David J. Epstein and ProPublica
When Evidence Says No, but Doctors Say Yes
The Atlantic, 2017
What's inside?
Some medicines and medical procedures are ineffective – or worse.
Recommendation
Investigative reporter David Epstein, writing for ProPublica, reveals the troubling truth about many popular medications and procedures: They’re of no benefit to most of the people receiving them. He presents a good range of evidence against many therapies, including common blood pressure medications, knee surgeries and trendy cancer drugs. He’s not unsympathetic: They’re not just evil doctors trying to make a buck. Some of them simply struggle to believe counterintuitive science, while others fear lawsuits if they don’t do as the patient asks. While never giving medical advice, getAbstract recommends Epstein’s analysis to health care professionals and patients alike.
Summary
About the Authors
David Epstein is an author and investigative reporter at ProPublica, an independent, non-profit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest.
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