Independent Physicians' Report (1954)

Document: Signed report from independent medical committee

Date: 1954

Signatories: Ten physicians from across the United States

Location: Hoxsey Cancer Clinic, Dallas, Texas

Background

In 1954, a committee of ten physicians from across the United States conducted an independent two-day inspection of the Hoxsey Cancer Clinic in Dallas. These were not physicians employed by Hoxsey, nor were they affiliated with any organization opposing him. They came to examine the evidence for themselves.

The physicians reviewed patient records, examined current patients, spoke with staff, and observed the treatment protocols. At the conclusion of their inspection, they signed a formal report documenting their findings.

Key Findings

The physicians' report made two extraordinary statements:

"The clinic is successfully treating pathologically proven cases of cancer, both internal and external, without the use of surgery, radium, or x-ray."

"We as a committee feel that the Hoxsey treatment is superior to such conventional methods of treatment as x-ray, radium, or surgery. We are willing to assist this clinic in any way possible in bringing this treatment to the American public."

Significance

This report was remarkable for several reasons:

  • Independent verification — These were not Hoxsey employees or advocates, but practicing physicians who came to evaluate the evidence.
  • Pathological proof — They specified that cases were "pathologically proven," meaning biopsies had confirmed cancer diagnosis.
  • Direct comparison — They explicitly stated the treatment was "superior" to conventional methods—a strong claim from medical professionals.
  • Offer of support — They volunteered to help bring the treatment to the American public, putting their professional reputations on the line.

What Happened to These Physicians?

The fate of these ten physicians illustrates the professional risks of supporting Hoxsey. According to historical accounts:

  • Several faced pressure from state medical boards
  • Some were threatened with loss of their licenses
  • The report was largely ignored by mainstream medical institutions
  • The AMA continued its campaign against Hoxsey unabated

This pattern—independent physicians finding merit in Hoxsey's treatment, followed by professional pressure to retract or remain silent—would repeat throughout the Hoxsey controversy.

Historical Context

The 1954 report came at a pivotal moment:

  • 1949 — Hoxsey had won his libel case against the AMA
  • 1953 — The Fitzgerald Report accused organized medicine of conspiracy
  • 1954 — This independent committee added professional medical support
  • 1956 — The FDA launched its unprecedented public campaign against Hoxsey
  • 1960 — All Hoxsey clinics in the U.S. were shut down

Despite a court victory, a congressional investigation, and an independent medical endorsement, the Hoxsey treatment was ultimately banned in the United States.

Continue Reading

The Fitzgerald Report (1953)

The congressional investigation one year earlier.

Hoxsey v. Fishbein (1949)

The court case that preceded this report.