ADA’s reputation erodes after controversial physician expulsions at annual meeting

In a recent opinion piece, Adam Marcus and Ivan Oransky reflect on how their view of the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has shifted. Nine years ago they lauded the organization for defending a Brazilian researcher and even awarded it their inaugural Doing the Right Thing prize.

The tone has changed dramatically after the ADA’s decision earlier this year to remove a group of physicians from its annual scientific meeting. According to reporting, police and security staff confiscated conference badges from five doctors who were sharing copies of an opinion piece, sparking criticism of the group’s handling of dissent.

Marcus and Oransky argue that the episode reveals a self‑made mess that undermines the ADA’s standing as a courageous advocate for scientific integrity. They suggest the organization must take accountability to restore trust among clinicians and researchers.