Should doctors question their colleagues’ work? How should this be accomplished?
You are the residency program’s training director. Several residents have recently reported to you that a physician frequently makes disparaging remarks about the work of other physicians to residents and patients. The physician’s most recent remark was to a patient, in which he stated that he would not allow a specific physician to treat his pets. Other remarks attributed to this doctor included telling residents that a surgeon is a butcher and a psychiatrist is a mindless twit. Residents approached him about the practice, and he responded by saying that he only speaks the truth and that patients and residents have a right to know. According to the residents, the comments appear to be unwarranted and are scaring the patients. Is this doctor acting unethically? Should doctors question their colleagues’ work? How should this be accomplished?