438. Dr Lewis Ehrlich - Unpacking ‘science’: Bias, nuance, funding, rigour and practice.
We think we’re so sure about what we know about science - did you know, though, that there are 48 catalogued forms of bias? There exists, and I was excited to learn this, a catalogue of bias that is constantly tweaked and updated. Which leads me to today’s show with Dr Lewis Ehrlich - one of our most popular guests over the years. When I saw Lewis had been accepted into a one-of-a-kind postgraduate program in Evidence-Based Medicine and Healthcare at Oxford University last year, I was already excited about this conversation I knew we’d have for the show once he completed it!What’s brilliant about this program is that you come together with people from outside your medical field - neurosurgeons, Oncologists, Orthopaedic Surgeons, Cardiologists, Public Health PhDs, and general practitioners- to conduct, analyse, critique, and improve scientific literature. It was a tremendous honour to be accepted into and learn at this historic University.We explore science in today’s show, both generally and as it relates to Lewis’s field of practice, dentistry. You’ll hear about:Bias and how we both form them and become more aware of them in our own lives as we explore topicsNuance - it’s all about who you are and what you need, and our system isn’t built for thatThe need to leave our black and white frameworks in medical practice, while also not throwing everything we know out the windowThe fine line between curiosity and analysis, and suspicion and mistrustFluoride as an example - not always essential, not always ‘bad’ either if you consider all relevant factors in a ‘to fluoridate or not’ debateNew frontiers in dental healthWhat we know for sure helps us keep excellent oral health overall.Enjoy the show. AlexxWant to learn more about this week’s guest?Instagram: @doctor.lewis ; @sydneyholisticdentalThank you to this month’s show partners for joining us to help you make your low tox swaps!@Pureearthaustralia - a wonderful Aussie low tox brand to put on your radar with a commitment to local, closed-loop production, the purest, simplest of effective formulations and an accessible price point. Did I mention their incredibly well-considered packaging? This is for the ‘all of it matters to me’ low toxer. 20% off until July 15 with code LOWTOXLIFE@ausclimate is our major partner giving you 10% off their range for the whole of 2025, with brilliant Winix Air Purifiers, the best Dehumidifiers I’ve ever used and their new energy-efficient heating, air-circulating and cooling range. code LOWTOXLIFE (also works over and above their sales - pro tip!) https://bit.ly/ShopAusclimateBe sure to join me on Instagram (@lowtoxlife) and tag me if this one resonates!Want to support the Low Tox Life podcast?Free option: Leave a 5 star review wherever you listen to Low Tox Life - thanks SO much!Paid + Member PERKS: Join the Low Tox Club - Check it out and join here for just the price of a coffee per month and lots of low tox perks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.