Do Less, Heal More: The Case for Medical Conservatism (with John Mandrola)

What if a common knee surgery performed 700,000 times a year in the US is no better than a sham procedure? Russ Roberts talks with cardiologist John Mandrola about a striking clinical trial showing that patients who received fake surgery did as well as those who got the real operation. The conversation explores the power of placebo and nocebo effects, and how medical language like 'bone-on-bone' or 'the widowmaker' can shape patient expectations and drive unnecessary interventions. Mandrola advocates for medical conservatism—watchful waiting, humility, and honest counseling over rushed procedures—and argues that financial incentives and professional identity often push doctors toward overtreatment.