He wonders if she has disability insurance and makes a note to ask her. Dr. McGregor then calls his senior colleague, Dr. Rendler, for advice. Dr. Rendler is surprised that Dr. McGregor did not have a more engaging discussion with the patient. Dr. Rendler believes that full disclosure of mistakes with patients is the best course. She explains that she has had similar cases in the past and has found that the outcome is the best when one honestly shares one's mistakes with the patient.
Informed patients are better able to cope with the disease.
They are also less likely to sue for malpractice. Dr. McGregor considers what to do next. To err is human. No one is immune. But when physicians err, the stakes obviously can be quite high.