The fact that you have reached this page is already a great achievement, because now you know you are not alone, and you know that there are other people, many in fact, who do believe that what you have been describing as "unbelievable", is actually happening every week, in a soviet style, somewhere in the land of the free: America. 

The culprit? HCQIA

Many of us had to sail through their post-peer-review action period alone, not knowing there are hundreds of colleagues going through the same elsewhere, and that some of them have organized themselves into societies.  Even the author of this page found out about Semmelweis by chance, thanks to a web search under "peer review", term he learned after he was reviewed.

Seeking others' help is essential to weather the devastation of bad faith peer review (BFPR).  Help should be sought from several sources:

1) Your family.

2) Your friends

3) Your colleagues (if any is left by your side, daring to defy the administration)

4) Mental Health Professionals (if your shammers have already sent you to one for your "disruptive behavior", consider getting a new one).

5) Societies, such as Semmelweis.

6) Attorneys

While we cannot overstate the importance of each of the above, we will not discuss the first four sources, although a word of advice about your mental health is prudent.  The stress of BFPR can be overwhelming, and it is common to become depressed, paranoid or confused in such situations. Many physicians have committed suicide.  Please do seek help if you have severe symptoms of depression.  You cannot win your battle if you do not have enough strength  to defend yourself and possibly go on the offensive. 

Keep faith in the future.  Although many victims have lost their battles, the tide is starting to turn, slowly but steadily, thanks to people who have dedicated many years of their lives to fight the system and to Davids who have had the patience, strength, courage and tenacity to take their battles to court and fight Goliath.

Semmelweis Society offers its free support to anyone who asks for it.  There are many ways we can help you.  Starting with advice on how to defend yourself to answering technical questions regarding lawsuits.  Our membership includes lawyers and physician-lawyers with a large experience in this field.  We can also provide you with advice on how to find alternative jobs, either temporary or permanent.

The attorney you choose is often someone with whom you had a relationship prior to being reviewed.  While he or she may be able to represent you during the review process, taking your matter to court is a totally different ball game.  Unfortunately, very few lawyers, including those specialized in healthcare, have any experience with BFPR.  They may not even be aware, just like you, that BFPR existed, because just like you, they thought that Doctors are the ultimate in trustworthiness.  After all, people entrust them with their lives.  If Doctors themselves cannot believe that their peers can act that way, why would your lawyer do? In a conversation that lasted 90 minutes between the author of this page and Dr. X, the winner of a mammoth award by a jury in a case of BFPR, Dr. X said the word "unbelievable" 10 times, while referring to his colleagues' actions towards him, although it had been 5 years since he was shammed.

It is of the utmost importance to be represented by a lawyer, or at least to consult often with a lawyer who has experience in this field.  A list of such lawyers is posted on this website and will be updated periodically.

Please do not hesitate to contact us.  We would like to help.