Dr Zack Hassan
@drzackh.bsky.social
NHS Hospital Doctor, YouTuber & Member of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. I curate high-quality information and content on critical thinking and nuanced analysis. Follow for facts & data-backed perspectives.
🎥: www.youtube.com/@Drzackhassan
🎥: www.youtube.com/@Drzackhassan
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Dr Zack Hassan
@drzackh.bsky.social
· Nov 28
If you've chosen to follow me in 2024 (before it's cool) - thanks!
1 request: Please repost or share my feed if you like the fact-based content I share here.
It will help build a community that cares about rational analysis and truth-based discussion!
#Bluesky #MedSky #postposttruth
1 request: Please repost or share my feed if you like the fact-based content I share here.
It will help build a community that cares about rational analysis and truth-based discussion!
#Bluesky #MedSky #postposttruth
No doctor should be able to act without accountability.
But if the GMC does not take this to a tribunal, it will look like they only take action against easy targets, and bad doctors can be protected by having powerful friends.
goodlawproject.org/update/when-...
But if the GMC does not take this to a tribunal, it will look like they only take action against easy targets, and bad doctors can be protected by having powerful friends.
goodlawproject.org/update/when-...
When will the GMC act against anti-vax doctor?
It’s three years since a complaint was lodged against a doctor who recently linked Covid vaccines to cancer at Reform’s conference. But the General Medical Council still hasn’t taken action.
goodlawproject.org
September 26, 2025 at 10:36 AM
No doctor should be able to act without accountability.
But if the GMC does not take this to a tribunal, it will look like they only take action against easy targets, and bad doctors can be protected by having powerful friends.
goodlawproject.org/update/when-...
But if the GMC does not take this to a tribunal, it will look like they only take action against easy targets, and bad doctors can be protected by having powerful friends.
goodlawproject.org/update/when-...
I do not want to live in this version of Great Britain.
And isn't that exactly the point?
Born here, Mum from here, but seen as not one of us because of where my Dad is from.
We have to challenge the assumption that migration takes from society now. Before mass deportations.
Before it's too late.
And isn't that exactly the point?
Born here, Mum from here, but seen as not one of us because of where my Dad is from.
We have to challenge the assumption that migration takes from society now. Before mass deportations.
Before it's too late.
YouGov project this result if Reform got 27% of rightwing vote of 44% and Labour 21% of centre+left vote of 51% across 5 parties
Left/antipopulist votes could defeat Reform in 212 of their 232 gains from Labour if voters did prioritise keeping Reform out.
Left/antipopulist votes could defeat Reform in 212 of their 232 gains from Labour if voters did prioritise keeping Reform out.
September 26, 2025 at 10:16 AM
I do not want to live in this version of Great Britain.
And isn't that exactly the point?
Born here, Mum from here, but seen as not one of us because of where my Dad is from.
We have to challenge the assumption that migration takes from society now. Before mass deportations.
Before it's too late.
And isn't that exactly the point?
Born here, Mum from here, but seen as not one of us because of where my Dad is from.
We have to challenge the assumption that migration takes from society now. Before mass deportations.
Before it's too late.
Reposted by Dr Zack Hassan
NEW: 38% of Bluesky users regularly get their news here
Share of users of other sites who get news on those sites
57% X/Twitter
55% TikTok
55% Truth Social
53% Facebook
41% YouTube
41% Instagram
34% Threads
www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/...
Share of users of other sites who get news on those sites
57% X/Twitter
55% TikTok
55% Truth Social
53% Facebook
41% YouTube
41% Instagram
34% Threads
www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/...
September 25, 2025 at 5:05 PM
NEW: 38% of Bluesky users regularly get their news here
Share of users of other sites who get news on those sites
57% X/Twitter
55% TikTok
55% Truth Social
53% Facebook
41% YouTube
41% Instagram
34% Threads
www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/...
Share of users of other sites who get news on those sites
57% X/Twitter
55% TikTok
55% Truth Social
53% Facebook
41% YouTube
41% Instagram
34% Threads
www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/...
Nigel #Farage on #Paracetamol: “When it comes to science, I don’t side with anybody...I don't know. You don't know."
Also #NigelFarage: I know Sharia Law is taking over London because "I met taxi drivers that told me that."
#MakeRacismWrongAgain
Also #NigelFarage: I know Sharia Law is taking over London because "I met taxi drivers that told me that."
