In a shocking story released this weekend, STAT and The Boston Globe reported that one of America's most popular television doctors, Dr. Phil, allegedly made drugs and alcohol available to guests struggling with addiction and inappropriately advertised his own self-help products.
In one instance, a guest struggling with alcoholism showed up to find a full bottle of vodka in his dressing room and was given a Xanax before going on air. In another, a guest battling a heroin addiction was told by a Dr. Phil show staffer where she could buy some. A representative for the show has since denied the allegations.
Medical ethicist Arthur Caplan said that the show clearly prioritized creating sensationalist television over the well being of its subjects.
"This is another one of the medical shows that's letting the commercial side drive the medicine," Caplan said, adding that the show's boosting of Dr. Phil's own products was a "big conflict of interests."
Caplan added that, if the allegations hold up, the plug should be pulled on Dr. Phil's show.
"He'd have to come off the air," Caplan said.
Click the audio player above to hear more from Arthur Caplan.
