S1 Ep65: Patient autonomy with Jeffrey A. Singer, M.D.
- Author
- Medical Economics
- Published
- Mon 19 May 2025
- Episode Link
- https://audioboom.com/posts/8720990
Jeffrey A. Singer, M.D., a general surgeon and senior fellow at the Cato Institute, joins the show to talk about patient autonomy — which also happens to be the subject of his new book, "Your Body, Your Health Care."
For more from Singer, read his article in Medical Economics, or find a copy of his book here.
Be sure to check out Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know.
Music Credits:
Midnight Serenade by MORRIX Holyhold - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
COCKTAIL by Mythical Audio - stock.adobe.com
Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.
Introduction to Patient Autonomy (00:00:00)
Discussion on the importance of respecting patient autonomy in healthcare.
Podcast Introduction (00:00:25)
Austin Littrell introduces the podcast and the guest, Jeffrey A. Singer, M.D.
Dr. Singer's Background (00:01:01)
Richard Payton introduces Dr. Singer and his credentials.
Origin of the Book (00:01:23)
Dr. Singer explains the inspiration behind his book "Your Body, Your Healthcare."
Linking Policy Areas (00:02:20)
Discussion on the overarching principle of autonomy in healthcare policy.
Informed Consent Evolution (00:03:58)
Dr. Singer highlights the shift towards informed consent in medical practice.
Historical Case: Sloan v. Society of New York Hospital (00:06:15)
Overview of the landmark case establishing patient consent rights.
Government Interference in Autonomy (00:07:56)
Discussion on how government regulations infringe on patient autonomy.
Clinical Information Query (00:08:02)
A question regarding the need for more clinical information in patient care.
Advancements in Medicine (00:08:15)
Discussion on the impact of technology and AI on medical practice.
Importance of Doctor-Patient Communication (00:08:53)
Dr. Singer emphasizes the need for effective communication in healthcare.
Empowerment through AI (00:09:38)
Dr. Singer discusses how AI can enhance patient autonomy and healthcare access.
Scope of Practice Issues (00:10:49)
Discussion on barriers created by licensing laws for healthcare providers.
Telehealth and Patient Autonomy (00:12:57)
Exploration of how telehealth intersects with patient autonomy and informed consent.
State Licensing Barriers (00:13:17)
Dr. Singer discusses the challenges posed by state licensing for telehealth services.
Proposed Solutions for Telehealth (00:15:15)
Suggestions for reforming telehealth regulations to enhance patient access.
Physician Shortage Concerns (00:17:23)
Discussion on the growing demand for healthcare amidst a physician shortage.
Government Mandates and Vaccination (00:21:06)
Dr. Singer addresses informed consent related to vaccine mandates during the pandemic.
Public Health vs. Personal Health (00:23:38)
Distinction between public health interventions and personal health choices.
Government Intrusion in Healthcare (00:24:42)
Discussion on government regulations banning food colorings without scientific evidence, affecting consumer choices.
COVID-19 Response Critique (00:25:45)
Criticism of public health agencies for their slow response and refusal to consider alternative strategies during the pandemic.
Testing Delays and Bureaucracy (00:26:49)
Overview of delays in COVID-19 testing approvals and the paternalistic approach limiting self-testing options.
Value of Primary Care Physicians (00:28:34)
Acknowledgment of primary care physicians' importance and the challenges they face in the healthcare system.
Balancing Clinical Judgment and Autonomy (00:30:11)
Advice for medical professionals on respecting patient autonomy while managing personal biases and clinical responsibilities.
For more from Singer, read his article in Medical Economics, or find a copy of his book here.
Be sure to check out Medical Economics Pulse, a quick-hitting news podcast that keeps busy physicians in the know.
Music Credits:
Midnight Serenade by MORRIX Holyhold - stock.adobe.com
Relaxing Lounge by Classy Call me Man - stock.adobe.com
COCKTAIL by Mythical Audio - stock.adobe.com
Editor's note: Episode timestamps and transcript produced using AI tools.
Introduction to Patient Autonomy (00:00:00)
Discussion on the importance of respecting patient autonomy in healthcare.
Podcast Introduction (00:00:25)
Austin Littrell introduces the podcast and the guest, Jeffrey A. Singer, M.D.
Dr. Singer's Background (00:01:01)
Richard Payton introduces Dr. Singer and his credentials.
Origin of the Book (00:01:23)
Dr. Singer explains the inspiration behind his book "Your Body, Your Healthcare."
Linking Policy Areas (00:02:20)
Discussion on the overarching principle of autonomy in healthcare policy.
Informed Consent Evolution (00:03:58)
Dr. Singer highlights the shift towards informed consent in medical practice.
Historical Case: Sloan v. Society of New York Hospital (00:06:15)
Overview of the landmark case establishing patient consent rights.
Government Interference in Autonomy (00:07:56)
Discussion on how government regulations infringe on patient autonomy.
Clinical Information Query (00:08:02)
A question regarding the need for more clinical information in patient care.
Advancements in Medicine (00:08:15)
Discussion on the impact of technology and AI on medical practice.
Importance of Doctor-Patient Communication (00:08:53)
Dr. Singer emphasizes the need for effective communication in healthcare.
Empowerment through AI (00:09:38)
Dr. Singer discusses how AI can enhance patient autonomy and healthcare access.
Scope of Practice Issues (00:10:49)
Discussion on barriers created by licensing laws for healthcare providers.
Telehealth and Patient Autonomy (00:12:57)
Exploration of how telehealth intersects with patient autonomy and informed consent.
State Licensing Barriers (00:13:17)
Dr. Singer discusses the challenges posed by state licensing for telehealth services.
Proposed Solutions for Telehealth (00:15:15)
Suggestions for reforming telehealth regulations to enhance patient access.
Physician Shortage Concerns (00:17:23)
Discussion on the growing demand for healthcare amidst a physician shortage.
Government Mandates and Vaccination (00:21:06)
Dr. Singer addresses informed consent related to vaccine mandates during the pandemic.
Public Health vs. Personal Health (00:23:38)
Distinction between public health interventions and personal health choices.
Government Intrusion in Healthcare (00:24:42)
Discussion on government regulations banning food colorings without scientific evidence, affecting consumer choices.
COVID-19 Response Critique (00:25:45)
Criticism of public health agencies for their slow response and refusal to consider alternative strategies during the pandemic.
Testing Delays and Bureaucracy (00:26:49)
Overview of delays in COVID-19 testing approvals and the paternalistic approach limiting self-testing options.
Value of Primary Care Physicians (00:28:34)
Acknowledgment of primary care physicians' importance and the challenges they face in the healthcare system.
Balancing Clinical Judgment and Autonomy (00:30:11)
Advice for medical professionals on respecting patient autonomy while managing personal biases and clinical responsibilities.