#MakeRacismWrongAgain
James O’Brien reacts to Nigel Farage’s sharia law claim
“If a taxi driver says something, it doesn’t automatically become true”, says James O'Brien. #lbc #reform #jamesobrien #ukpolitics #uknews #debate
www.google.com
September 25, 2025 at 2:54 PM
Nigel #Farage on #Paracetamol: “When it comes to science, I don’t side with anybody...I don't know. You don't know."
Also #NigelFarage: I know Sharia Law is taking over London because "I met taxi drivers that told me that."
#MakeRacismWrongAgain
Also #NigelFarage: I know Sharia Law is taking over London because "I met taxi drivers that told me that."
#MakeRacismWrongAgain
An excellent investigation into one of the biggest policy problems of our lifetimes.
The only way individuals can win against AI companies and malign individuals is to give them legal rights that can be enforced.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The only way individuals can win against AI companies and malign individuals is to give them legal rights that can be enforced.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The Inquiry - Is it time to copyright your face? - BBC Sounds
Could copyright law protect ourselves from Deepfakes?
www.bbc.co.uk
September 21, 2025 at 7:22 PM
An excellent investigation into one of the biggest policy problems of our lifetimes.
The only way individuals can win against AI companies and malign individuals is to give them legal rights that can be enforced.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
The only way individuals can win against AI companies and malign individuals is to give them legal rights that can be enforced.
www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...
It really suits the right to hold up Corbyn and Sultana as the people the left should want as their leaders, instead of the many sensible people amongst the left.
It's kind of impressive to cause an ideological schism in a party that isn't a party, hasn't got any policies, hasn't decided on a name, and only has two members.
September 19, 2025 at 7:09 PM
It really suits the right to hold up Corbyn and Sultana as the people the left should want as their leaders, instead of the many sensible people amongst the left.
So refreshing to see such unequivocal belief in democratic norms.
This commentary offers a clear, powerful statement of why freedom of speech is at the heart of democracy and must be defended, whether the speaker is Charlie Kirk or Jimmy Kimmel, MAGA supporters or MAGA opponents.
September 19, 2025 at 6:48 PM
So refreshing to see such unequivocal belief in democratic norms.
Reposted by Dr Zack Hassan
Public health shouldn’t be centred around individual behaviour change. It should be focused on changing the wider commercial, social, environmental & ultimately political determinants of health. Behaviour change will naturally come when healthy behaviours are facilitated by those structural changes.
September 19, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Public health shouldn’t be centred around individual behaviour change. It should be focused on changing the wider commercial, social, environmental & ultimately political determinants of health. Behaviour change will naturally come when healthy behaviours are facilitated by those structural changes.
Reposted by Dr Zack Hassan
Research matters 🧪
by @tomgauld.bsky.social
by @tomgauld.bsky.social
September 16, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Research matters 🧪
by @tomgauld.bsky.social
by @tomgauld.bsky.social
This is top-tier data visualisation.
I wonder how important Jaws was in seeding a fear of sharks in the population.
In the media age, using salience of threat as a marker of real danger is not a great strategy.
I wonder how important Jaws was in seeding a fear of sharks in the population.
In the media age, using salience of threat as a marker of real danger is not a great strategy.
We often worry about the wrong things.
People killed annually by
Sharks 10
Elephants 100
Hippos 500
Snails 10,000
Dogs 25,000
Snakes 50,000
People 475,000
Mosquitoes 725,000
🧪
People killed annually by
Sharks 10
Elephants 100
Hippos 500
Snails 10,000
Dogs 25,000
Snakes 50,000
People 475,000
Mosquitoes 725,000
🧪
September 14, 2025 at 8:25 PM
This is top-tier data visualisation.
I wonder how important Jaws was in seeding a fear of sharks in the population.
In the media age, using salience of threat as a marker of real danger is not a great strategy.
I wonder how important Jaws was in seeding a fear of sharks in the population.
In the media age, using salience of threat as a marker of real danger is not a great strategy.
Before this narrative solidifies, here's an important fact that would change the story for most people:
Reform spent £40,000 on Facebook ads pushing their narrative this summer.
That's more than Labour & Tories COMBINED.
Source: @privateeyenews.bsky.social
Reform spent £40,000 on Facebook ads pushing their narrative this summer.
That's more than Labour & Tories COMBINED.
