Critical Decisions

By: Peter A. Ubel

Narrated by: Erik Synnestvedt

“As a physician and a social scientist, Peter Ubel is unparalleled in his understanding of some of the most important decisions we are facing, or will face.”
—Dan Ariely, New York Times bestselling author of Predictably Irrational

“His ideas are important, his style is accessible (with the right balance of humor and compassion) and his topic is timely.”
—Dan Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness and host of “This Emotional Life”

All too often, problems in communication between a doctor and patient can lead to bad medical decisions. As a practicing physician and a behavioral scientist, Dr. Peter Ubel has a unique understanding of this dangerous situation—and in Critical Decisions he addresses the problem while revealing a new revolution in medical decision-making. Critical Decisions combines eye-opening medical stories with groundbreaking behavioral science research, while offering important information and common sense solutions to promote better doctor/patient relationships thereby ensuring that the right decision will be made in life-saving medical situations.

Brilliant Presentation of How Medical decision processes must change

This book is an outstanding presentation of the real and deep problems faced by doctors and patients in realizing the dream of patient empowerment in their medical decisions. Sure, there has a language barrier, in both directions. Sure, patients lack information they need to make good decisions. But this book goes into the nuances of patient preferences and factoring in their emotions and biases into decision making. Every doctor and every patient facing or that well face tough medical decisions should read this book. Because we are all mortal, that means everyone.

If you are or will be a patient, read this

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This book does a great job of distilling lots of information into one book.

The author has done a lot of research to help patients and physicians make decisions on how best to meet their needs and to give the patients the best care possible. Dr. Ubel reviews the history of patient/doctor decision making, carefully appraises where we are now, and makes thoughtful suggestions on how we can proceed. In addition to the patient/doctor dynamic, he touches on behavioral economics, evidence based medicine, and many other excellent topics that are making a profound differences in people's lives.

Do yourself and your loved ones a favor, get and read this book. You won't regret it.

What other book might you compare Critical Decisions to and why?

This book combines lots of different areas into a single book. He touches on decision theory, behavioral economics, statistics. It is hard to find one to compare it to.

What about Erik Synnestvedt’s performance did you like?

The narrator did a good job. He has a nice easy going style that worked well for this book.