'Not real doctors'? Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi fires back in viral Doctor’s Day spat

Indian Chess Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi has recently been making headlines for his viral spat with a doctor on X. The 30-year-old chess player recently took to X to wish his family a happy National Doctor's Day on July 1st.

A social media user with the handle 'TheLiverDoc' commented on Gujrathi's post that none of his family members were "really doctors." Ever since, the two have been engaged in an online verbal war that seems to have no end.On July 1st, Gujrathi posted a photo of his family on X writing, "Happy Doctor's Day to my entire family." When asked about the medical specialities of his family members by a person in the comments, he revealed that his father is an Ayurvedic migraine specialist, his wife is an MD Homoeopathy, his mom practices cosmetology and his sister is a physiotherapist.Sometime later, 'TheLiverDoc' reposted Gujrathi's post writing, "I am sorry but none of them are really doctors."Gujrathi responded strongly to the comment writing, Your entire brand and personality is built on insulting others. While you chase retweets by tearing people down, my family quietly heals lives without needing a spotlight. They've helped more people than your ego can count. Stay in your lane. And for a change, try being useful."

'TheLiverDoc' who claimed to be a certified internist with a doctorate in hepatology and liver transplant medicine then took to the social media platform to pen a detailed response clarifying that he meant no offence to the chess player's family and was making a point from a professional standpoint.He explained how Doctor's Day is celebrated as the birth and death anniversary of Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy, one of India's most revered physicians and how the practitioners of Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Cosmetology and Physiotherapy are not "clinical physicians" and the practices themselves are not "realistic clinical medicine."He added how Gujrathi's ignorance of science and health affects the public perception of realistic healthcare and pseudoscientific practices, adding that the medicines he mentioned were "alternate medicine" that is not proven to work.The man clarified his credentials adding that he has 260 peer-reviewed scientific publications, 4400 citations, and an h-index of 30. "Calling out medical misinformation is what I do apart from being a full-time doctor.

I suggest you stay in your lane and discuss more on chess. Sorry for the checkmate. And for a change, talk about chess and try being useful. All the best for your future matches," ended the man.

Social media reactions

People on X have been commenting under TheLiverDoc's post condemning his comments on Gujrathi's family and on Ayurveda not being a medicinal practice."Original healing science of India since ancient times is Ayurveda. Homoeopathy is modern day Ayurveda.

Allopathy is a fraud science of which you are a practitioner," wrote a man to TheLiverDoc."Which "medicines" existed before "science" came to play?" probed another."Someone celebrates their birthday on X.They: “Woohoo! Goodbye 30, hello 31!” 🎉TL Doctor: I am sorry, but you are nearing death. There is nothing scientific about it - just Earth doing another lap around the sun." quipped another X user.