Source: @privateeyenews.bsky.social
Zoe Gardiner, "The Labour Party left a vacuum over the summer allowing racism run riot on our streets.. I was expecting better"
You're not the only one. I've seen snails move faster than Keir Starmer as PM and now Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary
You're not the only one. I've seen snails move faster than Keir Starmer as PM and now Shabana Mahmood as Home Secretary
September 14, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Before this narrative solidifies, here's an important fact that would change the story for most people:
Reform spent £40,000 on Facebook ads pushing their narrative this summer.
That's more than Labour & Tories COMBINED.
Source: @privateeyenews.bsky.social
Reform spent £40,000 on Facebook ads pushing their narrative this summer.
That's more than Labour & Tories COMBINED.
Source: @privateeyenews.bsky.social
It is an indictment of society if corporations get wealthier by commoditising workers who can't afford to live.
This is like something out of the deepest darkest depths of British nineteenth century capitalism. ASDA workers indirectly helping to pay the rents the company now has to pay on the warehouses it used to own itself, through high interest payday lending:
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
MPs raise concerns over Asda’s link to app offering high-interest loans to staff
Retailer’s owner has stake in Wagestream, which offers workers loans of up to £25,000
www.theguardian.com
September 14, 2025 at 7:56 PM
It is an indictment of society if corporations get wealthier by commoditising workers who can't afford to live.
I wonder how many who say they support Palestine Action are in support of its previous stunts?
I support the innocent people of Gaza, but not the smashing up Jewish-owned businesses, an act which echoes 1930s Germany in terrifying ways.
I support the innocent people of Gaza, but not the smashing up Jewish-owned businesses, an act which echoes 1930s Germany in terrifying ways.
Business denies link to arms firm after attack by pro-Palestine group
Palestine Action says it carried out attack in which windows were smashed and claims company has links to Israeli arms firm
www.theguardian.com
September 10, 2025 at 7:11 AM
I wonder how many who say they support Palestine Action are in support of its previous stunts?
I support the innocent people of Gaza, but not the smashing up Jewish-owned businesses, an act which echoes 1930s Germany in terrifying ways.
I support the innocent people of Gaza, but not the smashing up Jewish-owned businesses, an act which echoes 1930s Germany in terrifying ways.
Reposted by Dr Zack Hassan
If you're a reporter, please stop referring to RFK Jr and his cronies as "vaccine skeptics." They're not skeptical. Skepticism would be fine. Skeptics look at evidence and can be persuaded.
These people are extremist anti-vaccine cranks, and that's how news organizations should describe them.
These people are extremist anti-vaccine cranks, and that's how news organizations should describe them.
September 7, 2025 at 8:57 PM
If you're a reporter, please stop referring to RFK Jr and his cronies as "vaccine skeptics." They're not skeptical. Skepticism would be fine. Skeptics look at evidence and can be persuaded.
These people are extremist anti-vaccine cranks, and that's how news organizations should describe them.
These people are extremist anti-vaccine cranks, and that's how news organizations should describe them.
When is the GMC finally going to strike Malhotra off?
I first noticed him on Diary of a CEO and was horrified then. He came across as someone so traumatised by the avoidable death of his father that he's lost his grip on reality.
Ironic that so many other deaths are risked by his misinformation.
I first noticed him on Diary of a CEO and was horrified then. He came across as someone so traumatised by the avoidable death of his father that he's lost his grip on reality.
Ironic that so many other deaths are risked by his misinformation.
Dr Aseem Malhotra tells the Reform UK conference:
“It’s highly likely that the Covid vaccines have been a significant factor in the cancer of members of the Royal Family.”
There is no evidence for this claim. The referenced professor is an ex UKIP candidate. Covid vaccinees are safe and effective.
“It’s highly likely that the Covid vaccines have been a significant factor in the cancer of members of the Royal Family.”
There is no evidence for this claim. The referenced professor is an ex UKIP candidate. Covid vaccinees are safe and effective.
September 8, 2025 at 7:07 AM
When is the GMC finally going to strike Malhotra off?
I first noticed him on Diary of a CEO and was horrified then. He came across as someone so traumatised by the avoidable death of his father that he's lost his grip on reality.
Ironic that so many other deaths are risked by his misinformation.
I first noticed him on Diary of a CEO and was horrified then. He came across as someone so traumatised by the avoidable death of his father that he's lost his grip on reality.
Ironic that so many other deaths are risked by his misinformation.
The only ending for a pandemic that was allowed to spread through the population is for it to forever circulate in the population.
And thanks to large animal reservoirs, we will never now eradicate it.
