MJJC Exclusive Q&A with Dr. Steve Shafer - Question submission closed

[ivy]

With great joy I can report that Dr. Steve Shafer has agreed to answer questions. So what are waiting for, ask away.

Note : I love Dr. Shafer

[prismsagainst5live]

what does he think of dr. white? what does he think about Walgren? :D

[LastTear]

Excellent news! Wow I'll have to try and think of something intelligent to ask, might take a while! I love Dr Shafer as well. Who next Ivy......Walgren?

[CaptainEoLove85]

Oh that's awesome. :D I never know what to ask on these Q&As, but I appreciate them.

[Ben]

Note : I love Dr. Shafer No kidding. :D

Has he got any personal idea of what really happened that morning, based on what he knows?

[The Brown Gangsta]

Dear Dr. Shafer,

First id like to offer my condolences for the loss of your father during the trial. Thank you for entertaining or questions.

1. I sensed some tension from dr white towards you during the trial, did this animosity stem from the events of the trial or is the a history to this? (no need to explain the gory details)
2. Do you feel that your testimony helped alleviate patient concerns about propofol or are things more or less the same?
3. Did you see judge pastor give his sentencing statement? Any comments on that?
4. Any comments on mr. chernoff referring to you as a "cop"?
5. What did you think of dr whites testimony? Did anything he say change your opinion about your colleague?
6. Now that the trial is over whats next for dr steve shafer? Returning to practice? Teaching? Patient education and advocacy?

....to be continued when im not on my phone

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

OOOH! That made my morning! :D

Question Number 1:
I recall that the defense tried the following. Something along the lines of "Are you aware that everything you said here was your merely your opinion?"
I believe you, Dr. Shafer, at one point concluded that this was an interesting question- where does 'personal opinion' end and where does "Dr. Shafer" begin?

I believe you, Dr. Shafer, still called it an interesting question that would require some thought- so, did you, Dr. Shafer, come to any conclusion in this conundrum? Do you consider it wise or even desirable to split your mind in the Dr. figure- and Steven Shafer? Is it even possible to do so? What would the result most likely be? Could there be considerable "strength" in a personal, honest opinion? Could one even call it integrity?

The question kept going around my head since Murray has been widely accused of of not only abandoning his patient- but also abandoning the Dr.-Patient relationship- my question about the split of 'personal opinion' versus 'The opinion of the Dr.' thus largely deals with the framework of mind that a 'split in opinion' would have on that relationship for example- any correlation?
(I was merely surprised to hear such issue of almost philosophical nature raised in the trial)

Question Number 2:
In his closing argument Ed Chernoff stated once more that "lack of record keeping did not kill Michael Jackson".
Would you find this a particularly irresponsible assumption- especially in light of your lengthy and detailed explanation of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics. I believe you stated at length the effects of age, gender and weight. Would Ed Chernoff's closing argument be especially irresponsible and outrageous- considering that the assumed physician did not keep any records?

Question Number 3:
Lots of hyperbole has been made of the IV tubing/matching/non matching. Could you explain in detail once more (with no defense attorney interrupting..) why this has no bearing on the statements made by you?


Question Number 4: (more practical)

How does one approach pain management in a patient that states to have suffered from enormous pain with Propofol. ("I thought my arm was on fire, it hurt like hell and I remember complaining about it to my anesthesiologist who merely said "yeahyeah" and ignored the patient's complaint until the patient was 'out'?)

If such patient was scheduled for surgery with Propofol anesthesia again- how would a responsible anesthesiologist react to a patient that has had a negative experience? (assuming there is no way to retrieve previous records)
Is it reasonable for that patient to ask the anesthesiologist for an adequate dose of Lidocaine? Is 'subjective' experience from a patient enough for an anesthesiologist to conclude that said patient might indeed be more prone to pain upon injection?

How does the patient approach the anesthesiologist? (to some it may just sound as 'a little burning'- but if the last memory of the patient is thrashing around in pain with a masked man essentially shrugging his shoulders)- What what your approach be with such patient?


Question Number 5: (considerably "out there")

In your practice- did you happen to have run across patients and a phenomenon referred to as "Near Death Experience"? Literature seems to imply that NDE experiences seem to correlate with certain specific, older agents. In your experience as a practicing anesthesiologist: Has a modern agent such as Propofol changed the number of patients with such experiences?




Thank you, Dr. Shafer for your enlightening, non-hysterical and easy to digest (no pun intended!) work on the trial- and I'll gladly await your thoughts!
I'd also like to use the opportunity to express my condolences for the loss of your father. May peace and healing be with your father, you and your family for the loss you suffered.

[ivy]

Also please ask medical questions / propofol related / related to issues raised in the trial / related to medical testimony as well - if you have any.

[Sophielo]

I'm so happy he agreed to this!!!!! I would like to ask him what his thought process was during Dr White's testimony, especially as they have a relationship that goes back years

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

Also please ask medical questions / propofol related as well - if you have any.

Just did! You don't know how awesome this is!

[ivy]

Just did! You don't know how awesome this is!

I know. I was so happy when he said yes. And I'm hoping that we can also get questions related to his testimony as well. Because he also said he'll try to explain them as much as he can. This might be a perfect opportunity to ask or clarify anything we want.

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

I know. I was so happy when he said yes. And I'm hoping that we can also get questions related to his testimony as well. Because he also said he'll try to explain them as much as he can. This might be a perfect opportunity to ask or clarify anything we want.

That's so amazing! Ivy, how long do we have before the questions get submitted? I do have a number of things flying around my head.

[ivy]

at least a week.

[Diplomate]

Hi Dr Shafer!

Thank you for your testimony for the trial first. It was a pleasure to listen a real doctor speaking about his job.

I would like to know , when there is overdose of Propofol, like it happened to Michael, in how long time you died, I heard few seconds, is it true? And we don't suffer? It's like we are sleeping so we don't feel nothing, no pain ?

Sorry guys, I want to be sure for that :(

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

at least a week.

Okay, good. Enough time to re-watch again. (poor Dr. Shafer, this could potentially be a long thread...lol) If I only knew if there was anything in particular that would need more explanation...
I believe Dr. White came to his senses regarding the 'first pass effect' of Propofol. I'll move to the Lorazepam fantasies that came about...

