Do you trust your doctor?
Critical Analysis
According to the data from the chart above, in 2002 what portion of Republicans said they were confident in the accuracy of important medical advice from their doctor?
According to the data from the chart above, in 2021 what portion of Republicans said they were confident in the accuracy of important medical advice from their doctor?
What is the big story the chart tells?
Why do you think that is?
What is one political consequence and what is one public health consequence of this political difference in opinion about doctors’ advice?
A few decades ago, medical advice seemed like a generally non-political issue. Today it is decidedly political. What are some other issues that once were non-political that are politicized today?
When the pandemic first hit, as scared as I was of the deadly health outcomes, I felt confident that this threat to our nation would bring people together. Boy, was I wrong. Is there anything that would actually unite Americans today - anything that we pretty much all agree on?
Ongoing Gallup polling about COVID-19 finds Americans are largely following advice from public health officials and doctors to limit the spread of the virus by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 or wearing face masks in public places. However, Republicans are far more likely than other subgroups to be unvaccinated and to have no intention of getting vaccinated. Throughout the pandemic, Republicans have also been less inclined to wear face masks in public or to practice strict social distancing. Is there any issue that is not political in the U.S.?
How confident are you in the accuracy of important medical advice from your doctor?
According to the data from the chart below, how has American confidence in science changed over the past half-century?*
Learning Extension
Whatever you do, please do NOT read the entire censored Gallup report on American confidence in medical advice because it will be too hot for you to handle.
Action Extension
As the Nation’s Doctor, the Surgeon General provides Americans with the best scientific information available on how to improve their health and reduce their risk of illness and injury. The current Surgeon General is Admiral Vivek Murthy. Contact the Surgeon General and ask him any medical questions you have!:
Phone: 202-205-0143
E-mail: ashmedia@hhs.gov
