I am a physician and behavioral scientist at Duke University. My research and writing explores the quirks in human nature that influence our lives — the mixture of rational and irrational forces that affect our health, our happiness and the way our society functions. (What fun would it be to tackle just the easy problems?)
I am currently exploring controversial issues about the role of values and preferences in health care decision making, from decisions at the bedside to policy decisions. I use the tools of decision psychology and behavioral economics to explore topics like informed consent, shared decision making and health care spending. My books include Pricing Life (MIT Press 2000) and Free Market Madness (Harvard Business Press, 2009). My newest book, Critical Decisions (HarperCollins), came out in September of 2012, and explores the challenges of shared decision making between doctors and patients.
Education and Training
- M.D., University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, 1988
- B.A., Carleton College, 1984
Grants
- NINDS Research Education Programs for Residents and Fellows in Neurosurgery
- Decision Making for Infants with Neurologic Conditions
- Duke CTSA (TL1)
- Medical Scientist Training Program
- Examining Best Practices for Factoring Out-Of-Pocket Expenses into Patients' Health Care Decisions
- Integrating Costs Into Shared Decision-Making for Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction