Why you'll probably be misdiagnosed in your lifetime
Sep 15, 2026 · 13m
Summary
This episode explores the prevalence of diagnostic errors, noting that nearly everyone experiences one in their lifetime. Host Emily Kwang discusses the systemic causes, including time pressures and lack of feedback loops, with author Alexandra Sifferlin. They also speak with Dr. Guri Dalliwal about the mindset of a master diagnostician and Dr. Diana Sajas, a pediatric neurologist who suffered a stroke due to a delayed cancer diagnosis. The conversation highlights the importance of humility, trauma-informed care, and the irreplaceable human element in medicine, while cautiously addressing t…
Topics discussed
Intro and sponsor: ActiveCampaign
Diana Sajas's story: Ignored neck lump
Surgical complications and stroke
Episode overview: The diagnosis crisis
Sponsors: NetSuite and Carvana
Sponsor: ActiveCampaign
Guest intro and scope of misdiagnosis
Systemic causes: Time and structure
Master diagnostician Dr. Dalliwal
The lack of feedback loops for doctors
Dr. Sajas on the diagnostic process
Can AI replace human diagnosis?
AI for rare diseases and human element
Trauma-informed care in practice
Outro and production credits
Sponsors: Henry Ford and Capella
Sponsor: Total Wine and More
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