H. Gilbert Welch

H. Gilbert Welch is a physician and researcher specializing in healthcare quality and screening practices. He critically examines how medical tests and screenings, like cancer scans, can sometimes lead to overdiagnosis—identifying illnesses that would not cause harm if left untreated. His work encourages more thoughtful, evidence-based decision-making in medicine to avoid unnecessary procedures, reduce harm, and improve patient outcomes. Welch advocates for informed choices, emphasizing that more testing isn't always better, and that understanding the risks and benefits helps patients and doctors make better health decisions.