A SENIOR pathologist whose research challenges 鈥渟haken baby syndrome鈥� begins a disciplinary hearing this week.
, a consultant at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, UK, has identified innocent causes for a so-called 鈥渢riad鈥� of symptoms previously thought to be caused solely by abuse. She has appeared as an expert witness in several court cases involving alleged abuse.
Squier has now been charged by the UK General Medical Council, charged with giving evidence outside her field of expertise, failing to be objective, and failing to pay 鈥渄ue regard to the views of other experts鈥�.
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The GMC would not disclose its reasons for pursuing the case against Squier but other pathologists have described it as a 鈥渨itch hunt鈥� aimed at preventing her from being an expert witness in the future.
Controversy over the validity of the triad remains. The hearing is expected to last six months.
This article appeared in print under the headline 鈥淭rial expert accused鈥�
Article amended on 7 October 2015
Correction:听This article has been changed to make it clear that the UK General Medical Council is bringing the charges, not ruling on them, which is done by the听UK Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service.