Mgma Small Talk

In this MGMA Insights podcast episode, Daniel Williams sits down with Dr. Sunita Sah, a tenured professor at Cornell University and author of Defy. Together, they explore the subtle but powerful psychology behind compliance and informed consent. Drawing from her experiences as a physician and organizational psychologist, Dr. Sah discusses why patients — and even medical professionals — often follow advice they disagree with, and how we can build greater confidence, clarity, and autonomy in healthcare decision-making.[00:04:00] The Scan She Didn’t WantDr. Sah tells a personal ER story that sparked her research into why we comply, even when we know we shouldn't.[00:09:00] The Five Elements of True ConsentA breakdown of capacity, knowledge, understanding, freedom to say no, and personal authorization — and how this differs from compliance.[00:14:00] Why It’s Hard to Speak Up“Insinuation anxiety” is the discomfort we feel when we risk questioning those in power — even when the stakes are high.[00:20:00] Leadershi