[elusive moonwalker]

Wow just when u think he cant get any better he does. now i need to think of a question

[Vinter]

I would like to know , when there is overdose of Propofol, like it happened to Michael, in how long time you died, I heard few seconds, is it true? And we don't suffer? It's like we are sleeping so we don't feel nothing, no pain ?
Just wanted to share his answer to me (in my little correspondence with him) before anybody asks the same question:

In your opinion, was Michael suffering at his last minutes of life?
Definitely not. Propofol is a very pleasant drug. He was unconscious when he was dying from lack of oxygen. If he had been conscious, he would have been breathing. If he his airway was obstructed (i.e., his tongue fell to the back of his mouth), then his efforts to breathe was entirely a reflex, just our breathing when we are sleeping. He was not aware of it. It does not matter whether or not his eyes or mouth was open after he died.
- Dr.Steven Shafer

[Mirabella76]

Oh My GOD!!!! What an opportunity! I hope Walgren will be the next :)


First of all I would like to say the biggest THANK YOU for all you did during this case, for your work, your altruistic intent and generous decision to answer our questions.
1. Dr.Sheifer what do you think about Michael, have you ever listen to his music and if yes, what song is your favorite?
2. What do you think about Dr. White testimony and his behavior during the trial? Do you both still befriending?
3. What do you think was there a chance for Michael to be in good health and to continue normal usual life after so long respiratory arrest even if paramedics could reanimate him?
4. Is there a real dependency of using propofol and if yes what kind of dependency is it physical or psychological?
5. How long-term taking of deep sedation by propofol during weeks, months or maybe years could affect human health? Is it possible to take propofol during the long time and haven't any associated disease?


Maybe later i'll think again and add some questions

[Diplomate]

Just wanted to share his answer to me (in my little correspondence with him) before anybody asks the same question:

In your opinion, was Michael suffering at his last minutes of life?
Definitely not. Propofol is a very pleasant drug. He was unconscious when he was dying from lack of oxygen. If he had been conscious, he would have been breathing. If he his airway was obstructed (i.e., his tongue fell to the back of his mouth), then his efforts to breathe was entirely a reflex, just our breathing when we are sleeping. He was not aware of it. It does not matter whether or not his eyes or mouth was open after he died.
- Dr.Steven Shafer

Thanks for your answer.

[Bonnie Blue]

Thanks ivy for organising this, and also to dr shaffer, what a sweetheart he is!

Do you know what the long-term effects of using propofol would be. Murray has indicated that mj was using propofol for 6 weeks, apparently for sleeping 8 hours or so a night. Have you ever read about case studies of patients doing this or, as it was put forward in the trial, was mj an experiment?

[Diplomate]

When we are under Propofol, we are anesthetized, so it's not like when we sleep, I mean the sensation, so when the effects of the Propofol are finished and you are not anesthetized anymore, how do we feel?

[Vinter]

1. Dr.Sheifer what do you think about Michael, have you ever listen to his music and if yes, what song is your favorite?
Sorry, not addressed to me but that's what he wrote to me about this:

...I did not study Michael Jackson before the trial, but since the trial I have listened carefully to his songs, read his lyrics, and seen his taped performances. I understand how his message touched millions of lives. He was just as passionate about life, and about people, as he was about music... - Dr. Steven Shafer.

P.S. Just in order to not bother him to answer the question which there is the answer to. With L.O.V.E. :)

[ivy]

:) Thanks Vinter. I could still include those questions and let him re-answer to them as well :)

[Mirabella76]

Sorry, not addressed to me but that's what he wrote to me about this:

...I did not study Michael Jackson before the trial, but since the trial I have listened carefully to his songs, read his lyrics, and seen his taped performances. I understand how his message touched millions of lives. He was just as passionate about life, and about people, as he was about music... - Dr. Steven Shafer.

Awwww..... This man is absolutely adorable!!! I'm almost in love with him. I should ask him if he married:blush:

[Mirabella76]

:) Thanks Vinter. I could still include those questions and let him re-answer to them as well :)

Please re-ask him if you can. Maybe he would say something more :)

[ivy]

Please re-ask him if you can. Maybe he would say something more :)

I will see. If we got too many questions I'll omit them. If we got manageable number of questions I'll include them.

[Vinter]

I should ask him if he is married:blush:
Yes, he is :(

[marebear]

Sorry, not addressed to me but that's what he wrote to me about this:

...I did not study Michael Jackson before the trial, but since the trial I have listened carefully to his songs, read his lyrics, and seen his taped performances. I understand how his message touched millions of lives. He was just as passionate about life, and about people, as he was about music... - Dr. Steven Shafer.

P.S. Just in order to not bother him to answer the question which there is the answer to. With L.O.V.E. :)

That is nice. This is what I hope will happen to other people too.

I don't know what to ask.

But I think I would like to know where someone would give the idea to use propofol as a sleep aid? If it is only to be used for surgery then why would anyone give it someone to get some sleep?

What his thoughts on Murray as a doctor are?

[Vinter]

ivy (http://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/members/20790-ivy), may I please share the last quotation from my correspondence with Dr.Shafer as it is relevant to this thread (I wanted but didn't know where to post it a bit earlier):

"...I am glad that my testimony has helped many Michael Jackson fans understand what happened on June 25th, 2009. It is important when dealing with a tragic loss to understand how it happened. Not knowing can be as painful as the loss itself. I am grateful for the opportunity to explain the circumstances of Michael Jackson’s death, and am humbled by the outpouring of appreciation..." - Dr. Steven Shafer

> "Not knowing can be as painful as the loss itself".
These are the golden words!

[marebear]

This might sound weird but I feel like God sent Dr.Shafer to help Michael in this trial. It was him and Dr. Steinberg(I think) who really helped us and the jury understand what happened.

[ivy]

ivy (http://www.mjjcommunity.com/forum/members/20790-ivy), may I please share the last quotation from my correspondence with Dr.Shafer as it is relevant to this thread (I wanted but didn't know where to post it a bit earlier):

sure and you don't need a permission :) I really appreciate you sharing this and I will definitely take them into consideration. They are also very helpful. I can omit these questions if we get a lot of questions or re-ask them if we have place. So you gave us more flexibility so thank you :)

[Vinter]

This might sound weird but I feel like God sent Dr.Shafer to help Michael in this trial. It was him and Dr. Steinberg(I think) who really helped us and the jury understand what happened.
Not weird, I also thought about that.. and you know what, he said that he would be forever grateful as this trial brought him to his father bedside when he most needed, as he lived close to the courthouse. I'm sure it's no coincidence.

[bouee]

Wow !!! Thank you Ivy !!

First a really huge thank you to Dr Shafer, for what he did for the trial. It's great to see there are still people like him.

He answered very cleaerly during the trial about propofol. One aspect that was not so clear was the use of benzodiazepines by Murray on Michael. To me, it's absolutely scary.

I understand there might not be enough information to have a clear picture of what was going on, but I would like to know his opinion about what Murray was prescribing Michael (from late 2006), the amounts of midazolam, lorazepam and flumazenil Murray was buying, and the possible consequences of such a treatment.

Michael was on a drip when he died, and had probably been on a drip for at least 2 to 3 hours. Then how much lorazepam had he been given ? According to his police interview, it seems that Murray knew he shouldn't mix lorazepam and propofol, so I'm assuming lorazepam was given hours before the propofol.

