John Walker-Smith | |
|---|---|
 Walker-Smith in June 2002
| |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | Gastroenterologist |
| Years active | 1985–2001 |
| Employer | University of London |
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 claimed a unique gastrointestinal condition in autistic children that may be connected to the MMR vaccine. 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. As a result, he was barred from practicing medicine. 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.
In a statement reported in the book on the fraud by Brian Deer Walker-Smith said:
My case was related to entirely different issues to those that concerned Dr. Wakefield... Every investigative procedure I ordered was to find out what was wrong with the children.