr. Anna MD: In my opinion the lack of university support is because they are dependent on the Pharma funding. Once a drug is Health Canada “approved” the marketing is entirely unregulated. Eg. The Janssen Journey, The Panorama Program, IQVIA QR codes, drug reps flying from other provinces, samples, 1 year free product. etc
John Grogan: Q. Is there adequate 'whistleblower protection' legislation in Canada? Elsewhere?
Francois Maignen: How do you explain the failure of the worldwide pharmacovigilance system to identify the risks associated with deferiprone?





Michael: Canadian whistleblower protection, such as it is, is not likely to prevent uncapped losses to honest and brave people.
Dr. Anna MD: They use every tool in the toolbox to discredit, threaten, sue and encourage legal action to make sure you end up bankrupt … that includes the non profits like BCSS
Dr. Anna MD: Otsuka’s pharmacovigilance department is in INDIA
Michael: One problem in Canada is that the government takes the side of a medical doctor in any lawsuit through the Canadian Medical Protective Association. Its name is an accurate description of what it does - has $7B+ to resist any tort action or criticism of its members. Premia paid by the taxpayer. Seems strange.
Dr. Anna MD: Also the depot injection (generic) is $6-8 USD but they are charging $600 per syringe here in BC at the Island Health 5 “designated pharmacies” for Plan G drugs (opioids, methadone, antipsychotic depots)…seems strange. Supplier is McKesson (own domain PSSD.com) or Imperial.