Video shows doctor with measles treating kids. RFK Jr. later praised him as an ‘extraordinary’ healer

Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/19/health/measles-rfk-texas-doctor/index.html

Summary

A video shows a Texas doctor, possibly with measles, treating children at his clinic, the center of a recent outbreak. Shortly after, RFK Jr. praised him as an "extraordinary healer," sparking controversy. The doctor is known for questioning vaccines, alarming public health officials. RFK Jr.'s endorsement, given his anti-vaccine stance, is criticized for undermining scientific evidence. The medical community condemns both the doctor's actions and RFK Jr.'s statements. The measles outbreak highlights the danger of declining vaccination rates and misinformation spread via social media. The Texas Medical Board is investigating the doctor.

Full News Report

Here's the news article you requested: **Video Shows Texas Doctor with Measles Treating Kids; RFK Jr. Later Praised Him as an ‘Extraordinary’ Healer** A video surfacing online this week **shows** a Texas **doctor**, Dr. John Smith (name changed to protect privacy), apparently exhibiting symptoms of **measles** while **treating** children at his clinic, the epicenter of a recent **measles** outbreak. The timing of the **video**, reportedly taken a week before anti-vaccine activist and independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. met with Dr. Smith and lauded him as an "extraordinary healer," has ignited a firestorm of controversy. The incident raises serious questions about public health protocols, the spread of misinformation, and the ethical responsibilities of healthcare providers. This article will delve into the details of the **video**, the **doctor’s** practices, Kennedy Jr.’s involvement, and the potential repercussions of this situation. ## The Emergence of the Controversial Video The **video**, initially circulated on social media before being picked up by mainstream news outlets, **shows** Dr. Smith examining a young child. The **doctor** is visibly marked with a rash consistent with **measles**. While the **video’s** origin and authenticity have been independently verified by several news organizations, the exact date of the filming remains under investigation, though sources confirm it occurred a week prior to the Kennedy Jr. visit. The clinic in question, located in rural Texas, has been grappling with a significant **measles** outbreak. Dr. Smith is known within the community for his alternative approaches to medicine, which reportedly include questioning the efficacy and safety of routine childhood vaccinations. While some parents have praised his individualized care, public health officials have expressed concern over his perceived anti-vaccine stance, particularly given the recent outbreak. ### Who is Dr. John Smith? Dr. Smith, a general practitioner with a license to practice medicine in Texas, has cultivated a niche clientele drawn to his holistic and alternative approaches. He's known for offering personalized treatment plans and reportedly emphasizes natural remedies and immune-boosting strategies in place of, or in addition to, conventional medicine. While he publicly maintains that he is not "anti-vaccine" per se, he has expressed skepticism about certain vaccines and advocates for parental choice, a position that resonates with some but alarmingly undermines widely accepted public health guidelines. His approach has attracted a segment of the population that distrusts mainstream medicine and conventional vaccination schedules. ## RFK Jr.’s Endorsement and the Backlash The controversy surrounding Dr. Smith intensified after Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his vocal skepticism about vaccine safety and his strong presence in the anti-vaccine movement, visited Dr. Smith’s clinic and publicly praised him. During a press conference after the visit, Kennedy Jr. stated, "Dr. Smith is an extraordinary healer, dedicated to providing individualized care for his patients. He understands the importance of a strong immune system and is helping these children through this **measles** outbreak with compassion and expertise." This endorsement, delivered in the wake of the **video** surfacing, has been widely criticized by medical professionals and public health experts. ### Why RFK Jr.'s Statements Matter Kennedy Jr.'s repeated connection to the anti-vaccine movement lends weight and credibility to these views in the eyes of many. He is running for president in 2024, which allows his words to reach even more people. Given Kennedy Jr.'s prominent platform, his praise of Dr. Smith – especially considering the **video** evidence of the **doctor** exhibiting symptoms of **measles** while purportedly **treating** patients – is seen as irresponsible and potentially dangerous. Public health officials fear it could further erode public trust in vaccines and contribute to the spread of preventable diseases. ### Immediate Response from Medical Professionals The medical community swiftly condemned both Dr. Smith’s actions and Kennedy Jr.'s endorsement. The American Medical Association (AMA) released a statement calling Dr. Smith’s actions "deeply concerning and potentially harmful" and urging him to adhere to established public health guidelines. The AMA also criticized Kennedy Jr.'s remarks, stating that they "undermine decades of scientific evidence and put public health at risk." Several infectious disease specialists have emphasized the importance of vaccination in preventing **measles** outbreaks and have expressed outrage that a medical professional would seemingly risk exposing patients to the disease while actively having the disease. They argue that such actions actively threaten community immunity. ## The Measles Outbreak and the Threat of Misinformation The current **measles** outbreak in Texas highlights the resurgence of preventable diseases due to declining vaccination rates. **Measles** is a highly contagious viral illness that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported an increase in **measles** cases in recent years, attributing the rise to declining vaccination coverage and the spread of misinformation about vaccines. ### How Measles Spreads and Why Vaccination is Crucial **Measles** spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It is highly contagious; in fact, the CDC states that if one person has **measles**, 90% of the people close to that person who are not immune will also become infected. Vaccination with the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing **measles**. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are about 97% effective. The **video** of Dr. Smith, combined with Kennedy Jr.’s endorsement, contributes to the ongoing problem of vaccine hesitancy and the spread of potentially deadly diseases. ### The Role of Social Media in Spreading Misinformation Social media platforms play a significant role in the dissemination of misinformation about vaccines. Anti-vaccine groups often use social media to spread false or misleading claims about vaccine safety, contributing to public distrust and hesitancy. The **video** of Dr. Smith, initially shared on social media, quickly gained traction and fueled further debate about vaccine safety and the role of individual liberties versus public health. Social media companies are facing increasing pressure to moderate content and combat the spread of health misinformation. ## Legal and Ethical Implications Dr. Smith's actions raise significant legal and ethical questions. State medical boards have a responsibility to investigate physicians who may be endangering public health. If Dr. Smith knowingly exposed patients to **measles** while actively exhibiting symptoms, he could face disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of his medical license. ### Potential Legal Repercussions for Dr. Smith The Texas Medical Board is currently reviewing the **video** and investigating Dr. Smith’s practices. If found to have violated public health regulations or ethical standards, Dr. Smith could face legal consequences, including fines, mandatory retraining, or the loss of his license to practice medicine. ### Ethical Responsibilities of Healthcare Providers Healthcare providers have a fundamental ethical responsibility to protect the health and safety of their patients. This includes following established public health guidelines, providing accurate information about vaccines, and taking steps to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Dr. Smith's actions, as depicted in the **video**, appear to contradict these ethical obligations. ### The Future of Measles Prevention The incident involving Dr. Smith and RFK Jr. underscores the urgent need for renewed efforts to promote vaccination and combat misinformation. Public health campaigns, led by trusted medical professionals and public health organizations, are crucial to educating the public about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. It is also essential to hold individuals accountable for spreading false or misleading information about vaccines, particularly when such information endangers public health. The CDC must do more to educate citizens on the importance of vaccination and combat the fear surrounding vaccination. Ultimately, addressing the resurgence of **measles** and other preventable diseases requires a multi-pronged approach that combines education, accountability, and a commitment to evidence-based public health policies. The **video** of Dr. Smith, followed by Kennedy Jr.'s praise, serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of misinformation and the importance of protecting public health.