A prominent figure selected for a clinical trial concerning vaccine-autism connections has come under fire for serious professional misconduct. David Geier, appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stands accused of engaging in unauthorized medical practices. Despite lacking formal medical credentials, Geier allegedly administered unapproved treatments to autistic children, raising significant ethical concerns within the scientific community.

Concerns surrounding Geier's methodologies stem from his association with discredited theories linking autism to mercury exposure in vaccines. In collaboration with his late father Mark Geier, they prescribed Lupron, a drug primarily used for conditions such as prostate cancer and endometriosis, alongside chelation therapy. These treatments were given without adhering to standard protocols, further complicating their legitimacy. Advocates fear that this approach could misdirect federal resources away from understanding autism as a natural human neurotype towards seeking an elusive "cure." The controversy deepens as multiple rigorous studies have already invalidated the purported link between vaccines and autism.

Public health experts warn that embracing unsubstantiated theories poses risks not only to individuals but also to broader societal progress. The Autistic Self Advocacy Network strongly criticized Geier’s involvement, emphasizing that those promoting false cures undermine trust in scientific research. Additionally, previous investigations revealed excessive diagnoses of precocious puberty by the Geiers, along with prescribing unapproved medications, leading to suspensions of Mark Geier's medical licenses across several states. As debates around gender-affirming care intensify, it is crucial to uphold evidence-based practices that prioritize patient safety and well-being.