All posts by Clay Jones

Clay Jones, M.D. is a pediatrician and a regular contributor to the Science-Based Medicine blog. He primarily cares for healthy newborns and hospitalized children, and devotes his full time to educating pediatric residents and medical students. Dr. Jones first became aware of and interested in the incursion of pseudoscience into his chosen profession while completing his pediatric residency at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital a decade ago. He has since focused his efforts on teaching the application of critical thinking and scientific skepticism to the practice of pediatric medicine. Dr. Jones has no conflicts of interest to disclose and no ties to the pharmaceutical industry. He can be found on Twitter as @SBMPediatrics and is the co-host of The Prism Podcast with fellow SBM contributor Grant Ritchey. The comments expressed by Dr. Jones are his own and do not represent the views or opinions of Newton-Wellesley Hospital or its administration.

Cleveland Clinic Drops the Ball in an Attempt to Educate Parents on Safe Sleep

Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in. More Cleveland Clinic more problems, this time it's some questionable advice on safe sleep for infants.

/ June 10, 2022

Swearing to Treat Pain: Helpful Approach or Just Another Distraction

Pain is a complicated problem and something that we will all experience in our lives. Is swearing a helpful way to reduce pain, or is it just another distraction? Maybe it's both.

/ May 13, 2022

The CDC and WHO Have Reported an Unusual Cluster of Severe Pediatric Hepatitis Cases

An unusual cluster of severe liver disease in children is being reported around the world. The cause isn't entirely clear, but it may be an uncommon presentation of a common viral infection that isn't COVID-19.

/ April 29, 2022

New CDC Data Confirms Continued Rise in Sexually Transmitted Diseases

A new batch of CDC data on chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis from 2020 has dropped and it doesn't look good.

/ April 15, 2022

Caffeine Overdose Death Raises Question of Weak Regulations Across the Pond

A personal trainer in England died from a massive overdose caused by a deadly miscalculation aided by weak regulations of the sale of pure caffeine powder.

/ April 1, 2022

Science-Based Satire: Chiropractors…in Space?

Did the United States government recently appoint a new chief to helm a division of space chiropractic? In space can anyone hear your spine crack? No, space is a vacuum and sound can't be produced without vibrating air. Also, this is satire.

/ March 18, 2022

Medical Misinformation Falsely Links a Serious Infection to Leftover Chinese Food

A young man contracted a dangerous infection that was newsworthy, because it could have been prevented by a safe vaccine, but it had absolutely nothing to do with leftover Chinese food despite what is being promoted by a viral YouTube video and several news articles.

/ March 4, 2022

The American Academy of Pediatrics Weighs in on “Alternative Perinatal Practices”: Part 2

In a recently published clinical report, the AAP tackles potentially risky "alternative practices" involving labor and delivery of human newborns.

/ February 18, 2022

The American Academy of Pediatrics Weighs in on “Alternative Perinatal Practices”: Part 1

In a soon-to-be published clinical report, the AAP tackles potentially risky "alternative practices" involving labor and delivery of human newborns.

/ February 4, 2022

A Journalist Asks if Your Child Needs an Energy Healer. The Answer Probably Won’t Surprise You.

A healthcare journalist writing for a respected source of news for millions of people has penned an article that endorses pure quackery in the form of energy healing for kids.

/ December 10, 2021