Second Opinion

KCRW•www.kcrw.com

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 .

Last refreshed: January 26th, 2026 at 3:26 AM ⓘ

Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Predicting dementia in people without symptoms

There is little data that predictions are accurate or necessary.

Sep 04, 2016•5 min

Medical ignorance around medical marijuana

Doctors need education to use this drug effectively.

Aug 28, 2016•5 min

Hospitalists: a new face you've never met before

Another change that moves you away from your doctor

Aug 21, 2016•4 min

Zika: A new player in a familiar story

The solution requires a united front.

Aug 14, 2016•5 min

Practice Guidelines: recipes for best practice

But when bias creeps in, we all lose .

Aug 07, 2016•4 min

Physician Suicide: A Canary in the Coal Mine

A problem that should concern us all.

Jul 31, 2016•5 min

Unrealistic Cancer Care

Without cure there is still care.

Jul 24, 2016•4 min

High Cost of Medical Education

It is not in society’s best interest.

Jul 17, 2016•5 min

Old Habits Die Hard

…which lead to lots of unnecessary tests.

Jul 08, 2016•4 min

To Operate or Not?

Even for the surgeon, this isn’t an easy decision.

Jul 03, 2016•5 min

Difficult Choices at 30,000 Feet

Weighing benefits of one patient against another...

Jun 26, 2016•4 min

Bias in Medicine

Access to therapy appointments differs by race and class.

Jun 19, 2016•5 min

Being Held as a Medical Hostage

After a motor vehicle accident it's the last thing you'd expect.

Jun 12, 2016•5 min

San Francisco's Latest Attempt to Reduce Obesity

But beverage manufacturers stand in the way.

Jun 05, 2016•5 min

Good News, a Drop in Opioid Prescriptions?

There are important unintended consequences.

May 29, 2016•4 min

High Rates of Medical Error Rates Are Probably Incorrect

Still, the problem is real and deserves attention…

May 22, 2016•4 min

Physician Suicide: A Canary in the Coal Mine

It's a problem that should concern us all.

May 15, 2016•5 min

Declining Teen Birth Rates

Women are making good choices about reproductive health.

May 08, 2016•4 min

Doctors' Right to Choose

If doctors choose, patients loose.

May 01, 2016•5 min

The Violent Brain

Is it the seed or the soil?

Apr 24, 2016•4 min

A Medical Who Done It

How did a group of people ended up with cow tuberculosis?

Apr 10, 2016•5 min

Gender in Elite Sports

What defines a female athlete other than lower pay?

Apr 03, 2016•5 min

Physical Pain Linked to Economic Pain

America's pain epidemic has its roots in social determinants.

Mar 27, 2016•4 min

The Heavy Cost of Direct-to-Consumer Advertising

It's no longer just drugs but now genetic testing.

Mar 20, 2016•5 min

The Extinction of a Vital Measure of Quality Control

How will we ever know without an autopsy?

Mar 13, 2016•4 min

The Role of Government in Health

Do we really want to raise the age when an adult can purchase cigarettes?

Mar 06, 2016•4 min

Futility and Doctors in Training

The impact of moral distress can be long lasting.

Feb 28, 2016•4 min

A Never Ending Fight over Doctors' Work Hours

A new study does not come close to providing any resolution.

Feb 21, 2016•5 min

It Can't Hurt to Look!

Over-testing people with diabetes.

Feb 14, 2016•4 min

Zika: Surrounded by Uncertainty

This is what we currently know.

Feb 07, 2016•5 min

← Prev Next →

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android