To forgive, divine (29 June 2024)

Summary

US doctor Victoria Johnson recalls a medication error she made during one of her first shifts as a senior internal medicine resident. She describes the incident and how the compassionate response and honesty of her supervisor meant that she was able to forgive herself for her mistake. By telling her about a similar error he had made years before, he enabled Victoria to reflect on the toxic culture of perfection that had shaped her view of how she should be as a doctor.

"In medicine, we don’t often talk about our errors. Yet in the wake of a serious error, the most healing conversations I’ve had have been with other physicians who have told me about their mistakes. Their vulnerability and empathy in sharing these difficult stories has proved to be the only true antidote to my shame."

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