Question
It is often the case, that doctors will alter their medical case descriptions, omitting or adding details to make their cases more interesting to increase the chances of getting published in medical journals. They do this because the more they are cited in medical journals, the higher their “FWCI” and “H-Index” metrics are, which increases their chances of being hired to lucrative, high-profile roles in prestigious hospitals. The medical editors of these journals can often identify when a medical case description has been altered in such a manner. May a medical editor publish these altered cases or does this violate the prohibition against deception?
Answer
There is an excellent responsum from the Tzitz Eliezer (15:12) regarding publishing altered medical studies. He concludes that the prohibition of "distance yourself from a word of falsehood" applies to the spoken “word” and the written “word“ (and even in informal writing). See the Yad Rama in Bava Basra, page 172A, "Amar Lehu Rav L'Safrei" (section 8) who agrees with this view. This is also the view of Tosafos in Bava Basra, page 94B, "Hachi Hashta".
However, there may be room for discussion regarding lying in writing when there is no harm or financial loss that occurs because of it, which may be the case here. The Tzitz Eliezer brings a debate between various authorities as to the severity of this type of lying. Regardless, the medical editor should always add a disclaimer that says that some details of the medical case have been altered for purposes of anonymity and other reasons.
