Bapu Jena

When COVID hit, telemedicine use in the U.S. exploded. But how are we using it now? Bapu Jena explores the consequences of this evolving technology.

Bapu Jena, an expert on healthcare pricing, joins researcher Steve Levitt to explore the complex link between price and quality in hospitals. They discuss how biases in price perception affect patient choices, drawing insights from an intriguing wine tasting experiment. The conversation reveals challenges with price transparency in healthcare, emphasizing why many prioritize quality over cost. Jena shares findings on market competition's impact on patient outcomes, painting a nuanced picture of what truly drives the effectiveness of healthcare services.

Dr. Bapu Jena, an economist and physician at Harvard Medical School, delves into the chaotic world of panic headlines that influence parenting choices. He discusses how misleading headlines about everyday products often create unnecessary fears among parents. The conversation highlights the critical difference between correlation and causation in research. Jena also explores the biases in scientific studies and the role of media, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in navigating nutrition research and reassuring parents facing anxiety.

Dr. Bapu Jena, economist and physician at Harvard Medical School, discusses leveraging data in healthcare, applying AI in medicine, measuring the innovation of doctors, diagnosing ADHD in children with summer birthdays, and measuring quality in healthcare.

Bapu Jena, a Harvard physician and economist, applies innovative economic methods to delve into medical research. He explores the vital role of randomized experiments in establishing causality and expresses frustration over traditional study limitations, especially regarding red meat and heart health. Jena discusses the ethical challenges of human-challenge trials and reflects on COVID-19 transmission in social gatherings. With a touch of humor, he underscores the importance of embracing unconventional thinking in medicine and shares insights from his new podcast, Freakonomics, M.D.