TV's Dr. Oz Helps Injured Motorists Along New Jersey Highway

Dr. Mehmet Oz was recently accused by his own Columbia University colleagues of promoting "quack treatments." Today, he's being hailed a hero for stopping to help injured motorists along a New Jersey highway.

In this June 17, 2014, file photo, Dr. Mehmet Oz, vice chairman and professor of surgery, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP/Lauren Victoria Burke, File)

Oz was passing through Westhampton last weekend when he looked up and saw that the motorist behind him had crashed. He stopped and ran back to help those inside until emergency crews could get there.

"Dr. Oz was very professional and helpful," Westampton chief Jason Carty told NJ.com Tuesday. "He gave a very thorough report on both victim's conditions and injuries."

Carty pointed out that Oz could have easily kept going, but "being the guy he is," he stopped to help.

Westhampton Township Emergency Services posted a photo to its Facebook page showing Carty and Oz Tuesday.

"Over the weekend ‪#‎WTES‬ responded to a serious MVA on the NJTP. The crew on ‪#‎Squad2723‬ arrived on location and found a Doctor triaging (assessing) the patients. Dr. Oz was not involved in the accident but stopped and gave care to the patients until emergency crews arrived to treat and transport the patients to the hospital. Pictured here is Firefighter/EMT Vincent Knott who was the driver/operator of 2723. Dr. Mehmet Oz we thank you!"

One car was involved in the crash and both victims inside the vehicle were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries, NJ.com reported.

It isn't the first time Oz has offered his expertise in an emergency situation. In 2013, he was among those who rushed to help a 23-year-old tourist in New York City whose foot was severed when a cab jumped the curb and plowed into her.

Oz made headlines last month after some of his Columbia University medical colleagues accused him of an "egregious lack of integrity" for promoting "quack treatments" on his daytime TV show, "Dr. Oz."

School officials have refused to remove Oz from the faculty, emphasizing their commitment to the "principle of academic freedom and to upholding faculty members’ freedom of expression for statements they make in public discussion.”

Oz later defended his actions and claimed his critics were merely attacking his freedom of speech. Oz told the New York Times that he "never" promotes treatments for his own personal or financial gain.

Oz appeared before a congressional committee last year in which he was blamed for contributing to weight loss scams, something he now says he regrets.

More here:

(H/T: Daily Mail)

–

Follow Jon Street (@JonStreet) on Twitter