Why does W. Gifford-Jones endorse specific products?

A Commentary from Diana, daughter of W. Gifford-Jones. 

My father practiced medicine as a gynecologist for many years.  He became frustrated in the early 1970s that so many women were coming into his office and asking very basic questions about how their bodies worked.  It was alarming to him that many of his patients were getting bad information from their friends and family.  They were being misinformed about even the simple things.  So he resolved to write a book, in lay terms that everyone could understand, explaining women’s bodies – their reproductive systems, common ailments, problems that come with aging, etc.  In what I think was a very funny selection of a title (by his editor, not my father), that book was called, “On Being a Woman”.  At that time, he was advised to publish the book under a pseudonym because to use his own name would have been deemed advertising for patients.  The Canadian Medical Association’s Code of Ethics prevents medical doctors from advertising.  There are both ethical and legal issues.

The book was well received.  It was suggested that he start writing a weekly newspaper column, but he resisted for several years as he did not like the idea of making that commitment.  Now, 45 years later, in a wonderful collaboration, he and I are blending his medical expertise with my professional career in global health and public policy.

With regard to attaching his name to the column, for the same reason as the books, he was advised to write using the pseudonym.  He has never hidden his actual name.  All his books mention his actual name in the bio, and many newspapers publish his name alongside his pseudonym.  I am continuing his work under the name Diana Gifford-Jones, as the name has become synonymous with the style of common sense that he has espoused and that I hope continue for the next 45 years.

The column is published widely.  He and I voluntarily produce the column at no fee, and continue to do the research work, week after week, because we are concerned for society.  He believes, as do I, that large corporations have become too powerful.  Their interests are not always in alignment with the best health interests of individuals and society.  Big pharma may be helpful in making drugs that help seriously ill people get better.  But these companies do little to educate people about the preventative steps that can help us avoid getting sick in the first place.

My father has been an advocate for vitamin C for decades. His recommendation for vitamin C in large doses is built on solid research showing evidence that it helps build strong cells, robust immune systems, and cardiovascular health.  Medi-C Plus is a powdered form of vitamin C and a product he has recommended for years.  It was conceived and produced based on his frustration with having to swallow so many tablets each day.  A small fee for the use of the W. Gifford-Jones image and brand has helped support the work we do to bring health advice to consumers.

The other products Gifford-Jones recommends range from validated supplements to tools for healthy living like talking scales and weighted blankets.  We endorse and recommend healthcare solutions that we believe can help people to lead healthier lives.  First and foremost, we point people towards no nonsense approaches to disease prevention and healthy living that involve natural products validated by scientific clinical studies and produced by reputable companies. Our message is this: before consumers and their doctors run to pharmaceutical drugs and surgical solutions, we believe there are natural remedies that are well worth a try.

Sincerely,

Diana Gifford-Jones

(Diana MacKay)