Peter A. Ubel M.D.

I am a physician and behavioral scientist. My research and writing explores the quirks in human nature that influence our lives - the mixture of rational and irrational forces that affect our health, our happiness and the way our society functions. (What fun would it be to tackle just the easy problems?) I'm a professor of Business and Public Policy at Duke University.

My research explores controversial issues about the role of values and preferences in health care decision making, from decisions at the bedside to policy decisions. I use the tools of decision psychology and behavioral economics to explore topics like informed consent, shared decision making and health care rationing. My new book, Critical Decisions, explores the challenges of shared decision making between doctors and patients. In my spare time, I enjoy classical piano, sports (playing and coaching!), chili peppers and raising two very active boys.