Diana Gifford-Jones Continues Legacy of Health Column After 50 Years

Diana Gifford-Jones is carrying on a family legacy as she continues the health column originally penned by her father, Ken Walker, under the pseudonym W. Gifford-Jones MD. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the column, which first appeared in the Globe and Mail in 1975. Following her father’s passing at the age of 101, she has taken on the responsibility of informing readers on health matters, addressing contemporary questions and concerns.

In her recent writings, Gifford-Jones has clarified the reasons behind her father’s use of a pseudonym. In 1967, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario prohibited him from publishing under his own name, deeming his first book for a lay audience as a form of advertising for patients. The name W. Gifford-Jones was chosen to reflect a distinguished image, which has since become synonymous with his unconventional views on health.

Throughout his career, Gifford-Jones challenged established medical norms. He took controversial stances on issues such as abortion and medical assistance in dying. Notably, he campaigned for the legalization of heroin use for terminal cancer patients, directing funds to newspaper advertisements to lobby the government for change. Any surplus funds from this campaign were donated to the University of Toronto to establish a professorship in palliative care and pain management.

As Diana Gifford-Jones continues this tradition, she faces inquiries regarding the scientific basis behind her father’s advocacy for natural remedies, particularly high-dose vitamin C and lysine. A reader raised concerns about the potential conflict of interest when products are promoted within editorial content. Gifford-Jones addressed these inquiries, emphasizing that her commitment to the column is not financially motivated.

She explained that her father originally received a nominal fee of approximately $7 per week for his contributions, but as print media evolved, he chose to offer the column for free. Likewise, Diana has chosen not to monetize her writing, viewing it as a personal commitment to uphold the informative legacy that has served the public for decades.

While her father did endorse certain products, including Medi-C Plus, a health supplement he helped develop, this did not detract from the integrity of his work. Diana also mentioned that at the age of 100, her father launched a heart health product called Giff’s Own CardioVibe, now marketed by a company owned by her and her brothers. The Gifford-Jones family sees natural health products as beneficial when used responsibly, and they believe that promoting such items does not conflict with the column’s mission.

Scientific debate is integral to the field of medicine, and Diana Gifford-Jones is committed to grounding her recommendations in research and observation. She encourages readers to critically evaluate the information presented, aiming to empower them to make informed decisions regarding their health.

Writing this column is more than a continuation of her father’s legacy; it is an act of stewardship aimed at fostering open and honest dialogue about health issues. Diana invites readers to engage with her content, expressing that differing opinions are not only welcomed but essential for a healthy discussion.

For those interested in receiving her weekly insights, Diana encourages sign-ups at www.docgiff.com. Readers can also reach out with comments via email at [email protected] or follow her on Instagram @diana_gifford_jones.