Name John Walker-Smith | ||
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John Walker-Smith is a gastroenterologist well known for his work in pediatrics. From 1985 until his retirement in 2001, he was professor of pediatric gastroenterology at the University of London. He also formerly served as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition.
MMR vaccine controversy
Walker-Smith is the senior co- author of a paper (along with Andrew Wakefield, the lead author) which identified a unique gastrointestinal condition in autistic children that may be connected to the MMR vaccine. Although there were other studies prior to this 1998 study associating various vaccines with the onset of autism spectrum disorders and gastrointestinal disease, this study is generally regarded as sparking the MMR vaccine controversy. In 2010, Walker-Smith was found guilty by the General Medical Council of professional misconduct who recommended erasure subject to appeal. On appeal the case heard by Mr. Justice Mitting in the High Court stated that the GMC determinations were superficial and inadequate and so were quashed.