Doctor in Distress : Does Teaching By Humiliation Create Better Doctors Or More Errors?

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As children many must have gone through this ordeal, where you have been scolded in front of others either by parents or teachers. Such actions leave us entirely embarrassed and upset. And that's exactly what these elders want us to feel so that we never think of making a mistake next time but little do they know that it scars us mentally in the process. Now two people Wendy Li, Associate Professor of Psychology and Carolyn Heward, Lecturer of Clinical Psychology analysed studies in various settings like school, medical training and the like regarding such public humiliations. Here's what they found out.

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The Systematic Review On Public Humiliation

Li & Heward conducted a systematic review to analyse 33 studies that included more than 40,000 people who experienced public humiliation which was found to be 34.9% in different settings like schools,social media, medical training and the like. They found that public humiliation was surprisingly common in medical training schools which led to a follow-up study that was published recently in the journal 'Medical Science Educator', led by Luisa Wigg, a casual academic in the College of Medicine and Dentistry.

The follow-up analysed 28 published studies that involved about 35,000 medical trainees across various countries. 57% of medical students and junior students reported they experienced humiliation while being taught, though there were stark differences between various schools and health-care settings. Shockingly, another US study revealed 90.8% of graduate medical students experienced such humiliation at some moment during the training.

Public Humiliation On The Rise For Medical Students

Not just these studies, surveys from the Association of American Medical Colleges have also revealed that consistent public humiliation is reported as the most common form of mistreatment by these medical students.

They are usually intentionally humiliated in front of peers, other healthcare staff, and what's more? Even their own patients! Some real life examples include - Students being aggressively questioned about their medical knowledge, they were mocked for their wrong answers and were belittled about their capabilities in front of others.

The settings in which these humiliations occurred were mostly operation theatres and hospital rounds. The ones who humiliated them mostly were senior doctors, though surprisingly there was a pattern that showed even nurses, fellow students and junior students also did it.

Effects Of Public Humiliation In Medical Schools

Turns out, some medical training methods are doing more harm than good. Humiliating trainees doesn't just knock their confidence; it fuels anxiety, burnout, and depression, making them less likely to ask for help or seek clarity. Not exactly ideal for those making critical decisions about caring for their patients, right?

What's worse, this toxic approach often isolates young doctors, leaving them disengaged and, in some cases, driving them to quit medicine altogether. For those who stick around, the damage can linger, normalising a harmful culture they might pass on. And yet, shockingly, this outdated practice is still a staple in medical education.

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To wrap it up, raising the bar in medical training is important, but when rigorous questioning turns into humiliation, it does more harm than good. While some believe this tough-love approach builds resilience and professionalism, the reality is far different.

It breeds anxiety, shakes confidence, and increases the chances of errors are hardly qualities you want in a doctor. Instead of fostering collaboration, it alienates trainees and damages team dynamics.

To move forward, medical schools and hospitals must recognise the problem and replace harmful practices with constructive alternatives. Structured feedback, simulation-based training, and strong mentorship can uphold high standards without compromising trainees' mental health.

Ultimately, the way we train doctors shapes the care they provide. With the current strain on healthcare systems, we can't afford outdated methods that harm both professionals and patients as every patient deserves to be treated by a doctor trained in a supportive, psychologically safe environment.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.