Dr Kamangar said that dependency would be faster if benzos were given IV. Now was this a "treatment" that would have made him highly dependent on benzodiazepines ? If Michael had survived, would he have been able to recover from this ?

What does he think about June 19th (Kenny's email describing Michael), and June 21st (hot and cold symptoms described by Cherylin Lee). What could those symptoms come from ?

Does he have an opinion about June 23rd and 24th, when Michael seemed to be feeling great ? What could this improvement come from ?

[missred07]

wow he is a very nice guy willing to do this. I don't know what question I can ask since I already heard him answering question for 4 or 5 days. lol

[LastTear]

Wow, the tears are flowing reading Dr Shafer's responses, what a sweetheart.

[The Brown Gangsta]

Dr. Shafer,

Did you hear about and/or watch the Conrad Murray documentary. If so what are your thoughts about it. Do you feel that his participation in this documentary further proves Murray's lack of professional ethics and an unsuitable candidate for the medical profession?

Did you purposely not refer to Conrad Murray as a doctor during your testimony? Have you heard the news reports about how furious it made him?

Viewers at home could see Murray losing his temper when you started the IV demonstration, was that temper flare up noticeable to you from where you were positioned in the courtroom? If so, were you fearful of what Murray may do (i.e. did you think there was a possibility that he would physically attack you)?

Thank you so much for all of your hard work and contributions during the trial. :)

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

Not weird, I also thought about that.. and you know what, he said that he would be forever grateful as this trial brought him to his father bedside when he most needed, as he lived close to the courthouse. I'm sure it's no coincidence.

I don't find this weird at all. I pictured both his father and Michael standing left and right of him while he was giving his testimony.

[xthunderx2]

Thank you Ivy for he opportunity to ask questions..Dr Shafer is a wonderful man for taking the time to answer them. I cannot think right no what it is I want to ask..I will give it some thought and post back later.

VINTER,,thank you SSOOO much for sharing your correspondences with Dr. Shafer with us. In my head I kept telling myself that Michael didn't suffer...but my heart was having a hard time grasping it...now that I know for SURE from Dr Shafer ...My heart can except that fact as well. Michael just went in a peaceful sleep..

[Rhilo]

Ugh this is awesome - thank you MJJC!

I can't thank Dr. Shafer enough :) Most of the questions I have, have already been asked by others. I also wanted to know what he thought of Michael the musician, and whether he was ever a fan, but that has already been answered through Vinter's questions.

Ivy, can we have a Q&A with David Walgreen next? :p

[FunkeyJay]

Wow, he is such a sweetheart. His repsonses are so heartfelt.

I doubt that I can come up with a medical question since I have no knowledge, although I developed some interest. So, I'm just saying thank you to Dr. Shafer and Ivy & MJJC for organizing this Q&A!

:flowers:

[Arklove]

Ivy, can we have a Q&A with David Walgreen next? :p

:naughty: :ninja:

I don't have any questions for Dr. Schafer, but I just want to thank him for his wonderful testimony, and even more so...for his generous heart...What a great man :)

[Bridgett_361]

Hello DR shafer, thank you for you work on MJ case,
My questions are:
(1)DR Murray keep pointing to Dr Kline treatment of Michael with Demerol I am over puzzle after watching the trial and see all the test conducted they did not found any Demerol or the metabolite.
According to Kline records MJ last saw him on the 22 of June two day before he died, and before that he was getting huge dose of Demerol yet his system was clean of the drug and the metabolite
1)Do you have a theory about why the drug was not tested positive in Michael Jackson body?
2) was the amount of demerol Kline give to Michael normal or was it too large a dose,

3)Are the drugs company who make propofol looking into testing propofol for sleep?

[Memefan]

Big thank you to Ivy for organizing this latest Q&A. What a great opportunity.

A HUGE Thank you to the great Dr Schafer: 1) for his compelling testimony Murray's trial. 2) for agreeing to participate in this Q&A.




2. What are the known effects on the nervous system & the brain of long term Propofol use?

3. Does one get a "restful sleep" from propofol? I have heard experts contradict each other on this

4. Can a person become dependent or addicted to propofol?

5. Once Murray has served his time, can he reapply for his medical license? How can we, the public, prevent this?

6. If we disregard Murray's police interview, in your professional opinion, how long was MJ gone before Murray finally found him? I was under the impression that most experts believe the delay in calling 911 can only be explained by him knowing MJ was already dead.

7. How convince are you that MJ was on a drip that night?

8. Do you consider the demerol shots as presented in court by the defense team to be excessive, knowing MJ's history (burn victim) with the drug?





"...I am glad that my testimony has helped many Michael Jackson fans understand what happened on June 25th, 2009. It is important when dealing with a tragic loss to understand how it happened. Not knowing can be as painful as the loss itself. I am grateful for the opportunity to explain the circumstances of Michael Jackson’s death, and am humbled by the outpouring of appreciation..." - Dr. Steven Shafer

This man is a class act. I cannot express how grateful I am.

[suzynyc]

Dr. Shafer,

1. Do you agree that Propofol should be re-classified as a controlled substance?

2. I'm not sure how true this is but I have heard that Michael actually ate a meal the night he died in Murray's so-called "care". Do you think Michael was fasting for the required time? Or was this yet one more deviation from the standard of care by Murray? What are your thoughts on this? I ask this because I learned through this trial exactly why fasting before surgery is so important (it's not just to punish us patients haha).

Thank you for your integrity and for being a great example of how all doctors should be.

Edit: PS I'm looking for a good doctor in NYC...any recommendations? Heh.

[CaptainEoLove85]

Ok, I thought of a question.

Hi, Dr. Shafer. First of all thank you so much for your testimony in the trial. Here's my question: If Michael had been your patient and asked you for Propofol to help him sleep, how would you have responded? What would you suggest to him? Would you have recommended he see a sleep specialist?

[Ingelief]

AMAZING ivy thank you for this *and all what you do* your an angel

I would ask shafer if he believes now the anestesist *sorry how do you spell that* community will be more carefull how they promote and teach one to use propofol. And do you think the medical community has learned from michaels death in over prescribing to a powerfull wealty person and wrong doing by a doc? Because it hapens more often than only on june 25 09 unfortanly..

When you heared dr white speak a colleque you knew for years where you suprised he do such a poor job *by saying he didnt make the chart, excuse; by saying michael selfinjected: by saying he didnt knew the correct numbers etc etc*

[janena]

Most of the questions i have (about the documentary., Dr. White, Michael going peacefully) have been asked by now.

I have 3 questions left which are:


1. Since your father passed away during the trial, was it hard to do the testimony?
I thought you did a wonderful job, especially considering the pain of losing someone so close to you.

2. What kind of punishment would be appropiate in your personal opinion?

3. Do you think C. Murray is mentally unstable (if you have watched his documentary)?

[Daryll748]

Wow !!! Thank you Ivy !!

