A recent study from Canada has found that patients treated by female surgeons have a lower likelihood of adverse postoperative outcomes (death, hospital readmission or major complications) at 90 days and one year following surgery. The same research team also found in another recent study that there are lower 30-day, 90-day and 1-year post-surgery health care costs for patients treated by female surgeons compared with those treated by male surgeons. Claudia Hammond discusses these findings with two of the researchers from the University of Toronto, Dr. Chris Wallis and Dr. Angela Jerath.
Claudia is joined by medical journalist Clare Wilson from New Scientist to discuss deaths related to hydroxychloroquine, which was prescribed in hospitalised patients with Covid-19 in many countries despite of the low-level evidence.
We also hear how the re-imagining of cult American TV series, Sesame Street, can improve the health of Syrian children living as refugees in Jordan.
Claudia and Clare also discuss a study which suggests that hearing aids may prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia, and another study into how ancient DNA reveals the reasons for high multiple sclerosis rates in Europe.
Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Jonathan Blackwell Editor: Holly Squire
Opioid overdose antidote made available in US
What happened to babies with Zika virus
Disgraced surgeon appeals prison sentence
Contaminated cough syrup found in Iraq
A closer look at leprosy
Henrietta Lacks’ family settle lawsuit
Playing catch up on childhood immunisations
A new era for Alzheimer’s drugs?
Sickle cell disease: Fighting for the future
Drumming for a healthy life
The future of HIV research in Africa
Healthcare under threat in Myanmar
A step closer to a Chikungunya vaccine
China's Covid-19 lockdown: What happened next?
Uganda's anti-gay law and healthcare
What can we do about back pain?
Home testing kits for disease screening
Giving small babies a better start
Keeping hospitals open in Khartoum
Why we need more black doctors
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