Scott Alexander shares two humorous medical anecdotes that highlight the potential for misunderstanding complex health information.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander shares two humorous anecdotes involving medical professionals and patients, highlighting the potential for misunderstanding when discussing complex medical information. The first involves a conversation with an AIDS specialist about life expectancy for HIV patients, while the second features Scott as a doctor discussing medication for alcoholism with a patient. Both stories demonstrate how literal interpretations of medical advice can lead to absurd conclusions, emphasizing the importance of clear communication in healthcare.
Shorter summary