First a really huge thank you to Dr Shafer, for what he did for the trial. It's great to see there are still people like him.

He answered very cleaerly during the trial about propofol. One aspect that was not so clear was the use of benzodiazepines by Murray on Michael. To me, it's absolutely scary.

I understand there might not be enough information to have a clear picture of what was going on, but I would like to know his opinion about what Murray was prescribing Michael (from late 2006), the amounts of midazolam, lorazepam and flumazenil Murray was buying, and the possible consequences of such a treatment.

Michael was on a drip when he died, and had probably been on a drip for at least 2 to 3 hours. Then how much lorazepam had he been given ? According to his police interview, it seems that Murray knew he shouldn't mix lorazepam and propofol, so I'm assuming lorazepam was given hours before the propofol.

Dr Kamangar said that dependency would be faster if benzos were given IV. Now was this a "treatment" that would have made him highly dependent on benzodiazepines ? If Michael had survived, would he have been able to recover from this ?

What does he think about June 19th (Kenny's email describing Michael), and June 21st (hot and cold symptoms described by Cherylin Lee). What could those symptoms come from ?

Does he have an opinion about June 23rd and 24th, when Michael seemed to be feeling great ? What could this improvement come from ?

THANK YOU so much Ivy and Gaz :ciao:for this wonderful opportunity...

THANKS DR. Shafer, you 'pumped' NEW faith in me that there are still GOOD Docs out there... I appreciated your 'knowledge' and 'right to the point' testimony soooo much :yes: Thanks for your 'quote' on that Michael didn't suffer in his last moments :cry:

The "quote" is what I wanna know... Sowwy for just "copying' them but you read my thoughts Bouee :ciao:

Oh and I still 'ponder' of that too...
If Murray was a 'licensed' Doc and He knew that mixing Benzo's and Propofol was DANGEROUS then WHY did he do it??? That smells like 'FOUL PLAY' to me...

Maybe NOT in your line of work this question but Dr. Shafer... Do you agree Murray just made a 'fatal mistake' or do you think its 'foul play' as in MURDER???

THANKS Vinter :ciao: for this "soothing" replies...

[bluetopez]

Thank You Dr. Shafer for doing this.

Many things I had in mind had been asked already, so that's awesome. But, let me see what else I can try to ask? lol

1. What was the MAIN reason why you and Dr. White had a fall out?

2. Did it amuse you like it did many when Dr. White was called "Dr. Shaffer" several times in court by both the Prosecution, Defense and even the Judge?

3. Does it surprise you MJ didn't die sooner then June 25th after finding out Murray was given MJ Propofol without proper eqipment for 2 months (according to Murray) prior to MJs death?

4. Can using Propofol for yrs or even several days off and on for sleep issues cause Liver or lung damage eventually?

5. I heard some of the benzo or/and Propofol (if I remember correctly?) that were given to MJ by Murray can be use for people with drug addiction to help them off their addiction to other drugs such as Demoral, Is this true?

4. Have you met any of the Jackson Family before, inbetween or after the trial? If so did they ever asked you any medical questions?

5. Do you believe Murray got the appropriate charge of Manslaughter or do you believe what he did was much more serious that it should have been something like Murder 2?

[janena]

another Q came up:

* What made you decide to testify in this case.

[mjchris]

did your life changed after this trial? if yes, positively or negatively?
and what was your opionion about michael jackson before this trial?
and did your opinion about michael jackson changed during and after this trial? positively or negatively, and what?

[Mirabella76]

another Q came up:

* What made you decide to testify in this case.

as I remember he answered that question during his testimony. As an anesthesiologist and the doctor who researched a lot about propofol he was interesting in this case because cause of death was propofol intoxication and because of administering propofol in such unusual circumstances and out of clinic.

[mijaons]

Not weird, I also thought about that.. and you know what, he said that he would be forever grateful as this trial brought him to his father bedside when he most needed, as he lived close to the courthouse. I'm sure it's no coincidence.


Thanks so much Vinter - I really enjoyed reading about your interaction with him - do you have any more nuggets?

[Vinter]

Thanks so much Vinter - I really enjoyed reading about your interaction with him - do you have any more nuggets?
You are very much welcome.
No, I don't. That is all I could share with you...

[olga30100]

Cool:)

[Severus Snape]

Dr. Shafer WOOT!

[ivy]

I'm personally curious about Dr. shafer drinking propofol and the propofol lollipop idea.

[ivy]

oh and guys I copy and arrange questions at least once a day in a separate document. so do not go back and edit your posts to add new questions, I will not see them. Just post your additional questions in a new post

[Victory22]

I would like to ask Dr. Shafer if he thinks Michael suffered or at any point realized he couldn’t breathe and was unable to call out? Does the doctor think Michael woke up at any point alone and helpless in that room?

Can Dr. Shafer render an opinion on the chronic condition of Michael’s lungs? Was it caused by the propofol or could it be related to his Lupus? It was stated in the autopsy that MJ had pneumonia and bronchitis at the time of his death.

Why is it taking the various medical boards so long to revoke Murray’s medical license and can he get them back at some point. What safeguards can regular citizens work to put in place that will prevent physicians like Murray from ever practicing again?

Does Dr. Shafer think the symptoms Kenny Ortega described Michael having at rehearsal a few days before his death were due to Murray almost overdosing him? What does he think was happening in MJ’s body that time and also when Cheryl Lynn Lee got the phone call where he was hot on one side of his body and cold on the other?

What does Propofol taste like? I’ve had Propofol twice. The first time I remember nothing but the second time I remember hearing lovely music. Is this possible or is it only my imagination?

God bless you and thank you Dr. Shafer. You are my hero.

[ivy]

Can Dr. Shafer render an opinion on the chronic condition of Michael’s lungs? Was it caused by the propofol or could it be related to his Lupus? It was stated in the autopsy that MJ had pneumonia and bronchitis at the time of his death.

did he have pneumonia or was it something different? and was it Dr. Drew that said that MJ's lung condition was due to Propofol right? I might add that to the question

[Ramona122003]

did he have pneumonia or was it something different? and was it Dr. Drew that said that MJ's lung condition was due to Propofol right? I might add that to the question

He didn't have pneumonia. Dr. Roger said he had inflammation, but it wasn't anything serious. I think Murray's team would had made it a major point if Michael had pneumonia and Michael wouldn't have been rehearsing so well on June 23 and 24.

Dr. Drew said Michael wasn't healthy because of his lungs, not that Propofol caused it. Michael also had breathing problems since the 80s.

[Diplomate]

How to cure insomnia?

