Dr. Oz Addresses Physicians Who Called for His Removal From Columbia University: "We Will Not Be Silenced"—Watch Now!

He will talk about the controversy in full on his show Thursday

By Francesca Bacardi Apr 22, 2015 12:51 PMTags

Dr. Mehmet Oz isn't cowering from his critics.

In an episode airing Thursday, the 54-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon will address the group of 10 physicians that penned a letter to Columbia University requesting the school fire him from his position. Currently he serves as vice chairman of the surgery department. Today received an exclusive clip from the upcoming episode which shows the doctor defending himself.

"These doctors are criticizing me for promoting treatments and cures in the interest of personal financial gain, something I tell you every day on this program I never do," he says directly into the camera.

But the physicians, who are not affiliated with the Ivy League school, feel that Dr. Oz promotes "quack treatments" on his show, making his position on staff "unacceptable." He has worked there since the mid '90s.

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"We are surprised and dismayed that Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons would permit Dr. Mehmet Oz to occupy a faculty appointment, let alone a senior administrative position in the Department of Surgery," read the letter, signed first by Henry I. Miller.

The on-air personality, who has repeatedly spoken out against genetically modified organisms (GMOs), faces further scrutiny from the group for his purported "disdain for science and for evidence-based medicine." Dr. Oz, however, won't be put down by naysayers.

"I vow to you right here right now, we will not be silenced, we will not give in," he says in the clip.

He initially responded to the letter in a statement provided to E! News: "I bring the public information that will help them on their path to be their best selves. We provide multiple points of view, including mine which is offered without conflict of interest. That doesn't sit well with certain agendas which distort the facts.

"For example, I do not claim that GMO foods are dangerous, but believe that they should be labeled like they are in most countries around the world," he added. "I will address this on the show next week."

(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)