EP202: Understanding Cancer Diagnosis: An Expert Discussion with Dr. Kathleen Kerr

Overdiagnosis and Medical Decision Making with Dr. Kathleen Kerr

In this episode of The Girl Doc Survival Guide, Dr. Kathleen Kerr, a Professor of Biostatistics at the University of Washington, discusses overdiagnosis and medical decision making. Dr. Kerr delves into how patients perceive mammogram results, the difference between overdiagnosis and overcalling, and the challenges pathologists face in diagnosing cancer. She also shares findings from her research on the influence of prior opinions on second diagnoses and the cognitive processes involved in interpreting pathology images. The discussion highlights the complexities and subjectivity in pathology diagnoses and the implications for patient care.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:33 Personal Anecdote on Mammograms

01:25 Understanding Screening and Its Limitations

02:24 Exploring Overdiagnosis

05:59 Research on Dermatopathologists' Perceptions

08:20 Second Opinions in Medical Decision Making

12:26 Pathologists' Diagnostic Process

15:42 Final Thoughts on Diagnostic Criteria