Second Opinion

Second Opinion

An examination of medical ethics and the practitioners who define them. Sign up to receive the Second Opinion topics in newsletter form at kcrw.com/newsletters .

Episodes

June 29, 2025 4 mins

We expect that FDA-approved drugs have been shown to be safe and effective.  But, that isn’t always the case.

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Should a state have the authority to override a woman’s wishes regarding her body—not for her benefit, but for someone else’s?

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It’s often hard to let go of traditions, but it's time to rethink the role of anatomy dissections.

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Unhoused people lack safe bathroom access—an issue of public health, safety, and basic dignity we can no longer ignore.

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For more than a century, there has been a nefarious fascination with engineering society in ways that disadvantage the most vulnerable.

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Evidence-based recommendations from groups like the US Preventive Services Task Force are only as effective as the screening tools currently available.

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Medical schools must address unprofessional behavior early, as student misconduct often predicts future disciplinary issues and patient harm.

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Digital communications are playing a larger role in health care, but transparency and equity are being forgotten.

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Being a surrogate decision-maker for someone at the end of life isn’t easy, but there are steps you can take to ease the burden. 

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Let's examine the evidence and clarify what we really know about measles and why it's important.

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Requesting a test or procedure from a clinician can raise tricky issues

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April 13, 2025 4 mins

Takotsubo Syndrome provides strong evidence for the link between mind and heart

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Even when things go right, the outcome may not be what was expected.

 

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Anthrax – an example of how the US Government has worked to stop the spread of disease

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Without warning, and with no time to develop alternative approaches, funding just stopped.  People are dying.

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Data suggests that barriers may exist with adults being aware of this option for care at the end of life.

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We often make choices that are short-sighted and seem to serve our own interests rather than the interests of all

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As Congress debates cuts to Medicaid (the health insurance program for the poor and disabled) in order to deliver a tax cut to the wealthy, it risks a cascade of negative effects on our entire health care system.

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February 16, 2025 5 mins

USAID is a powerhouse of humanitarianism and global security

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February 9, 2025 4 mins

Statistics can be intimidating.  But before you decide to begin a treatment you should ask what the expected benefit will be to you.

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