Indeed. This debate isn't about examining a particular patient and prescribing a particular treatment -- I would want a doctor to do that. Dr. Fauci might do.
But we're really looking at statistical outcomes from around the world, gathered by people who are actively working this issue. I don't need a doctor to interpret that. I need someone good with statistics.
I will also not that the "author" here has decided to "use quotes" in a rather "condescending" way.
Mathematics and its distributional cousin Statistics are the universal languages of all sciences.
But Statistics is similar to legal theory, to make a case, to introduce admissble evidence, to test, to make efficient use of data and time, and so on.
A high level credential with heavy training in Statistics can mingle, consult, collaborate, coauthor with any scientist, any MD. In fact, NDs rely exclusively on Statistics experts for their studies and trials.
MDs, however, have the authority to call a trial before its complete based on overwhelming evidence. They are allowed this in special circumstances because the alternative would harm people and their oath is to “first do no harm”. They carry liability.
Many studies of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)-Zinc/Z-Pak start out as randomized trials professionally designed by expert statisticians but the trials are abandoned because the doctors see positive results so clear, so consistent, so overwhelming as in 99% success rate, that it would be malpractice to continue the trial and not go all in with the treatment. That’s what’s been happening.
I can tell from experience that Fauci has picked up lingo but is not telling us straight. It’s either because he’s really a second or thrid stringer who rose up the ranks by mastering how to kiss ass, or he gets all tingly with Bill Gates, the Clintons, and that crowd. I believe it’s the latter.
I hate to promote divisiveness because I know POTUS is working hard to present a united front but at some point MDs need to put their big boy pants on and say “enough of this sh*t!”, then go all in with the HCQ cocktail.