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Two Attitudes In Psychiatry
Scott Alexander explores two contrasting attitudes in psychiatry, discussing their merits and pitfalls, while reflecting on his own tendency to favor a more straightforward approach.
16 min read 2,354 words
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medical ethics
Essays tagged “medical ethics”. Follow an idea across the archive.
Essays on medical ethics
38 essaysSSC
Against Against Autism Cures
Scott Alexander critiques the autism rights movement's opposition to curing autism, arguing that severe cases cause immense suffering that justifies continued research into cures.
36 min read 5,500 words
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Reflections From The Halfway Point
Scott reflects on his psychiatry residency experiences, discussing the realities of psychiatric hospitals, patient care challenges, and his transition to outpatient work.
18 min read 2,766 words
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Pharma Virumque
Scott Alexander explores the nuanced ways pharmaceutical companies influence doctors, arguing that their tactics are more subtle and ethically complex than simple bribery.
18 min read 2,668 words
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Fish – Now By Prescription
Scott Alexander examines overpriced medical products like Lovaza and Deplin, arguing they serve a purpose in the medical system, but criticizes exorbitant BRCA gene testing prices as harmful.
15 min read 2,213 words
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Evening Doc
Scott Alexander presents a parody of 'Piano Man' from a doctor's perspective, humorously portraying hospital life and patient care.
3 min read 401 words
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Causal Models At Work
Scott Alexander shares two humorous medical anecdotes that highlight the potential for misunderstanding complex health information.
2 min read 171 words
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Do You Believe Me, Doc?
Scott Alexander critiques standard psychiatric responses to psychotic patients and proposes more honest, nuanced alternatives based on individual patient circumstances.
9 min read 1,272 words
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Genetic Testing and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies
Scott Alexander critiques a study suggesting knowledge of ApoE4 gene status affects memory performance, arguing the results may be due to priming or stereotype threat rather than actual memory decline.
5 min read 734 words
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A Letter I Will Probably Send To The FDA
Scott Alexander drafts a letter to the FDA arguing against their decision to halt 23andMe's genetic testing services, highlighting the benefits and addressing the FDA's concerns.
14 min read 2,049 words
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Fake Euthanasia Statistics
Scott Alexander debunks misleading statistics about euthanasia in the Netherlands, showing claims of widespread non-consensual euthanasia are false and not supported by careful analysis of the data.
28 min read 4,188 words
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Who By Very Slow Decay
Scott Alexander provides a stark, critical look at end-of-life care in hospitals, challenging idealized notions of death and the concept of 'cultivating a culture of life'.
27 min read 4,039 words
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The Virtue of Silence
Scott Alexander explores the ethical implications of publicly debating medical confidentiality breaches, introducing the concept of the 'Virtue of Silence' as a potential solution.
8 min read 1,227 words