A recent social media exchange between Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi and Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, also known as "LiverDoc" on X (formerly Twitter), has sparked a debate about medical legitimacy and professional respect. The controversy began with a seemingly innocuous Doctor's Day post by Gujrathi, which quickly escalated into a heated argument.
On Doctor's Day, Gujrathi shared a photo of his family, including his father, an Ayurvedic migraine specialist; his wife, a homeopathy doctor; his mother, who practices cosmetology; and his sister, a physiotherapist. He captioned the image, "Happy Doctor's Day to my entire family". When another user inquired about the qualifications of the family members, LiverDoc responded, "I am sorry but none of them are really doctors".
This comment ignited a firestorm of responses. LiverDoc has a history of taking strong stances against "medical misinformation and pseudoscience," often criticizing Ayurveda and Homeopathy. He is a hepatologist who has gained a reputation for his direct attacks on alternative medicine practitioners.
Gujrathi initially chose to remain silent but eventually responded to LiverDoc's comment, stating, "Your entire brand and personality is built on insulting others... They've helped more people than your ego can count. Stay in your lane. And for a change, try being useful". He further added, "You and trolls like you don't get to decide who's a doctor. You have no authority to define others' lives or dismiss their work".
LiverDoc defended his statement, asserting that it was not a personal insult but a factual correction. He argued that referring to practitioners of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Cosmetology as "doctors" misrepresents clinical medicine. He emphasized the importance of medical accuracy in public health discussions, citing his qualifications and accusing Gujrathi of ignorance on medical matters. He stated, "I was stating plain facts from a professional standpoint, and I do not mince my words". He also added that he did not intend to offend Gujrathi's family and was sure they were good people.
The exchange has drawn significant attention, with many users on X taking sides. Some support LiverDoc's stance on evidence-based medicine, while others defend Gujrathi's family and their contributions to healthcare.
Vidit Gujrathi is a highly accomplished chess grandmaster. He earned the Grandmaster title in January 2013, becoming the 30th Indian to achieve this feat. In January 2024, he surpassed Viswanathan Anand to become India's No. 1 chess player and ranked among the world's top 10. Gujrathi has won several major tournaments, including the 2018 Tata Steel Challengers and the 2019 Biel Chess Festival. He also captained the Indian team that won gold at the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad. In 2023, he won the FIDE Grand Swiss Tournament, qualifying him for the 2024 Candidates Tournament.
Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips has faced controversies in the past. He is known for his critical views on alternative medicine, particularly Ayurveda and Homeopathy. In the past, his X account was temporarily suspended after the Himalaya Wellness Company filed a lawsuit against him for allegedly posting defamatory remarks about their products. He has also clashed with Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu over the health benefits of walking barefoot, a practice Philips dismissed as "pseudoscience".
This recent clash between Gujrathi and LiverDoc highlights the ongoing tensions between conventional and alternative medicine. It also raises questions about the role of social media in shaping public discourse on complex issues.
