Prof. Richard Wiseman

0:00:00      Introduction - Richard Saunders
0:01:16     Richard Saunders interviews Dr Richard Wiseman
from www.richardwiseman.com
0:22:00     Skeptics in the Pub - Joanne Benhamu talks about quackery in Pharmacies
0:30:15     Skeptics in the Pub Dave the Happy Singer sings "Frenalla the Ear Candler"
Direct download: the_skeptic_zone_20_090306_stereo.mp3
Category:podcasts -- posted at: 3:54 AM
Comments[4]

  • I've given this one some thought since doing the interview as it feels a little weird to walk in thrusting a letter into the hand of a random pharmacy employee without any context. I think that asking to speak to one of the pharmacists is more effective than speaking to the sales assistant as one would expect the pharmacist to understand the issues regarding evidence. Asking for the owner is also useful (if you feel inclined to do so). I would suggest a little preamble such as: "I am a concerned customer who would like to raise an issue with your business. I would like to keep using your business but am concerned about some of the products you are selling. May I leave this letter with you?"

    Hope this helps.

    posted by: Joanne Benhamu on 2009-03-22 01:26:00

  • Joanne, you make a great point. The Open Letter was apart from anything else made to let people know that chemist shops sell quackery. But you are right and it would be a little odd for many people to just hand over the letter.

    Hope to see you at the pub. I would love you to comment more for us on the Zone.

    posted by: Richard Saunders on 2009-03-22 21:15:00

  • I really like Joanne’s active approach regarding quack medicine in our pharmacies, however I feel a little out of my depth on the subject. For a lay person such as myself, what would you recommend we do on seeing something iffy in the chemists? (I think I recall seeing copper bracelets for arthritis some years ago).

    Do I just hit them with a series of questions to see if they “recommend” it,.. then what?

    posted by: 4tune8chance on 2009-03-13 08:40:00

  • 4tune8chance - best thing you can do is download the open letter from www.skeptics.com.au and give that to your pharmacist if they are selling quackery. That letter makes the point clear and means you don't have to wonder what to do or say.

    posted by: Richard Saunders on 2009-03-13 20:07:00

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