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Economist Podcasts

Hail Harris: the Democratic convention begins

Aug 19, 2024
Daniel Franklin, Senior editor at The Economist, shares intriguing insights on Kamala Harris's slim lead in the presidential race as Democrats gather in Chicago. Ainsley Johnston, a data journalist, discusses stunning research revealing that patients often fare better when treated by female doctors. The conversation takes a delightful turn with a look at the sophisticated communication of elephants, who may use low-frequency sounds similar to names to identify each other, challenging our understanding of animal intelligence.
23:21

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Kamala Harris's lead in polling signals a significant shift for Democrats, emphasizing the need for a policy-focused campaign amid rising excitement.
  • Research reveals that patients treated by female doctors experience better health outcomes, highlighting the influence of physician gender on recovery rates.

Deep dives

The Impact of Female Doctors on Patient Outcomes

Research indicates that patients are more likely to experience better health outcomes when treated by female doctors. A comprehensive study conducted on a large population found that patients under the care of women were 4% less likely to die or face readmission within a month. This trend has been observed consistently across various studies, suggesting that the gender of the physician plays a significant role in patient recovery. While the exact reasons for this phenomenon are still being investigated, theories suggest that female doctors may spend more time with patients and adhere more closely to clinical guidelines.

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