[ivy]

I thought of these

During your testimony you have stated that Michael first had a respiratory arrest and then a cardiac arrest. Dr.Steinberg also testified to this based on Murray’s own words (that there was heart beat/ blood pressure when he found Michael). We have seen the defense argue that it might have been a cardiac arrest rather than respiratory arrest first. Even in the Murray documentary they showed a scene between defense lawyers that they planned to ask you if direct cardiac arrest was possible but later decided to not ask that question as they were afraid of your possible answer. Can you elaborate on this a little?

As far as we can understand from Defense line of questioning and what Dr. White testified that Dr. Murray told him, defense theory of what happened on June 25, 2009 is as follows: Murray gave MJ valium and then 2 doses of Lorazepam and 2 doses of Midazolam. As MJ was unable to sleep Murray gave him a bolus of 25mg Propofol. During the night (unclear when) MJ swallowed 8 pills of Lorazepam unknown to Dr. Murray. MJ was moving around the room even though he had an IV and a condom catheter on and with all these medications on board, he self injected an already filed and left on the night stand syringe that had 25mg of Propofol. What can you say about the Defense’s version of the events?

[bluesky]

Do you think Dr. Klein should also be partially blamed for Michael's insomnia issue?
In your opinion , does Demerol aggravates insomnia as a side effect? Or does it play any part in Michael's physical and mental health.
What is the best treatment for Michael's insomnia?

[Memefan]

oh and guys I copy and arrange questions at least once a day in a separate document. so do not go back and edit your posts to add new questions, I will not see them. Just post your additional questions in a new post

Yikes!!!

Ignore the marriage questions please. lol


Some really great questions. I can't wait to read his answers

Ivy, insomnia isn't his area of expertise, but I am sure he read greatly on it before forming an opinion on the case.

But I agree, if we want to benefit from this Q&A, we have to limit questions to his personal expertise.

[ivy]

hmm does insomnia and demerol falls under his area of expertise? I would want to keep it relevant to him as much as possible.


Ignore the marriage questions please. lol

ehhehehe I already did, we wouldn't want to scare him but I plan to ask him about MJ fans love and affection towards him and what he thinks about it. It should cover it nicely I think :)

[Mirabella76]

hmm does insomnia and demerol falls under his area of expertise? I would want to keep it relevant to him as much as possible.



ehhehehe I already did, we wouldn't want to scare him but I plan to ask him about MJ fans love and affection towards him and what he thinks about it. It should cover it nicely I think :)

i remember he told smth about insomnia treatment as an area of his research but may be i remember not correct.
Oh i hope he won't embarrass with our personal questions lol

[Morphine7]

Ok, first post on this board!(thanks Ivy ^^)

First, thanks Dr Shafer for your great testimony at the trial.

- You worked with Mr White ( sorry I can't call this guy a doctor after what he said during the trial ), and you are/were friend with him. So how it's possible to have 2 completly different opinions about the case, about what happened the night of the 25 June 2009 ?

- Do you think Mr White was on drug when he testified? Because for a so-called " doctor " he said things completly stupid about what happened on 25 June.

- Insomnia is more a psychological problem, so why people with this condition want to take pills to treat themselves when they should just change their way of life, like to live with less stress, change their environment.

- When you recieved an injection of Propofol , like Mike , you died very quickly, just few seconds and you're dead?

- As a doctor, what do you think about what Murray did ? For me, Murray is not a doctor, he must lost his licence. Do you think that he will be banned from medical board and couldn't work anymore ?

- How do we feel after an injection of Propofol?

- If a man, in good health, has Propofol 5 nights a week during 2 months, how he would be physically?

[ForeverKOP]

Dr. Shafer - During the trial, the defense and various media outlets repeatedly called Michael Jackson a "drug addict". Based on your knowledge and research in this case, would you say that Michael Jackson was a "drug addict" or not?

[LMAT]

Dr. Shafer: I wanted to let you know how your presence and testimony during
Murray's trial impacted me. I've been practicing medicine for about 25 years and
you reminded me of the reasons why I still do what I do. When you spoke about
'the patient always comes first' it felt almost like a reallignment and correction of
the fuzziness that one can develop over time. Your integrity and honesty became
a model for me in regards to how I want to continue practicing medicine. You also
reminded me of the ancient, powerful and special relationship between one patient
and the provider.

I want to thank you for this and also commend you on your willingness and ability
to contribute so much to the public's understanding of the transgressions of Conrad Murray.

[ivy]

btw - after seeing the Thank you's I started to collect them in a separate document as well and I plan to send it with the questions. So if you want to write a brief thank you I'll send those to Dr. Shafer as well.

[mdiegee210]

Dr Shafer, do you know why prosecutor Waldren put Michael's body on tv, what was the point? thank you.

[JustJoy]

Thanks for sorting things Ivy!

Again, like everyone else, I would like to thank Dr Shafer - for his thorough and non-patronising way of explaining things to the Jury (and for those of us watching on tv). I seriously wish my science teachers had been as easy to understand and, as INTERESTING as you, I was hooked on everything you said!

My question would be:- After spending what must have been hours of going through CM's police statement, then the evidence itself, did you feel shocked with the results you were coming up with - the amount of propofol that had[I] to have been given by CM to obtain the blood results found at autopsy, the botched attempt by CM to create his own Tate Gallery of Modern Art drip, etc.? Did you feel that because of the conclusions you were finding, that this was [I]too far fetched to be correct?

I'm sure I'll think of more Q's - I'm just trying to find the right wording so he doesn't get the wrong meaning of my questions...

[bluetopez]

Dr. Drew said Michael wasn't healthy because of his lungs, not that Propofol caused it. Michael also had breathing problems since the 80s.

No, Dr. Drew did say more then once because of the rumors of MJ using Propofol throughout the yrs that MJ lungs were damage because of this. He doesn't ever mention anything nor do I think he even knows of MJ having lung issues since he was a teen, since the 70's actually. So I think Dr. Shaffer should be ask this question about the possiblity of Propofol damaging someone's lungs after long term use just to clear it up.

[ivy]

No, Dr. Drew did say more then once because of the rumors of MJ using Propofol throughout the yrs that MJ lungs were damage because of this. He doesn't ever mention anything nor do I think he even knows of MJ having lung issues since he was a teen, since the 70's actually. So I think Dr. Shaffer should be ask this question about the possiblity of Propofol damaging someone's lungs after long term use just to clear it up.

See that's how I remember it as well. Dr. Drew alleged that his lung issues was due to Propofol use. I think we already have questions asking about long terms effects of Propofol on brain and nervous system and such and I think we can specifically ask about lungs as well.

[Memefan]

^ Yes, that's what the faux-doctor Drew said...Propofol use damaged MJ's lungs. He is such a quack... He has no proof of the BS he was spewing on TV.

[TarinJade]

Why is it taking the various medical boards so long to revoke Murray’s medical license and can he get them back at some point. What safeguards can regular citizens work to put in place that will prevent physicians like Murray from ever practicing again?

