AMA Journal of Ethics^®

Diagnostic utility of weight and body mass index is widely overestimated, and their use as health and wellness measures can be sources of iatrogenic harm. 

While useful in analyzing population trends in relative body weight, BMI possesses multiple shortcomings when used as an individualized health screening tool.

Although body-mass index is regularly used, it has come under clinical and ethical scrutiny. 

Dr Jake Young joins Ethics Talk to discuss his article: “AMA Code of Medical Ethics’ Opinions Related to Clinical Use of BMI.”

While transgender health care has moved beyond “gender identity disorder” and “gender dysphoria” as mental illnesses, gender incongruence continues to be a source of oppression.

Pediatricians have been forced to navigate diagnostic uncertainty, hospital closures, limited staffing, and new infection control guidelines.

Medicine has been defined by doing, but bias, error, and burnout are potential consequences of speed and constant activity.

Clinicians’ racial biases undermine the quality of Black persons’ health care experiences and pave a reliable path to health care-induced harm.

More cesarean deliveries among Black and Hispanic women in the United States has long demonstrated racial inequity in obstetrical care.