aikon

Hi everyone,

I am considering writing a book on "Depression" and am considering using an alias (i.e. Dr. Jeffery Goldman, M.D). The book will be sold commercially. Firstly, is this legal to use this alias? if so..Are there any legal implications to doing this?

I won't be prescribing or recommending a particular treatment or medication in this book. Nor will I be providing any medical advise. The content of the book will entail the following.

1. What is depression?
2. The causes of depression
3. The symptoms of depression
4. Real life stories of people with depression and their expriences
5. Relaxation techniques
6. Dealing with depression and treatment
etc..etc...

Will a legal disclaimer be sufficient to deflect any lawsuits. There are always people looking to sue an author or publisher of a book for ridiculous reasons.

Any suggestion is appreciated.

Thank You.

eleutheromaniac

It is illegal and unethical to present yourself as an M.D. if you are not one. While you may or may not face legal repercussions, your reputation as a writer and your credibility will be forever tainted. If you know what you're talking about in your book, and it contains info that will be useful to people suffering from depression, than the "MD" shouldn't be necessary for people to take you seriously.

__________________
Augmented Reality

Nazareth

I think there may be legal implications - I can't just go arouind claiming I'm a doctor I don't beleive.

Aikon- while you will know you aren't a doctor, others won't know that (Heck, others will still think you are even if you put in a disclaimer that you're not- there's alot of strange peoiple in this world)

Even with a leagal disclaimer- it might be argued that an unstable person was unduley impressioned by something you said thinking you were a doctor & if mental trauma or physical trauma happened as a result- it might come back on ya-

I'd steer clear of any such thing if I were you- At the very least- consult a lawyer first

Ozmandius

Might, my ass. Posing as a doctor is a felony and will result in not only lawsuits, but prosecution and jail. Do not, under any circumstances, ever attempt this. You will get caught, and the sudden and abrupt end of your career will be the least of your worries when Bubba in the the cell next to you comes knocking for a date.

Oz

HisNibs

First, what you describe isn't ghostwriting. That's when you put your name on something written anonymously by another. What you describe is a pseudonym.

Second, you can consider representing yourself as an M.D. all you please, but no reputable publisher would publish your book.