Final answer:
Dr. Joseph Goldberger faced skepticism with his pellagra research; a theme common in the history of medical discoveries where new ideas challenge established beliefs and practices, sometimes leading to ethical breaches as seen in cases like the Tuskegee syphilis study.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dr. Joseph Goldberger's research on the cause of pellagra faced skepticism because it challenged existing beliefs within the medical community. At that time, it was common for diseases to be attributed to industrial poisons, and dietary causes were not well understood.
The resistance to Goldberger's findings can be compared to the reluctance of some American doctors to recognize industrial poisoning as a problem, largely due to the prevalent denial or ignorance of workplace hazards and the potential economic implications.
Examples like Takaki Kanehiro's study on beriberi and the mismanagement of the notorious Tuskegee syphilis study showcase the complexities of accepting new medical theories and the ethical breaches that can occur when proper scientific rigor is not applied.