**Biography and Career Highlights**:
– Harriet Hall was born on July 2, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, and raised in Seattle, Washington.
– She obtained a degree in Spanish language and literature from the University of Washington followed by a Doctor of Medicine from the University of Washington School of Medicine in 1970.
– Hall served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, retiring as a full colonel, and authored numerous articles for publications like Scientific Review of Alternative Medicine and Skeptic.
– She co-founded Science-Based Medicine, contributed over 700 articles to the publication, and published an autobiography titled ‘Women Aren’t Supposed to Fly: The Memoirs of a Female Flight Surgeon’ in 2008.
– Hall advocated for evidence-based medicine, criticized alternative medicine practices, and was recognized for her contributions with awards from various skeptical organizations.
**Professional Contributions and Advocacy**:
– Hall emphasized following scientific evidence for or against any remedy and criticized practices like acupuncture in the U.S. Army.
– She was an advisor to Quackwatch, co-founded Science-Based Medicine, and advocated for one standard of evidence in medicine.
– Hall’s work included a YouTube lecture series on Science-Based Medicine and contributions to debunking health myths in publications like O, The Oprah Magazine.
– She reviewed books and protocols critically, such as the affirmative care model for gender dysphoria in children.
– Hall’s advocacy focused on promoting science-based approaches to medicine, debunking health myths, and educating the public on critical thinking.
**Publications and Recognition**:
– Hall authored several books, including ‘Consumer Health: A Guide to Intelligent Decisions’ and ‘Death By Medicine’.
– She received awards for her contributions to the skeptical field, spoke at conferences like the World Skeptic Congress, and was elected a Fellow of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry.
– Hall’s regular columns in Skeptical Inquirer and Science-Based Medicine showcased her commitment to promoting scientific literacy and skepticism.
– Her contributions to various publications, conferences, and interviews highlighted her impact on science, skepticism, and evidence-based medicine.
– Hall’s work was recognized by skeptic and science organizations, cementing her legacy in promoting critical thinking and scientific rigor in healthcare.
**Legacy and Controversies**:
– Hall’s legacy includes her impact on healthcare, education, and the promotion of skepticism and scientific literacy.
– She addressed misinformation, pseudoscience, and healthcare controversies, advocating for evidence-based decision-making.
– Hall’s work in debunking health myths, analyzing alternative therapies, and engaging in discussions on critical thinking left a lasting impact on the field.
– While recognized for her contributions, Hall also faced controversies, such as criticisms of Science-Based Medicine’s coverage and discussions on gender dysphoria in adolescents.
– Her passing in January 2023 marked the end of a career dedicated to promoting evidence-based medicine and critical thinking in healthcare.
**External Links and Publications**:
– External links related to Harriet Hall’s work, including mentions in Wikimedia Commons and discussions on Skeptic.info.
– Publication details of articles, book reviews, and critiques related to Hall’s work, highlighting the breadth of her impact in the scientific and skeptical community.
– Coverage of Science-Based Medicine’s errors and controversies, including critiques from various authors and discussions on the platform’s approach to rigorous science.
– Hall’s passing was noted by colleagues and organizations, underscoring the impact of her work on promoting evidence-based medicine and skepticism.
Harriet A. Hall (July 2, 1945 – January 11, 2023) was an American family physician, U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, author, science communicator and skeptic. She wrote about alternative medicine and quackery for the magazines Skeptic and Skeptical Inquirer and was a regular contributor and founding editor of Science-Based Medicine. She wrote under her own name or used the pseudonym "The SkepDoc". After retiring as a colonel in the U.S. Air Force, Hall was a frequent speaker at science and skepticism related conventions in the US and around the world.
Harriet A. Hall | |
|---|---|
 Hall speaking in 2016 | |
| Birth name | Harriet Anne Hoag |
| Born | July 2, 1945 St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. |
| Died | January 11, 2023 (aged 77) Puyallup, Washington, U.S. |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |  United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1969–1989 |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Awards | Meritorious Service Medal |
| Alma mater | University of Washington |
| Spouse(s) | Kirk Hall |
| Children | 2 |
| Other work | Medical blogger and critic of alternative medicine |
| Website | www |