Next up: a look at the placebo effect from the doctor's perspective. How the medical context alone can be the key into the brain's healing resources. We'll hear the story of Dr. Albert Mason, who found he had super-powers, used them for good, and then lost them forever. Then, we'll witness the real, measurable power of the white coat up-close as Jad follows his dad, Dr. Naji Abumrad, into the examining room. And then we'll visit the moment of transformation from medical student to healer: the white coat ceremony.
Comments [7]
Love, love, love your show. New to WLRN here in South Florida so even though today's show is an older show, found it so captivating. Sat in my car in garage to hear last 10 min. Looking forward to podcasting all the shows. So glad to have found you.
Can we get the hypnotist hypnotized and convince him that he can actually heal again? I know it sounds crazy but hey! Worth a shot, right?
My first thought on hearing Dr. Mason explain "infantile omnipotence" was that it must have been strong within his 15-year-old patient rather than Dr. Mason. That seemed bolstered by Jad's segment with his father illustrating the high degree of trust some patients have in their doctors. Even if Dr. Mason lost some of his confidence in his ability to bring out the curative powers within his patients, could it also be that subsequent patients were less trusting to begin with? It would interest me to know how many of his later "failures" were children.
Fantastic and gripping content. Keep up the excellent work !!!
Your show is amazing! The topics are interesting and thoughtful. I am writing a paper over the placebo effect and am trying to find some more information about Franz Boas and such, but didn't find the link for Boas very helpful. Any idea about where to get some more information about the Shaman story?
Keep it up guys!
Depending on where you live, Radio Lab episodes will air on different dates. You can check in with your local station to find programming information. Check again on iTunes, you'll find Placebo is now there!
I LOVE this show! It is candy for the ears, filled with informational vitamins for the brain. Who knew that the railroads began the tradition of sychronizing time, or that the white coats doctors wear were adopted because you could not see dirt as well on the formerly traditional, black! I am a little confused, though as the third season begins, per this site, on the 18th of May, but It hought it was already in progress--actually I thiught this was only the 2nd season. I would like to see the first season, then on iTunes. And, how come the Plecebo Effect is not yet on itune? Anywya, and in spite of that, this is one of the best things on the air! Please keep it up!
MM
Leave a Comment
Register for your own account so you can vote on comments, save your favorites, and more. Learn more.
Please stay on topic, be civil, and be brief.
Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments. Names are displayed with all comments. We reserve the right to edit any comments posted on this site. Please read the Comment Guidelines before posting. By leaving a comment, you agree to New York Public Radio's Privacy Policy and Terms Of Use.