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9:44 p.m. • 5-23-12

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Disgraced Duke researcher out of a job


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A former Duke University cancer researcher accused of manipulating data has lost another job. 

Anil Potti came under scrutiny in 2010 after questions arose that he had falsely claimed to be a Rhodes Scholar and then about the scientific integrity of his research. He resigned several months later.

Two published papers based on his research were retracted after a collaborator said the results of Potti's work couldn't be reproduced.

Potti was working at the Coastal Cancer Center near Myrtle Beach, S.C., when "60 Minutes" aired a story about him recently.

"A recent 60 Minutes story concerning an investigation of Duke University's cancer research programs and Dr. Potti's work there prompted many concerned people to contact Coastal Cancer Center with comments and questions," Coastal Cancer Center president Dr. Lawrence B. Holt, Jr. said in a statement. "It has become obvious that this issue is going to take precious focus away from patient care."

The Coastal Cancer Center severed ties with Potti effective on Tuesday. 

Holt added that while at the center, Potti was "an exemplary physician whose caring ways have made him extremely popular with patients. We will miss him."

The medical board, which has found Potti guilty of "unprofessional conduct," said last month that he has settled 11 malpractice claims for at least $75,000 each. The board is reviewing the care that led to each settlement.

RELATED TOPICS: Duke University, 60 Minutes, Lawrence Summers


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Latest Comments
He shouldn’t worry, I bet the Obama administration would be happy to hire him.-mark234

There is an article on puppies you have not brought up Obama in yet....

He shouldn’t worry, I bet the Obama administration would be happy to hire him.

Duke Medicine. World class care.

"Why is this guy being allowed to practice?" -- 1nclady

Because he needs to get BETTER! davidk_at_unc

The only thing this guy needs to be practicing is how to make slurpees at the local 7 Eleven. I would not want him near myself or anyone I care about in any medical setting.

Did he lie on his resume? Yes. Were his methods questionable? I don't know - I am not a former patient. But my brother is a former patient and he is alive today because of Dr Potti. He had stage 4 Hodgkins before he was diagnosed. His only chance at survival was Dr Potti's research study. My family never felt that he was ever anything but truthful with them. Beware what you see in the news as there is usually a spin put on it. When I was in college we learned this was called Yellow Journalism.

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