“The profession—scientific, medical, and public health societies, journals, academic institutions, and advocacy organizations—must quickly decide how to respond or whether to respond. The profession is diverse. Some in the profession voted for Trump and undoubtedly support at least parts of this agenda, and their response to recent developments may be a thumbs-up….

“However, is there a bridge too far, a point where it is no longer appropriate for medicine and public health to accede? Under what conditions must the profession stand its ground and vocally oppose problematic policies or disinformation? The scientific community is expected to respect diverse viewpoints, but in the final analysis, all share a professional responsibility to oppose policies that threaten the health of patients or the population. To condone policies that the profession knows will compromise health—or to remain silent and look away—is to be complicit in putting population health at risk….

“In the end, politicians and the public are free to ignore medical advice and pursue policies that compromise health and safety, and they likely will, but this does not relieve the profession of its responsibility to make the dangers clear. At the bedside, respect for the freedom of patients to make their own decisions does not excuse physicians from the obligation to present adequate information to make informed choices and to advise against options that the physician believes will do more harm than good. The duty to the population is no different. Regardless of the popularity or powerful interests behind a policy, the responsibility of the profession is to speak out when the science is clear that it will threaten health or safety. Silence is not an option.”