White Coat, Black Art

A Prescription for BS?

This week: A crash course on 'BS' - hospital-style. Much of the bluff and bluster from doctors is self-serving but does it serve a greater purpose? Two MDs give us the straight goods on bull, while a journalist tells us why listening to Dr. Oz may actually be a prescription for 'BS."
Accurate jargon is a staple on medical dramas like The Night Shift because it gives a sense of gripping realism. But it can also come across as earnest and boring. While he might be a medical malpractice suit waiting to happen, Dr. Nick Riviera of The Simpsons can't be accused of being dull or earnest.

That take on medicine is funny because like all satire, there a kernel of truth in it.  And the truth about medical culture is that doctors don't always have all the answers.  Just like their fake TV counterparts, sometimes they serve up what can only be called  "doctor BS."   

This week on White Coat, Black Art, a crash course on 'BS' -- hospital-style.  Much of the bluff and bluster from doctors is self-serving but does it serve a greater purpose?

Two of our favourite guests, Dr. Zubin Damania aka ZDoggMD and Dr. Erin Sullivan talk about how the patients who always expect an answer might end up getting a shot of BS. 

You might remember this interview we did with Erin last year,after she delivered a baby. On an airplane. While it was in the air. No BS!

ZDoggMD is well known for his medical rap parodies like this one, that do pretty good job of cutting through medical 'BS.'

For an outsider's perspective, we hear from psychologist Joti Samra who tells us why she thinks MDs sometimes fudge -- and how a little bit of bull can actually make the system run better for patients.

Then we turn our 'BS meter' on to one of the most famous doctors in America, with the help of journalist Julia Belluz.

She's been writing about Dr. Mehmet Oz for years (her most recent story was about what happened earlier this week when Dr.Oz asked Twitter users for their health questions. Spoiler Alert: It didn't go well)

Suffice to say, Julia wasn't surprised when the U.S. Congress finally figured out that some of the information Dr. Oz touts on his talk show doesn't pass the smell test.

Let us know what you think of this week's program in the comment section below. 

Comments

To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.

By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.

Become a CBC Member

Join the conversation  Create account

Already have an account?

now