In today’s episode, I dive into a fascinating case that changed the way I think about diagnosis and treatment. I share the story of a patient with chronic lateral foot pain who everyone thought had a tendon problem—but it turned out to be something completely different. This experience taught me about what I now call the "pathology pivot"—how we tend to assume our diagnosis is correct if the treatment works, even when it might not be.

If you're a clinician, therapist, or even just someone who’s been on a confusing healthcare journey, this one's for you.

Timestamps to Navigate the Episode:

• [00:00] – Introduction: Who I am and what this podcast is about
• [00:35] – The case begins: Chronic lateral foot pain without clear trauma
• [01:40] – The original (incorrect) diagnosis and why it made sense
• [02:54] – Why the MRI and ultrasound told a different story
• [03:28] – The real cause: A small overlooked nerve
• [04:34] – Discussions with surgeons and therapists: Skepticism and resistance
• [07:00] – Introducing the concept of the "Pathology Pivot"
• [08:01] – Why getting better doesn’t always confirm your diagnosis
• [09:30] – Real-world examples of treatment success not meaning diagnostic success
• [11:02] – How outcome bias affects clinicians and patients alike
• [13:00] – Final thoughts on mental errors we all make in healthcare

Thank you so much for listening! I hope this episode helps you think a little differently about diagnosis, treatment, and patient care.
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