
Solving Medical Mysteries—and the Diagnosis Crisis (Alexandra Sifferlin)
From Pulling The Thread with Elise Loehnen by Elise Loehnen
April 30, 2026 · 56 min
About this episode
Elise Loehnen interviews Alexandra Sifferlin about her investigation into the American diagnosis crisis and the implications of misdiagnosis in healthcare.
In 2018, health and science journalist Alexandra Sifferlin began her investigation into the American diagnosis crisis: Why are so many people being misdiagnosed? What is the cost of this error? Who is trying to change the system—and what does a better healthcare system (for all of us) look like? The resulting book—The Elusive Body—is a fascinating read. Today, we cover the major parts of Sifferlin’s investigation and what’s unfolded even since she finished writing. For the show notes, head to my Substack. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Elise Loehnen
Guest: Alexandra Sifferlin
Topics covered
- medical diagnosis
- healthcare system
- misdiagnosis
- investigation
- health journalism
Keywords
- medical mysteries
- diagnosis crisis
- misdiagnosis
- healthcare reform
- health journalism
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: The Elusive Body
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