Podcast Summary: The Oath – Episode: The Burglarians

Introduction

The Oath, a six-part investigative series by TVO Podcasts, delves into the complexities and ethical dilemmas surrounding the medical profession, specifically focusing on the case of Dr. Melvyn Iscove. In the third episode, titled "The Burglarians," hosts Krisha Collier and Brennan Lefler explore the obscure and controversial theories of Dr. Edmund Burglar, a 1950s psychoanalyst whose work has influenced Iscove's practice. This episode uncovers the intertwining paths of psychiatry, conversion therapy, and medical regulation in Ontario.

Unveiling Dr. Edmund Burglar

The investigation begins with Collier and Lefler uncovering the legacy of Dr. Edmund Burglar, a once-prominent psychoanalyst whose reputation has since diminished. Burglar's theories, particularly his stance on homosexuality, have resurfaced as a focal point in the scrutiny of Dr. Iscove's actions.

[00:36] Krisha Collier: "I mean, what? I did not imagine any of this was possible."

Burglar's influence is primarily through his work in psychoanalysis and his controversial views on sexuality. Despite his extensive contributions, including coining the term "writer's block," Burglar remains a largely forgotten figure except for his connection to Iscove.

Interviews with Followers of Burglarian Therapy

The episode features in-depth interviews with individuals who have been influenced by Burglar's methodologies. One such interviewee, Roger Hollander, has utilized burglarian therapy for over four decades.

[05:19] Roger Hollander: "He was a giant in the burglar world. He wrote the introduction to some of the books, and so that's how I knew him."

Hollander explains the intricate layers of burglarian interpretation, aiming to identify and alleviate underlying causes of suffering. This therapeutic approach, while effective for some, raises ethical concerns given its foundational theories.

Additionally, mental health counselor Peter Michelson from Michigan discusses his long-term commitment to Burglar's methods, highlighting the persuasive depth of Burglar's techniques despite their outdated premises.

[08:18] Brennan Lefler: "About earlier, I find touching a lot of people, but even those of us who are relatively healthy can still have times when we get tangled up in those kind of emotions and struggle to free ourselves, to get beyond it and not to have those kind of painful feelings linger."

The Connection to Dr. Melvin Iscove

Central to the episode is the question of whether Iscove's alleged misconduct is influenced by Burglar's controversial theories. Although Iscove denies wrongdoing, the committee's judgment hints at his possible alignment with Burglarian ideas, particularly regarding the treatment of homosexuality.

[19:02] Krisha Collier: "The discipline committee that heard the allegations against Izcove didn't say he was performing, didn't say Burglar was either. Izcove denied any wrongdoing... it commented on the fact that Izcove became evasive in responding to questions about whether homosexuality should be considered an illness or whether it could be cured."

This connection raises red flags about the potential misuse of psychiatric authority and the ethical implications of applying outdated and discredited theories in modern practice.

Controversial Theories on Homosexuality

Dr. Edmund Burglar's work prominently featured attempts to "cure" homosexuality, a practice now widely condemned as conversion therapy. Burglar believed homosexuality was a condition that could be treated and even cured within a short period through psychoanalytic methods.

[15:07] Peter Michelson: "Do you think that Burglar would have changed his mind, change with the times?"

[16:09] Krisha Collier: "Even at the 1958 lecture in New York, which was about creativity, Burglar brought it up... It goes on to tell the audience that gay men are in reality simply scared to death of women."

These views are deeply offensive and harmful, contributing to the stigmatization and emotional suffering of LGBTQ+ individuals. The episode highlights how such theories, though rooted in past beliefs, continue to influence certain therapeutic practices.

Impact on Patients and Medical Regulation

The case of Dr. Iscove underscores the critical role of medical regulators in protecting patients from unethical practices. The revocation of Iscove's license brings to light the shortcomings of Ontario's medical regulatory body in addressing and preventing abuses of trust within the psychiatric profession.

An unnamed expert stresses the ongoing need to combat these harmful practices:

[20:12] Unnamed Expert: "There's so much work that needs to be done to ensure that these practices aren't happening. A good deal of people who go through it get caught up in suicidal ideation because it doesn't work unless you're really good at denial and suppression."

Despite the illegality of conversion therapy in Canada, the episode reveals its persistence in various settings, including homes, schools, and medical offices, highlighting a significant gap in enforcement and awareness.

Personal Reflections and Ethical Dilemmas

Through interviews, the hosts explore the personal struggles of those who have engaged with burglaryan therapy. Roger Hollander, despite rejecting Burglar's views on homosexuality, acknowledges the efficacy of the methodology in alleviating his own suffering.

[13:46] Roger Hollander: "Burglar's work had to deal with suffering, helping people who are suffering... The fact that he used that methodology to deal with homosexuality, to me, doesn't negate the legitimacy or the efficacy of the methodology as I used it on myself."

This presents a complex ethical dilemma: separating therapeutic effectiveness from the morally reprehensible foundations of some of its principles. The episode prompts listeners to consider how deeply ingrained and influential such theories can be, even when their ethical standing is severely compromised.

Conclusion and Future Implications

The Burglarians culminates by linking past therapeutic practices to present-day abuses, raising urgent questions about the integrity of psychiatric practices and the safeguarding of patient welfare. As the series progresses, it promises to further investigate the ramifications of Dr. Iscove's actions and the ongoing threat of conversion therapy in contemporary Canada.

[20:26] Krisha Collier: "Even though it's now illegal, the practice is still happening in Canada."

The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of unethical medical practices and the necessity for vigilance in medical regulation to prevent the erosion of patient trust and safety.

Notable Quotes

• Krisha Collier: "I just couldn't believe what I saw." [00:32]

• Roger Hollander: "Burglar's work had to deal with suffering, helping people who are suffering." [13:46]

• Unnamed Expert: "There's so much work that needs to be done to ensure that these practices aren't happening." [20:12]

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Edmund Burglar's Legacy: An influential yet obscure psychoanalyst whose controversial theories on homosexuality have left a lasting negative impact.

• Conversion Therapy Concerns: Despite being outlawed, conversion therapy persists in various forms, necessitating stronger regulatory oversight.

• Medical Regulation Failures: The revocation of Dr. Iscove's license highlights potential weaknesses in Ontario’s medical regulatory framework.

• Ethical Dichotomy in Therapy: Effective therapeutic methods can still be rooted in unethical principles, complicating the evaluation of their use.

• Ongoing Investigation: The series continues to shed light on the intersection of medical ethics, patient trust, and regulatory responsibility.

The Oath effectively combines investigative journalism with personal narratives to explore the profound ethical challenges within psychiatry, urging listeners to advocate for stronger protections against abuse and unethical practices in the medical field.