We've had so many public health successes in my lifetime, but this reminds us we need better.
And thanks to large animal reservoirs, we will never now eradicate it.
We've had so many public health successes in my lifetime, but this reminds us we need better.
Latest England COVID data.
COVID: keeping on, keeping on, aided by the pandemic being out of public view, data largely reduced, most media disinterested or diverted?
And the public?
Most people are ignoring it, doing little to clean the air, and avoiding other helpful preventative actions.
COVID: keeping on, keeping on, aided by the pandemic being out of public view, data largely reduced, most media disinterested or diverted?
And the public?
Most people are ignoring it, doing little to clean the air, and avoiding other helpful preventative actions.
September 4, 2025 at 7:18 PM
The only ending for a pandemic that was allowed to spread through the population is for it to forever circulate in the population.
And thanks to large animal reservoirs, we will never now eradicate it.
We've had so many public health successes in my lifetime, but this reminds us we need better.
And thanks to large animal reservoirs, we will never now eradicate it.
We've had so many public health successes in my lifetime, but this reminds us we need better.
Reminder that vaccines work.
I can't help but think a lot of vaccine scepticism is down to branding issues.
Here's the argument:
If someone were to set up a company (call it NaturVax) selling oral vaccine rather than injections I think vaccine scepticism would be a lot less cool.
I can't help but think a lot of vaccine scepticism is down to branding issues.
Here's the argument:
If someone were to set up a company (call it NaturVax) selling oral vaccine rather than injections I think vaccine scepticism would be a lot less cool.
Disease prevalence in US states before & after vaccine introduction 🧪
From Edward Tufte & graphics.wsj.com/infectious-d...
From Edward Tufte & graphics.wsj.com/infectious-d...
September 4, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Reminder that vaccines work.
I can't help but think a lot of vaccine scepticism is down to branding issues.
Here's the argument:
If someone were to set up a company (call it NaturVax) selling oral vaccine rather than injections I think vaccine scepticism would be a lot less cool.
I can't help but think a lot of vaccine scepticism is down to branding issues.
Here's the argument:
If someone were to set up a company (call it NaturVax) selling oral vaccine rather than injections I think vaccine scepticism would be a lot less cool.
This rhetoric is beyond the pale.
These ideas are what the UK fought against in WWII.
We need to remember what "never again" means.
These ideas are what the UK fought against in WWII.
We need to remember what "never again" means.
Douglas Carswell has skirted the line and now he's crossed it.
This is disgusting racism from a former MP who now demonstrates who and what he is.
This is disgusting racism from a former MP who now demonstrates who and what he is.
August 31, 2025 at 7:09 PM
This rhetoric is beyond the pale.
These ideas are what the UK fought against in WWII.
We need to remember what "never again" means.
These ideas are what the UK fought against in WWII.
We need to remember what "never again" means.
This is excellent news.
Low-cost storage is one of the missing links to eliminate wasted energy from renewables, electrify the National Grid, and lower energy costs for ordinary people.
Low-cost storage is one of the missing links to eliminate wasted energy from renewables, electrify the National Grid, and lower energy costs for ordinary people.
August 30, 2025 at 10:05 AM
This is excellent news.
Low-cost storage is one of the missing links to eliminate wasted energy from renewables, electrify the National Grid, and lower energy costs for ordinary people.
Low-cost storage is one of the missing links to eliminate wasted energy from renewables, electrify the National Grid, and lower energy costs for ordinary people.
This is what #Farage isn't telling people.
The ONS population pyramid projections are terrifying for the public finances.
Green is the 2018 population.
The Gray shows far more older people are going to need public services, with fewer younger people to pay taxes.
#Migration is just a scapegoat.
The ONS population pyramid projections are terrifying for the public finances.
Green is the 2018 population.
The Gray shows far more older people are going to need public services, with fewer younger people to pay taxes.
#Migration is just a scapegoat.
August 30, 2025 at 9:51 AM
This is what #Farage isn't telling people.
The ONS population pyramid projections are terrifying for the public finances.
Green is the 2018 population.
The Gray shows far more older people are going to need public services, with fewer younger people to pay taxes.
#Migration is just a scapegoat.
The ONS population pyramid projections are terrifying for the public finances.
Green is the 2018 population.
The Gray shows far more older people are going to need public services, with fewer younger people to pay taxes.
#Migration is just a scapegoat.
Wasn't mass deportation the Nazi's first policy too?
Farage continuing to show solidarity with the logic this country fought against in WWII.
