On Twitter, one of Prof Rob Howard’s self-styled “groupies” tweeted “you are the glue that holds us together”. This was followed by the hashtag: #cultofRob
Twitter encourages:
A dictionary definition:
It is not just Prof Howard’s “groupies” who worship him. The Royal College of Psychiatrists, despite being repeatedly made aware of wide-ranging expressions of concern about Prof Howard’s unprofessional behaviour, has steadfastly chosen to exempt him from College Core Values .
Unprofessional behaviour can have very serious consequences. Psychiatrists have the power to detain individuals and to treat against will. Prof Howard has “diagnosed” on Twitter people that he has never met. He has even done so by using “bingo cards”. No approach could be more unscientific . This abuse of power is most concerning.