Show Notes
Episode 208. Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership: Dr. John Edeen on Medical Bias, Suppressors, and Defending the 2A
In this episode of the Forge of Freedom podcast, recorded live at the NRA Annual Meeting in Houston, Alex Ooley sits down with Dr. John Edeen — a pediatric orthopedic surgeon, Navy veteran, firearms instructor, and Membership Director of Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership (DRGO).
Dr. Edeen shares his journey from the Navy and medical missions to becoming a leading voice countering anti-gun bias in the medical community. The conversation covers DRGO’s mission to combat flawed research, the science of suppressors and hearing protection, how to handle gun-related questions from doctors, the flaws in treating “gun violence” as a public health issue, and the critical importance of defensive gun uses.
Guest Bio:
Dr. John Edeen is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon based in San Antonio, Texas. A Columbia University-trained physician and Navy veteran (including service on the USS Peleliu and a deployment to Somalia), he is also a Range Master, NRA, and Massad Ayoob Group firearms instructor. He serves as Membership Director for Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership (DRGO), part of the Second Amendment Foundation, where he advocates for evidence-based policy and fights medical community bias against the Second Amendment.
Timestamps
- 00:00 – Introduction and welcome at the NRA Annual Meeting
- 00:58 – Recording from Voices of the Second Amendment media row
- 01:25 – Dr. Edeen’s background: Columbia, Navy service, pediatric orthopedics, international medical missions
- 03:21 – How Dr. Edeen got into firearms and the Second Amendment
- 04:28 – Meeting Mark Walters, Massad Ayoob, and entering gun rights advocacy
- 06:50 – Joining Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership (DRGO) and its origins with Tim Wheeler
- 10:07 – DRGO’s mission: Countering bias in medical literature
- 11:33 – Website resources (drgo.us), articles, and advocacy
- 12:37 – Suppressors, hearing protection science, and the ENT position paper
- 16:20 – Deep dive into ear anatomy, cochlea, hair cells, and noise-induced damage (with visuals)
- 19:23 – Decibel science and why suppressors + ear pro matter
- 22:11 – What to do when your doctor asks about gun ownership
- 28:42 – Strategies for patients: Questions to ask, boundary violations, and medical board complaints
- 32:45 – Addressing child safety, rapid-access safes, and defensive utility of firearms
- 34:47 – Public health vs. individual rights, “gun violence” myths, and defensive gun uses (2.4 million estimate)
- 37:10 – How to join DRGO, benefits, and 2ADoc.com
- 42:20 – Hospital active shooter risks, gun-free zones, and closing thoughts
Key Resources & Links
- Doctors for Responsible Gun Ownership Website: drgo.us
- Find a 2A-Friendly Doctor 2ADoc.com
- Suppressor / Hearing Protection Paper (mentioned 2017 ENT/neuro-otologist paper) – Available in DRGO archives
- Join DRGO – $35 membership (open to doctors, nurses, EMTs, lawyers, and general supporters)
Forge of Freedom Links
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- Website: forgeoffreedom.com
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DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of any organizations or individuals they may mention. The hosts and guests are not liable for any damages that may result from someone listening to this podcast.
