The General and the Patient

The 'The General and the Patient' episode of 'The Dropout' podcast delivers a gripping narrative that intertwines the testimonies of two key figures: General James Mattis, a former US Secretary of Defense and Theranos board member, and Brittany Gould, a patient who experienced the dire consequences of Theranos's faulty blood tests. General Mattis provides insight into his initial fascination with Theranos's technology and its potential applications on the battlefield. His testimony reveals his belief in the company's mission, his subsequent disillusionment, and the regret he feels after learning the full extent of the company's failures. Mattis, an esteemed military figure, had been convinced by Elizabeth Holmes's vision and her claims of validation by third parties, only to later find out those claims were unfounded.

In stark contrast to General Mattis's account of boardroom dealings and misplaced trust, the episode shifts focus to the real-world impact of Theranos's actions through the story of Brittany Gould. Gould recounts her harrowing experience with Theranos's blood tests during a high-risk pregnancy. Her testimony illustrates the emotional and physical toll of relying on inaccurate HCG test results, which indicated a miscarriage that was not occurring. Dr. Zachman, Gould's nurse practitioner, corroborates the story, expressing her professional discomfort with Theranos's services after witnessing their devastating impact on a patient.

The episode paints a vivid picture of the dichotomy between the high-level endorsements Theranos secured and the company's inability to deliver on its promises. It delves into the internal communications between Elizabeth Holmes and Sunny Balwani, revealing their awareness of operational failures and the growing concerns over the company's public image. The narrative is further enriched by the inclusion of a PricewaterhouseCoopers employee's testimony, which provides context for the extensive investigation into Theranos's communications and the volume of work dedicated to uncovering the truth.