Skeptic Check: Heal Thyself

Big Picture Science

Science, Technology

4.5 • 1K Ratings

🗓️ 24 September 2018

⏱️ 54 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Do we still need doctors? There are umpteen alternative sources of medical advice, including endless and heartfelt health tips from people without medical degrees. Frankly, self-diagnosis with a health app is easier and cheaper than a trip to a clinic. Since we’re urged to be our own health advocate and seek second opinions, why not ask Alexa or consult with a celebrity about what ails us? Find out if you can trust these alternative medical advice platforms. Plus, lessons from an AIDS fighter about ignoring the findings of medical science. And, if AI can diagnose better than an MD, will we stop listening to doctors altogether? It’s our monthly look at critical thinking … but don’t take our word for it! Guests: Katherine Foley – Science and health reporter at Quartz, and author of the article “Alexa is a Terrible Doctor” Paul Offit – Professor of pediatrics at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Perlman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and author of “Bad Advice: Or Why Celebrities, Politicians, and Activists Aren’t Your Best Source of Health Information” Richard Marlink – Director Rutgers Global Health Institute. Shinjini Kundu – Research Fellow, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Stuart Schlisserman – Internist, Palo Alto, California Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:23.6	at Shopify. co-deek slash special offer,
0:26.4	or lower case.
0:27.5	That's Shopify. co-deekk slash special offer.
0:32.4	The world is constantly changing and transforming.
0:35.0	Cut through some of the noise with What's New With Wired,
0:39.0	a podcast that goes in depth on the latest news and technology and culture.
0:43.7	Their award-winning journalism will help you make sense of what's happening in the world.
0:48.3	Listen to What's New With Wired wherever you get your podcasts.
0:52.1	That's What's New With Wired, wherever you get your podcasts. That's what's new with Wired wherever you get your
0:55.1	podcasts. When I was a kid and got sick, my mom would call Dr. Stein. He would show up at the front door about 20 minutes later with, and I swear this is true, an actual black bag. These days, this is the only medical advice coming into my house.
1:20.0	People think I'm insane. When I get on an airplane, when I get to my seat I spray this all over my seat under my tongue
1:28.0	Because the research says that colloidal silver really keeps viruses away.
1:33.0	Well, since Dr. Stein isn't around anymore to make house calls,
1:36.0	and this advice is free and convenient,
1:39.0	should I listen to it?
1:40.0	I'm Seth Shostak.
	...

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