5. Tuskegee syphilis experiment whistleblower case
We are continuing our list of examples of whistleblowing in nursing and healthcare with Peter Buxtun that is the oldest whistleblower in healthcare on our list. In 1966, Buxtun worked for the United States Public Health Service. During his employment, he learned about the Tuskegee syphilis experiment, in which African American farmers were deceived that they were treated for syphilis, while in fact they were observed to monitor the natural development of untreated illness and never given a proper treatment. Buxtun filed two official complaints, one in 1966 and another in 1968. Both were rejected. Finally, in 1972, he leaked his findings to the media. The news ended up on the front page of the New York Times and resulted in a Congressional hearing.
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