Please correct me if I am wrong (anyone), but I believe he isn't licensed in any states. His California license was suspended after the preliminary hearings. His Nevada license was suspended several days after he was convicted, and his Texas license expired in July (he didn't renew it).


Does Dr. Shafer think the symptoms Kenny Ortega described Michael having at rehearsal a few days before his death were due to Murray almost overdosing him? What does he think was happening in MJ’s body that time and also when Cheryl Lynn Lee got the phone call where he was hot on one side of his body and cold on the other?

^Good one. I've been wondering about that (and many other things).

Here is my question:

Dr. Shafer, it was stated in testimony that Conrad Murray had been giving Michael propofol for a period of six weeks before he died. I have a very hard time believing this, given that there was no monitoring or resuscitating equipment in the house, and that Murray was so unbelievably reckless. I think that Michael would have died much earlier than he did. Do you personally believe that this is true? Thank you for your time.

[Ramona122003]

No, Dr. Drew did say more then once because of the rumors of MJ using Propofol throughout the yrs that MJ lungs were damage because of this. He doesn't ever mention anything nor do I think he even knows of MJ having lung issues since he was a teen, since the 70's actually. So I think Dr. Shaffer should be ask this question about the possiblity of Propofol damaging someone's lungs after long term use just to clear it up.

The thing is, propofol wasn't widely used back in the 70s. If I recall, Shafar said he didn't write the charts to how to use propofol for mainstream used until the mid 80s and it got approved in the early 90s. So, it's unlikely Michael has been using propofol during the 70-80s. The earliest he could had used it is the Dangerous Tour and Michael had lungs problems long before then.

Also, don't mean to sound like a smartass, didn't Shafar specially said during the trial that it was impossible to know the long-term effects of propofol because no one besides Michael used it in this way?

[bluetopez]

^ Good points but, I still would like Dr. Shaffer to get this question to make it clearer cause of what Dr. Drew was saying and then maybe someone could send the answer to Dr. Drew so he can get it through his head. lol Many media people seem to have not been really watchin the same trial as we were. And shouldn't be allowed to spread their B.S for their own agenda's.

[Naturelle]

With great joy I can report that Dr. Steve Shafer has agreed to answer questions. So what are waiting for, ask away.

Note : I love Dr. Shafer

I have to thank MJJC and Ivy for organizing this Q&A with Dr. Steve Shafer. Thank you Dr. Shafer for your testimony for the trail. I wish you could have met Michael long before CM ever did.

[la_cienega]

This might sound weird but I feel like God sent Dr.Shafer to help Michael in this trial. It was him and Dr. Steinberg(I think) who really helped us and the jury understand what happened.

What's actually great about people like Shafer, Walgren, Brazil, Mesereau etc, is that they're not just saying these things to say them, they're not saying these things to get MJ fans to love them.

What they say is said because it's the truth.

But we MJ fans understand all too well how integrity to the truth is not important for many people, so that's why these guys who are so passionate about it really get to us. I hope they realize we love him because of that and not just because we'd love anyone who went up there who said nice things about MJ.


About Michael's lungs... he had pleurisy, it's the most common Lupus lung related problem. MJ's had it since 1977, he's spoken about it twice. Even Murray's notes say that in 2007 MJ was coughing up blood and there was some pleurisy there.

Dr Drew never bothers to research a thing. He's a terrible doctor.

[roomdownstairs]

...

Does Dr. Shafer think the symptoms Kenny Ortega described Michael having at rehearsal a few days before his death were due to Murray almost overdosing him? What does he think was happening in MJ’s body that time and also when Cheryl Lynn Lee got the phone call where he was hot on one side of his body and cold on the other?


Yes. I second this question.

Does Dr Shafer believe that there was more to Michael's passing than grave recklessness? Does he feel involuntary manslaughter was an appropriate charge?

[Mirabella76]

About Michael's lungs... he had pleurisy, it's the most common Lupus lung related problem. MJ's had it since 1977, he's spoken about it twice. Even Murray's notes say that in 2007 MJ was coughing up blood and there was some pleurisy there.
Yes he had lungs problem since very young age. He even was hospitalized because of it in late 70th or early 80th. But didn't he was coughing up blood because of that accident in 2005 when he fell in his bathroom and hurt himself?


Dr Shafer, do you know why prosecutor Waldren put Michael's body on tv, what was the point? thank you.

Sorry but this question is not correct. It was decision of Judge and DDA so what witness Sheifer can do with it? BTW Walgren answered this question during recent In Session interview. He told it was homicide case so he had to show the victim. Also he tried to prove Michael wasn't in his bad condition last time. Anyway to put trial on tv wasn't Walgren decision neither Shafer's.

[Vinter]

What's actually great about people like Shafer, Walgren, Brazil, Mesereau etc, is that they're not just saying these things to say them, they're not saying these things to get MJ fans to love them.

What they say is said because it's the truth.

But we MJ fans understand all too well how integrity to the truth is not important for many people, so that's why these guys who are so passionate about it really get to us. I hope they realize we love him because of that and not just because we'd love anyone who went up there who said nice things about MJ.
What the true words! Thank you so much for this.
I believe he DOES realize it.

[ivy]

as we already got a good amount of questions and questions started to repeat, I'm thinking of ending the question collection early.

so another 24 hours?

[Mirabella76]

as we already got a good amount of questions and questions started to repeat, I'm thinking of ending the question collection early.

so another 24 hours?
yes just 24 hours please 'cuz i want to translate some questions from fans of my country and post it if it wasn't asked here

[Ankita]

Dear Dr. Shafer,
Thankyou for your testimony.

May I please ask-

1. Has your perception of Michael Jackson (especially, as a person) changed since June 2009, especially since the trial?

2. Decades of lies, slander, deceit, inhuman treatment from the media and public misconceptions had caused Michael immense hurt, pain and anguish resulting in insomnia. We know Propofol was not the answer, but what do you think he should have done(medically) to treat it?

Thankyou for answering.

[la_cienega]

Yes he had lungs problem since very young age. He even was hospitalized because of it in late 70th or early 80th. But didn't he was coughing up blood because of that accident in 2005 when he fell in his bathroom and hurt himself?


In Murray's notes it was in March 2007:

3/07 (not day given):
“M” — cough, chills, (cut off)
with intermittent specs of blood (cut off)
Phlegm greenish brown
Pleuritic chest pain with cough (cut off)
lower rib cage
chest x-ray positive for right lower lobe pneumonia

In the autopsy report it said:


Marked respiratory bronchiolitis, histiocytic desquamation, and multifocal chronic interstitial pneumonitis, and
Suggestive focal desquamation of respiratory lining with squamous metaplasia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis is present when there's pneumonia but it's not the same thing, pneumonitis is general swelling of the lung tissue.

Lupus sufferers suffer from pneumonitis:

http://www.thelupussite.com/pneum.html


Lupus can cause inflammation of the lungs, a condition called acute lupus pneumonitis.
It can also be caused by infection.

