Cognitive Dissonance and Antibiotic Practices

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This chapter explores the cognitive challenges individuals face in reconciling conflicting ideas, particularly about antibiotic overprescription in children. It examines the consequences on both individual and community health, discussing the impacts on the microbiome and links to chronic conditions. The narrative also suggests a re-evaluation of medical practices, illustrated by recent studies advocating non-operative treatments for appendicitis and addressing the nursing staffing crisis post-COVID.

Johns Hopkins surgeon Dr. Marty Makary talks about his book Blind Spots with EconTalk's Russ Roberts. Makary argues that the medical establishment too often makes unsupported recommendations for treatment while condemning treatments and approaches that can make us healthier. This is a sobering and informative exploration of a number of key findings in medicine that turned out to be wrong and based on insufficient evidence.