Why doctors hesitate to say ‘I'm sorry’ after errors
10/23/25 at 03:00 AM
Why doctors hesitate to say ‘I'm sorry’ after errors
Medscape; by Paolo Spriano; 10/17/25
Apologies are commonly defined as “a regretful acknowledgment of an offense or failure; a formal, public statement of regret.” In healthcare, apologies offered with honesty and transparency are an essential part of addressing medical errors. An effective apology acknowledges what happened, accepts responsibility, and expresses sincere regret for the patient’s suffering. When done properly, an apology can have profound healing effects for everyone involved. For clinicians, it can help ease feelings of guilt and shame; for patients, it can foster forgiveness and form the basis for reconciliation.