Elizabeth Holmes, the convicted fraudster and founder of Theranos, is awaiting an 11-year prison sentence for deceiving investors with her lab-in-a-box technology. While her fall from grace has been widely covered, a recent profile in The New York Times, which included her first interview since 2016, has sparked controversy. The author’s sympathetic tone towards Holmes was criticized by many, including journalists and doctors, who argued that it was helping her rehabilitate her image. This raises questions about the media’s role in the aftermath of scandals like Theranos, and whether they have learned from their mistakes.
As a pathologist, I have been following the Theranos story closely. The rise and fall of Holmes, while glamorous, highlights the dangers of diagnostic scams and the ignorance surrounding blood testing. Since the Theranos scandal, science reporting has become more cautious and nuanced, with major news outlets emphasizing the uncertainties of early study findings. However, there are still issues that need to be addressed. Headlines often oversell breakthroughs, and medical controversies are reported as back-and-forth arguments without clear conclusions. This creates confusion and hinders progress in the field.
The media’s instinct to lean into a good story is a significant problem, as it can lead to sensationalized narratives that overshadow the truth. Holmes understood this and used storytelling to her advantage, appealing to people’s emotions rather than focusing on the functionality of her devices. Journalists need to recognize and avoid falling into this trap, as it can perpetuate scams and frauds in the future.
While some argue that the recent profile of Holmes in The New York Times is just entertainment, it is a reminder that her narrative is still captivating to many. Books, podcasts, and documentaries about her have been popular, indicating an ongoing fascination with her story. The media’s focus on her personal life may not be newsworthy, but it is interesting because Holmes is an intriguing character. However, it is important to remember that she is a scammer, and any attempts to sympathize should be met with skepticism.
The real test for the media will come when the next scientific scammer emerges. Will they be able to resist the allure of a captivating story and instead focus on the facts? Only time will tell. In the meantime, it is crucial for the healthcare system and the media to learn from the Theranos debacle and work towards preventing future errors and deceptions.
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