If they called it a dressed up reverse Kinder transport instead I don't think it would be as big a vote-winner.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Farage continuing to show solidarity with the logic this country fought against in WWII.
If they called it a dressed up reverse Kinder transport instead I don't think it would be as big a vote-winner.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Nigel Farage pledges to deport small boat asylum seekers
Plans outlined by the Reform UK leader would see the country taken out of the European Convention on Human Rights.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 24, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Wasn't mass deportation the Nazi's first policy too?
Farage continuing to show solidarity with the logic this country fought against in WWII.
If they called it a dressed up reverse Kinder transport instead I don't think it would be as big a vote-winner.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Farage continuing to show solidarity with the logic this country fought against in WWII.
If they called it a dressed up reverse Kinder transport instead I don't think it would be as big a vote-winner.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Last time I checked, it was the Conservatives who
- changed the rules so half the board could be political appointees
- made ex-No. 10 man Robbie Gibb chair, who exerted pressure over appointments.
Maybe that's the kind of political interference Harding meant.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- changed the rules so half the board could be political appointees
- made ex-No. 10 man Robbie Gibb chair, who exerted pressure over appointments.
Maybe that's the kind of political interference Harding meant.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
August 21, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Last time I checked, it was the Conservatives who
- changed the rules so half the board could be political appointees
- made ex-No. 10 man Robbie Gibb chair, who exerted pressure over appointments.
Maybe that's the kind of political interference Harding meant.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
- changed the rules so half the board could be political appointees
- made ex-No. 10 man Robbie Gibb chair, who exerted pressure over appointments.
Maybe that's the kind of political interference Harding meant.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
This graph is great because it goes beyond a thousand opinion pieces about age of driver.
You can see at a glance the risk adjusted for the amount of driving.
What can we do to reduce deaths of the very old and young on the road?
You can see at a glance the risk adjusted for the amount of driving.
What can we do to reduce deaths of the very old and young on the road?
August 20, 2025 at 9:09 AM
This graph is great because it goes beyond a thousand opinion pieces about age of driver.
You can see at a glance the risk adjusted for the amount of driving.
What can we do to reduce deaths of the very old and young on the road?
You can see at a glance the risk adjusted for the amount of driving.
What can we do to reduce deaths of the very old and young on the road?
We need to accept that we've made a huge policy mistake on vaping.
Rather than being a useful tool to get more people to stop cigarettes, vapes have let big tobacco get its foot back in the door - and start reeling us into addiction and illness again.
Rather than being a useful tool to get more people to stop cigarettes, vapes have let big tobacco get its foot back in the door - and start reeling us into addiction and illness again.
Young people who vape are three times as likely to start smoking, develop asthma, cough, poor oral health, respiratory disease, mental health problems.
Pressure on the NHS, public services increases.
Industry increases misery, doesn't bear social cost.
Pressure on the NHS, public services increases.
Industry increases misery, doesn't bear social cost.
Young vape users three times as likely to start smoking, study finds
Review warns e-cigarettes could act as gateway to smoking and are also linked to higher asthma and other health risks
www.theguardian.com
August 20, 2025 at 8:33 AM
We need to accept that we've made a huge policy mistake on vaping.
Rather than being a useful tool to get more people to stop cigarettes, vapes have let big tobacco get its foot back in the door - and start reeling us into addiction and illness again.
Rather than being a useful tool to get more people to stop cigarettes, vapes have let big tobacco get its foot back in the door - and start reeling us into addiction and illness again.
"The NHS is actually still treating fewer patients than are being referred."
Until we solve the productivity problem, the backlog will not get solved.
We need capacity outside hospital for people who can't get care at home, better IT, and to prune back all the inefficient processes.
Until we solve the productivity problem, the backlog will not get solved.
We need capacity outside hospital for people who can't get care at home, better IT, and to prune back all the inefficient processes.
Hospitals not treating enough patients to keep up with demand
A small rise in the NHS backlog prompts questions about how well ministers are doing on improving waits.
www.bbc.co.uk
August 14, 2025 at 7:03 PM
"The NHS is actually still treating fewer patients than are being referred."
Until we solve the productivity problem, the backlog will not get solved.
We need capacity outside hospital for people who can't get care at home, better IT, and to prune back all the inefficient processes.
Until we solve the productivity problem, the backlog will not get solved.
We need capacity outside hospital for people who can't get care at home, better IT, and to prune back all the inefficient processes.