Freakonomics Radio 650. The Doctor Won’t See You Now
255 snips
Oct 24, 2025 
Rochelle Walensky, a physician-scientist and former CDC director, teams up with economist Karen Clay to discuss the U.S. physician shortage. They reveal historical reforms that increased the gap, focusing on the legacy of the Flexner Report and its implications. Walensky highlights the burden of medical school applications and geographic distribution challenges, while Clay questions whether a bad doctor is worse than none at all. They also explore burnout among physicians and the need for better public health strategies to ease demand.
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Surgeon Describes Increased Productivity And Paperwork
- Dr. Sanjo Dutta describes rising surgical productivity and nonstop patient communication with emails and AI scribes.
- He reports more operations and substantial administrative appeals work each day.
Rural Doctor On Insurance-Controlled Care
- Dr. Jeff Wood, a rural Kansas physician, feels insurance companies increasingly dictate care and undermine clinical judgment.
- He questions the point of becoming a doctor if payers tell clinicians what to do.
Admission Capacity, Not Applicant Quality, Limits Supply
- Many qualified applicants are turned away because medical school slots are scarce, not because of ability.
- Walensky documents applicants applying widely and paying large fees with low acceptance despite strong credentials.
