Diagnosing Dilemmas

The Quest for Truth: Dr. Paul Fisher on Integrity in Scientific Research and the New Age of Generative AI

This week, Anoushka chats with Dr. Paul Fisher, Professor of Neurology and Pediatrics at Stanford University. Apart from being a nationally renowned pediatric neurologist, Dr. Fisher also serves as editor-in-chief of the Journal of Pediatrics and a member of the Committee for Publication Ethics. We answer questions like: What does it mean for scientists to be honest in their research practices? Why is it important? What does it mean for the public when science is dishonest and where are we going from here? Take a listen to hear more about ways that research culture is changing, and how we can re-instill trust in scientific reporting. Narrated, produced, and edited by: Anoushka Rao

Demystifying Pain: Dr. Brendan Carvalho on Providing Patient-Centered Obstetrics Care

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Brendan Carvalho, the chief of Obstetric Anesthesiology and Maternal Health at Stanford Medical School. As a physician navigating relationships with pregnant patients, pain management is a central issue in ensuring safety and recovery from childbirth. We dive into ethical issues regarding patient autonomy and cultural sensitivity. How should physicians account for subjective experiences to pain while ensuring that all pain is equally regarded? What are some misconceptions of pain management during pregnancy? Take a listen to hear more! Narrated by: Anita Taft, Crystal Chen, Anoushka Rao Edited by: Anoushka Rao

Conceiving Change: LGBTQ+ Family Planning with Dr. Brent Monseur

Welcome to this episode of Diagnosing Dilemmas! In this installment, we are joined by Dr. Brent Monseur who is a board certified obstetrician/gynecologist and the founding director of the LGBTQ+ Family Building Clinical Research Program at Stanford University School of Medicine. In this episode, Dr. Monseur delves into the intricacies of medical ethics surrounding family planning within the LGBTQ+ community and the unique barriers faced by individuals seeking to build families outside heteronormative norms. As a prominent figure in reproductive medicine, Dr. Monseur discusses historical hurdles to the changing landscape of fertility treatments, equity gaps caused by limited insurance coverage, patient autonomy and parental consent particularly in the context of trans youth, and the importance of evidence-based practices over rigid legal frameworks. Produced by: Crystal Chen, Isabella Heffernan, Anita Taft Edited by: Anita Taft, Crystal Chen

Beyond Dobbs: Dr. Andrea Henkel on the Evolving Ethics and Realities of Abortion Care

In this episode, Crystal and Anita had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Andrea Henkel, an OBGYN and clinical assistant professor at Stanford University. They discuss the following: What are some of the most common misconceptions about patients who receive abortions that physicians have encountered in their practice or in public discourse? How has abortion care changed over the years, and what are the misconceptions surrounding it? How has OBGYN training and residency evolved in light of changing legal and ethical landscapes around abortion? How does stigma around abortion affect both physicians and patients, and what can be done to address it? Listen to this episode by Stanford Association for Medical Ethics to learn more! Producers/Editors: Anita Taft and Crystal Chen

From Conception to Selection: The Ethical Complexities of IVF and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis

In this episode, Anoushka, Anita, and Isabella chat with Dr. Brindha Bavan, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stanford School of Medicine; she discusses a litany of ethical, legal, and social issues in her field of REI, or reproductive endocrinology and infertility. We address important questions in embryo selection like: Which traits are permissible to select for? How do technological innovations in reproductive medicine impact equity and accessibility in our healthcare system? Additionally, as we navigate a post-Dobbs world, how do physicians navigate the ambiguity of the law?  Narrated and produced by: Anoushka Rao, Anita Taft, Isabella Heffernan Edited by: Anoushka Rao and Anita Taft