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David Armstrong

I investigate health care.

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What I Cover

I investigate health care. This includes pharmaceutical and medical device makers; researchers and providers; major hospitals and academic medical centers; and the health insurance industry.

My Background

I joined ProPublica in March 2018, and I have reported on the flawed science employed by experts testifying in child abuse cases, the fundraising practices of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and the ways in which health insurers deny care. Previously, I was the senior enterprise reporter for STAT, where I wrote about abuses in the addiction treatment industry, the rise of fentanyl and the recruiting of college football players with histories of concussions. At The Wall Street Journal, I was part of the team awarded the 2002 Pulitzer Prize for breaking news reporting on the attacks of Sept. 11. As a staff reporter at The Boston Globe, my investigation with colleagues of safety flaws in escalators won the George Polk Award and the Investigative Reporters and Editors award.

Boston Hospital Reports Disciplining of Renowned Child Abuse Skeptic

Last September, we examined Dr. Michael Holick’s work as an expert witness for alleged abusers. In the wake of the article, his hospital notified Massachusetts’ medical board that it restricted his privileges.

by David Armstrong,

Opioid Billionaires

OxyContin Maker Explored Expansion Into “Attractive” Anti-Addiction Market

Secret portions of a lawsuit allege that Purdue Pharma, controlled by the Sackler family, considered capitalizing on the addiction treatment boom — while going to extreme lengths to boost sales of its controversial opioid.

by David Armstrong,

Doctors Defending Convicted Child Abuser “Exceed the Limits of Credulity,” Judge Rules

The decision in a closely watched Florida case was a setback for Dr. David Ayoub, following our recent article about his work as an expert witness.

by David Armstrong,

An Anti-Vaxxer’s New Crusade

Dr. David Ayoub used to be active in the anti-vaccination movement. Now he’s challenging mainstream science again — as an expert witness for accused child abusers.

by David Armstrong,

Opioid Billionaires

Sacklers Who Disavow OxyContin May Have Benefited From It

A little-known court document sheds light on the family feud over the multibillion-dollar painkiller’s association with the opioid crisis.

by David Armstrong,