John Walker-Smith | |
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![]() Walker-Smith in June 2002 | |
Nationality | Australian |
Occupation | Gastroenterologist |
Years active | 1985–2001 |
Employer | University of London |
John Walker-Smith is an Australian [1] gastroenterologist well known for his work in pediatrics. [2] From 1985 until his retirement in 2001, he was professor of pediatric gastroenterology at the University of London. [3] [4] He also formerly served as the editor-in-chief of the Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition . [5]
Walker-Smith is the senior co-author of a paper (along with Andrew Wakefield, the lead author) which claimed a unique gastrointestinal condition in autistic children that may be connected to the MMR vaccine. This study is generally regarded as sparking the MMR vaccine controversy. [6]
In 2010, Walker-Smith was found guilty by the General Medical Council of professional misconduct who recommended erasure subject to appeal. [4] [7] The misconduct finding was reversed on appeal. [8]
In a statement reported in the book on the fraud by Brian Deer, Walker-Smith said:
My case was related to entirely different issues to those that concerned Dr. Wakefield... Every investigative procedure I ordered was to find out what was wrong with the children. [9]