You are listening to Seven Domains of Women's Health:

E111: The Intellectual Domain of Risks

Apr 03, 2026

Risk in health care is often presented as a number—but what those numbers actually mean, and how we interpret them, is far less straightforward. With the growing influence of misinformation and the illusion of "doing your own research," algorithms exploit the way our brains are wired to process repeated information, leading to increased anxiety, misplaced focus, and eroding trust in medical expertise.

In the intellectual domain of risks, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, PhD, explore how statistics, probability, and human psychology intersect in medical decision-making. From relative versus absolute risk to concepts like "number needed to treat," the conversation reveals how easily data can be misunderstood—or unintentionally misrepresented—by media, clinicians, and even well-informed patients.

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_{This content was originally produced for audio. Certain elements, such as tone, sound effects, and music, may not fully capture the intended experience in textual representation. Therefore, the following transcription may have been modified for clarity. We recognize not everyone can access the audio podcast. However, for those who can, we encourage subscribing and listening to the original content for a more engaging and immersive experience.}

_{All thoughts and opinions expressed by hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views held by the institutions with which they are affiliated.}

Credits

Host: Kirtly Jones, MD, Katie Ward, PhD

Producer: Chloé Nguyen