Second Opinion

Second Opinion

An examination of medical ethics and the practitioners who define them. Sign up to receive the Second Opinion topics in newsletter form at kcrw.com/newsletters.

We expect that FDA-approved drugs have been shown to be safe and effective. But, that isn’t always the case.

Should a state have the authority to override a woman’s wishes regarding her body—not for her benefit, but for someone else’s?

It’s often hard to let go of traditions, but it's time to rethink the role of anatomy dissections.

Unhoused people lack safe bathroom access—an issue of public health, safety, and basic dignity we can no longer ignore.

For more than a century, there has been a nefarious fascination with engineering society in ways that disadvantage the most vulnerable.

Evidence-based recommendations from groups like the US Preventive Services Task Force are only as effective as the screening tools currently available.

Medical schools must address unprofessional behavior early, as student misconduct often predicts future disciplinary issues and patient harm.

Digital communications are playing a larger role in health care, but transparency and equity are being forgotten.