Pneumonitis is diagnosed from a chest x-ray, blood & sputum tests.

Symptoms are shortness of breath, a dry cough, fever, chest pain & a blood-tinged sputum.

If it is caused by infection, antibiotics are used.
If there is no trace of infection, it is treated with steroids or cytotoxics & can be completely reversible.

Of course, Dr Drew has no interest in that.

Maybe if someone said MJ was doing propofol back in 1977 when he had that pleurisy related pneumonthorax Drew would bother caring about it then.

[Bonnie Blue]

Also, don't mean to sound like a smartass, didn't Shafar specially said during the trial that it was impossible to know the long-term effects of propofol because no one besides Michael used it in this way?

Ah, did he? I missed that. I know that mj using it for sleep was an experiment, but wondered if prop had maybe been used long-term on patients in ICU?

Could you ask Dr Shafer what he thought about Judge Pastor's summation of the trial that he gave at sentencing, whether he felt it was a vindication of all the conclusions that he had come to in his evidence.

Judge Pastor picked out murray's recording of mj as the piece of evidence that affected him the most during the trial. Was there any one thing that affected Dr Shafer in all the evidence that he looked at?

[Victory22]

Dr. Drew made the claim about the condition of Michael's lungs being caused by Propofol but I read in MJ's autopsy he had a type of pneumonia and bronchitis which was termed chronic. I don't believe that quack Drew Pinsky but I would like to hear Dr. Shafer's opinion. I will try to find the exact term for the kind of pneumonia MJ had and I will post it when I get home from work tonight. Thank you for consolidating my questions Ivy.

[smoothlugar]

Great! Big thanks to MJJC, Ivy and Dr. Shafer for this opportunity!!!

I have a few questions but I cannot think properly under pressure:smilerolleyes: (and I am supposed to be leaving right now) so in a couple of hours, I'll be back.

PS: I hope, Ivy, will have not closed the thread yet.

[Mirabella76]

Here some questions from others

1. Dr. Sheifer, according to Walgren's words during closing arguments "we don't know whether Michael awoke, yelled for help and choke while Conrad Murray wasn't in his bedroom, and we'll never know" and to Alberto Alvarez testimony that Michael's eyes and mouth were wide open, i want to ask you: could Michael suffer before death and could he really yell for help and choke while dying? And if no, if he died sleeping why his eyes were open (sorry for this question, i think it should be included 'cuz people really want to know it from expert himself)
2. Is propofol really obsolete drug (according to prescription that was written about 20 years ago)
3. Do you think meditation that Murray was talking about in his police interview could really help Michael to sleep?

And one question from myself:
1. According to autopcy report there was ephedrine found in Michael's body. It's drug that aggravate insomnia. How ephedrine goes with benzos and propofol, could it subdue effect of this drugs?

[ivy]

Great! Big thanks to MJJC, Ivy and Dr. Shafer for this opportunity!!!

I have a few questions but I cannot think properly under pressure:smilerolleyes: (and I am supposed to be leaving right now) so in a couple of hours, I'll be back.

PS: I hope, Ivy, will have not closed the thread yet.

you have that much time. I will stop accepting questions tomorrow morning when I wake up like 8 AM Eastern USA time.

[Daryll748]

In Murray's notes it was in March 2007:

3/07 (not day given):
“M” — cough, chills, (cut off)
with intermittent specs of blood (cut off)
Phlegm greenish brown
Pleuritic chest pain with cough (cut off)
lower rib cage
chest x-ray positive for right lower lobe pneumonia

In the autopsy report it said:


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis is present when there's pneumonia but it's not the same thing, pneumonitis is general swelling of the lung tissue.

Lupus sufferers suffer from pneumonitis:

http://www.thelupussite.com/pneum.html



Of course, Dr Drew has no interest in that.

Maybe if someone said MJ was doing propofol back in 1977 when he had that pleurisy related pneumonthorax Drew would bother caring about it then.

Well, you know reading this 'reply' I can't help but think about what the bodyguard we knew in '88 used to WARNS us about... :smilerolleyes:
He also "babbled" about Lung problems and that Michael often 'fainted' and turned blue in his lips... He also 'bragged' about that if Michael ever had Pneumonia... that was gonna KILL him... Back then, it :swoon: me :cry:
Okay, I NEVER told anyone that... its just too :boohoo

[Aquarius]

Just wanted to share his answer to me (in my little correspondence with him) before anybody asks the same question:

In your opinion, was Michael suffering at his last minutes of life?
Definitely not. Propofol is a very pleasant drug. He was unconscious when he was dying from lack of oxygen. If he had been conscious, he would have been breathing. If he his airway was obstructed (i.e., his tongue fell to the back of his mouth), then his efforts to breathe was entirely a reflex, just our breathing when we are sleeping. He was not aware of it. It does not matter whether or not his eyes or mouth was open after he died.
- Dr.Steven Shafer

Thanks for posting the doctor's answer. I was always worried about Micheal's last minutes, especially after one of his friends said she heard someone coughing. It's a consolation to know Michael wasn't aware of anything. Thanks again.

[smoothlugar]

Some questions I would like to ask Dr. Shafer:

Dr. Shafer, you said at the trial that probably at the time of death the drip was still on and that would explain why the propofol concentration on the femoral blood was so high. But Dr. White said that he would doubt the propofol could still be infused once the blood circulation has stopped. Could you expand on this, please?


Could the free lorazepam detected in the gastric liquid be explained by the stomach hemorrhage caused by CPR or even by accidental mixing of adjacent blood at the time of autopsy (as it was suggested by the Coroner, Dr. Rogers in the preliminary, though not mentioned again during the trial)?


In case there was cardiac arrest initially and not subsequently after respiratory arrest as Murray told the police, that cardiac arrest could have been caused by a sudden high/fast dose from the drip since there was no infusion pump to regulate the rate of the drip?


I know of a similar case of another doctor in Masachussets who also was convicted with involuntary manslaughter with the great difference that that doctor admitted his crime and did not hide medical evidence as Murray did. Yet, what are the probabilities of a fatal end in the way Murray administered the propofol? (I am thinking about the alleged two prior months of giving propofol and about whether 2nd Degree Murder would have been more appropriate in this case, since according to the Californian Penal Code, “malice” can be implied.)
Many, many thanks for everything. (I suscribe everything all of you have said about the integrity of this Doctor and his great testimony. It's for people like these, that trust in humankind can be restored. BIG THANKS, again!!!)

[Victory22]

Ok I found what I was looking for. The autopsy spoke of conjestion in the left lung and called it "interstitial pneumonia". Chronic infection of bronchi and bronchioles. Ivy can you ask Dr. Shafer about this? Thank you.

