“The medical profession now understands that social determinants of health are probably the most important driver of a patient’s overall health, and these determinants are largely the result of political decisions. Clearly, we have a professional responsibility to teach our patients the science underlying their health issues. Don’t we also have a professional obligation to ensure that our patients understand the health ramifications of their political choices? If that is the case, do we not have a professional obligation to initiate a conversation about the political issues which impact our patients’ health?

If we fail to breach the taboo of ‘talking politics’ in the exam room, are we not shirking our professional responsibilities to our patients and society?”

Hayward Zwerling is an endocrinologist who blogs at I Have an Idea.

He shares his story and discusses his KevinMD article, “Talking politics in the exam room.”

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Hosted by Kevin Pho, MD, The Podcast by KevinMD shares the stories of the many who intersect with our health care system but are rarely heard from.