Physicians who reflexively blame themselves or their patients for poor clinical outcomes are overlooking other possibilities. While it is true that some physicians make mistakes and that some patients don’t cooperate, it is equally true that healthcare is imperfect, and that some modalities simply don’t work. This is why physicians don’t enjoy better health than their patients. So disappointed or disaffected physicians and patients should learn to question the underlying assumptions and science of healthcare.
Rapid Response:
Physician, Heal Thyself & Thy Profession
Dear Editor
Physicians who reflexively blame themselves or their patients for poor clinical outcomes are overlooking other possibilities. While it is true that some physicians make mistakes and that some patients don’t cooperate, it is equally true that healthcare is imperfect, and that some modalities simply don’t work. This is why physicians don’t enjoy better health than their patients. So disappointed or disaffected physicians and patients should learn to question the underlying assumptions and science of healthcare.
Competing interests: No competing interests