EconTalk Adam Cifu on the Case for Being a Medical Conservative
Jul 1, 2019
Adam Cifu, a physician and author at the University of Chicago, advocates for a critical approach to medical practices. He discusses the potential pitfalls of widely endorsed treatments, emphasizing the importance of evidence-based care and patient involvement. Cifu dives into the complexities of insulin therapy, the psychological implications of medical screenings, and the evolving understanding of genetics in depression. With a focus on transparency and critical thinking, he encourages patients and doctors alike to navigate medical uncertainties effectively.
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Toenail Fungus Economics
- Russ Roberts shares an experience where a dermatologist prescribed an expensive toenail fungus cream.
- The interaction highlighted the distorted cost-benefit analysis in the current medical system.
Industry Incentives
- Pharmaceutical companies aren't inherently malicious, but incentives can lead to bad outcomes.
- They face pressure to push products through, even with ambiguous negative data.
Spinal Stenosis Treatment
- Adam Cifu discusses spinal stenosis and the limited effectiveness of steroid injections.
- He highlights the complex decision-making process when weighing risks and benefits.