[ivy]

I'm ending the question acceptance

[twinklEE]

Dear Dr. Shafer,


What do you think of your colleague Dr. White going out of his way to justify Conrad Murray's actions, from a medical point of view?
Is there any other reason for Flumazenil to be administered apart from reversing the effects of benzodiazepines (in this case Lorazepam)?
Does it even make sense to give a person Flumazenil who according to Dr. Murray only received 4 mg of Lorazepam to begin with?


I'd like to thank you for your wonderful objective testimony in the trial of Conrad Murray.

Ivy please can you still take these questions, I'm only few mins late

[ivy]

yep I got those.

[christy]

I admire Dr Schafer for daring to drink propofol himself when the push comes to shove, driving home a point you CANNOT DIE from propofol ingestion.

Judge Pastor has NO objection to the 6 Chilean students studies who'd volunteered to drink profopol and survived just fine.

Had the defence not change tact, and had that been brought to the court we would be delighted to hear and see the studies in all it's full glory.

Would Dr Schafer be glad to share it with us?

[Vinter]

Here are a few questions if they weren't asked yet:

- How did you decide to choose your profession? What did it start with?
- Did any of your parents relate to medical sphere?
- Did your father know about your intention to take a stand in CM's trial? If yes, what were his thoughts about it, if any?

Thank you so much for all your effords in trying to get to the truth in this trial.
Thank you for making it 'pro bono' as it commands even greater respect to you.
I wish so much there should be more Doctors and people like you out there and that money would never be the subject of moral decay and manipulation of scientific achievements.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

- Vinter (Vera Vetchinina)

[ivy]

I sent our questions to Dr. Shafer this morning before I left for work. (Unfortunately I wasn't able to consider Vinter's last questions - I'm sorry about that).

Dr. Shafer confirmed his receipt of the questions , he said they are good questions - so yay :)

He also informed me that sleep medicine (which he described as a very specialized field) and legal charges against Murray are beyond his area of expertise and those will be difficult to answer.

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

Good answer, Steven, I mean Dr. Shafer!! I reckon our questions can't possibly be "worse" then what the defense had the nerve to ask!! Hehehe. ("What's your ex- wife's name?" God, only Oprah can pry more inappropriately for things that have zero to do with the issue at hand...)

[ivy]

Good answer, Steven, I mean Dr. Shafer!!

I reckon our questions can't possibly be "worse" then what the defense had the nerve to ask!! Hehehe.

:) honestly I was worried of sending him "silly" questions. He's such an distinguished expert and most of our "knowledge" (if it can be called that) is limited to what we heard at the trial. When he responded back and called the questions "good questions". I was relieved and actually I thought exactly what you wrote :) Probably we can't be worse than Chernoff who said he didn't understand anything Shafer said and asked what is "mean"? eheheheh We at least try our best.

[qbee]

Thank you Ivy for letting us know his response so far. Dr Shafer seems so gracious and Im glad he thought the
questions were good. I hope he gets a chuckle from a few of them. Im looking forward to his answers.

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

:) honestly I was worried of sending him "silly" questions. He's such an distinguished expert and most of our "knowledge" (if it can be called that) is limited to what we heard at the trial. When he responded back and called the questions "good questions". I was relieved and actually I thought exactly what you wrote :) Probably we can't be worse than Chernoff who said he didn't understand anything Shafer said and asked what is "mean"? eheheheh We at least try our best.

*editorialcommenteditorialcomment*

Honestly, I hope we can suffuse him with a lil' love.
The brat in me hopes one day Chernoff will cross another expert who answers with "I didn't understand anything you just said. What does it mean???" Or "Is that your opinion- or that of your suit??"

"I also teach a course with Dr. Dennis Fisher... which is almost entirely attended by people in the pharmaceutical industry- or the FDA."

^^^:hysterical::hysterical: Yeah, I always confuse those two. I think that might be my favorite quote from Dr. Shafer so far.

[Mirabella76]

:) Probably we can't be worse than Chernoff who said he didn't understand anything Shafer said and asked what is "mean"? eheheheh We at least try our best.

Can't stop laughing
we realy tried hard
:rollin:

[elusive moonwalker]

Great questions look foward to the answers. so sweet for him to take the time to do this for us

[Ashtanga]

Dr Shafer seems so gracious

He is! :in_love: :naughty: :blushing:

[qbee]

He is! :in_love: :naughty: :blushing:
your a mind reader. How did you know thats what I meant :wub:

[Ashtanga]

your a mind reader. How did you know thats what I meant :wub:

:girl_sigh: :heart: :shifty:

[windy09]

I missed this Q & A, but it appears there were some good questions for Dr. Shafer. I guess the only thing that I could add is that I would offer my sincere gratitude to him for taking the stand with integrity during the trial; and to do so pro-Bono, well need I say more. :no:

Dr. Shafer, from the bottom of my heart, Thank you!!!:angel:

[Ingelief]

when will he answers?

[Vinter]

He wrote to Ivy that during this week.
So let's just waiting with patience :)

[ivy]

^^
yes and he said he has lectures. as far as I'm concerned he can take as much time as he wants.

[Ingelief]

still no answrs? :( is a week later... ofcourse your right ivy/ he can take as long as he wants :D im just very curius :D also which question you choose

[ivy]

yes he's running a little late but remember he's a busy person and I told him it's okay.

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

Ooooh, just saw that Ivy posted, lifted my coffee cup in excitement...and expecting... http://www.sherv.net/cm/emoticons/sick/doctor-smiley-face.gif ...


I will consider it another "ecumenical" present to look forward to on Christmas, Hanukkah, the Winter Solstice or whatever you're celebrating, or not celebrating. Or an 'end of year' gift of the mental-emotional kind.
http://www.freesmileys.org/emoticons/emoticon-char-042.gif http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-happy006.gif

[ivy]

I can't tell you how often I check my email :P

[twinklEE]

yes he's running a little late but remember he's a busy person and I told him it's okay.he can take as much time as he wants as far as I'm concerned, Dr. Shafer is very nice person, with an actual life and career, so his delay is understandable.

[ivy]

I got the answers back from Dr. Shafer. They'll be up soon :)

[Diplomate]

Cool!

[ivy]

btw - dr. shafer answered 87 questions in total

[Pace,MioDolceCuore]

87??? That's patience and goodwill!!

*bites finger nails*

[Morphine7]

Can't wait for his responses.

[Morphine7]

I'm downloading now!

[CaptainEoLove85]

Wow, I'm amazed he answered that many.

[Mirabella76]

Can't wait!
God bless Dr.Shafer

[bouee]

I can't wait !!! Thanks again Ivy, and a big thank you to Dr Shafer for taking the time !

[Ankita]

87 questions ?!!! God bless Dr.Shafer!

[Vinter]

Just make a bow...
God bless Dr.Steve Shafer.
Can't wait too :)

[ivy]

I'm closing this thread. I'll have his answers up n a few minutes.