William Brady (physician)

Biography

Brady earned his M.D. from the University of Buffalo in 1901 and began practicing in Buffalo, New York, that same year. He married Cora May McGuire in 1904, and they had two daughters. In 1914, he launched the first syndicated medical column, "Personal Health Service," in the Elmira Star-Gazette, continuing it until his death. He was described as America's oldest columnist in both age and years of syndication.

Brady also edited the "Here's to Health" column in the Los Angeles Times, where he endorsed saccharin for weight control and stated that up to five grains daily was supported by scientific evidence. He recommended iodine doses and supported Vilhjalmur Stefansson's meat diet. In a 1961 book, Brady acknowledged holding "strange notions" based on unorthodox observation aimed at keeping patients out of doctors' offices. He died of uremia at his home in Beverly Hills, California.

Reception

Other physicians criticized Brady for misrepresenting medical treatments and promoting dubious health advice. A 1937 article in The Journal of the American Medical Association stated that he had departed from accuracy and established medical science. The Southern California State Dental Association accused him of misinforming readers on specific dental ailments, as noted in a 1946 Journal of the American Dental Association article.