Send us a text

The rise and deadly reign of Linda Burfield Hazard stands as one of the most disturbing chapters in American medical history. Without formal training, this self-proclaimed "fasting specialist" established a sanitarium in rural Washington State where dozens of wealthy patients would meet their demise—all while enriching herself with their fortunes.
From her first documented victim in 1902 to her eventual conviction a decade later, Hazard perfected a sinister formula: convince vulnerable, health-seeking individuals that their ailments stemmed from "impure blood" and "impaired digestion," then subject them to extreme fasting regimens where they received only small amounts of vegetable broth twice daily. As patients weakened physically and mentally from starvation, Hazard administered painful enemas and brutal massage sessions where she beat patients with her fists. This systematic torture served a calculated purpose—to render victims compliant enough to sign over guardianship of their estates, rewrite wills in her favor, and surrender jewelry and heirlooms.
The tragic story of British heiresses Claire and Dora Williamson crystallizes Hazard's predatory pattern. These wealthy sisters sought treatment after reading Hazard's book, only to be imprisoned at what locals had nicknamed "Starvation Heights." Claire died weighing a fraction of her healthy weight, while Dora was rescued by their former governess Margaret Conway—but only after Hazard extracted thousands of dollars in "medical fees." The subsequent investigation revealed forged documents, stolen possessions, and a pattern of financial exploitation that accompanied each death.
Despite her 1912 conviction for manslaughter, Hazard served less than three years before receiving a pardon. Most disturbingly, she continued practicing for decades afterward, claiming more victims until her own death in 1938—ironically, while attempting to cure herself through fasting. Her legacy serves as a chilling reminder of how charismatic individuals can weaponize medical authority to devastating effect, particularly when systems fail to protect the vulnerable from those who wear the mask of healer while harboring the heart of a predator.

Resources:

• Book: Starvation Heights by Gregg Olsen
• https://www.olallabaymarket.com/starvationheights
• https://digitalarchives.wa.gov/Collections/TitleInfo/2508
• https://www.historylink.org/File/7955
• https://www.forgottenminnesota.com/2018/08/01/2018-07-starvation-doctor-quack-healer-serial-killer/

Support the show

Don't miss a (heart) beat! Check out our Instagram @doctoringthetruthpodcast and email us your Medical Mishaps at [email protected]. Join us on Facebook at Doctoring the Truth, and TikTok @doctoring the truth. Don't forget to download, rate, and review so we can keep bringing you more exciting content each week!

Stay safe, and stay suspicious...trust, after all, is a delicate thing!

Don't forget to check out these fantastic discounts from our sponsors:
20% Off Strong Coffee Company

https://strongcoffeecompany.com/discount/STAYSUSPICIOUS

41% Off Cozy Earth:

https://cozyearth.com/discount/STAYSUSPICIOUS