Short Wave Short Wave

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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