Why doctors should embrace uncertainty for better patient outcomes

The author explores the concept of perfectionism in healthcare, emphasizing the underlying anxiety and need for certainty associated with it. They discuss a transformative experience in a therapy session where the doctor's perspective shifted, questioning the impact of certainty on patient care and clinician well-being. The author reflects on the potential negative consequences of excessive certainty, such as reduced empathy and limited hope for patients. They advocate for embracing uncertainty, acknowledging alternative viewpoints, and fostering a broader range of attitudes to improve patient care and prevent burnout. Ultimately, they suggest that adopting a more flexible mindset and facilitating broader perspectives could lead to positive outcomes for both clinicians and patients.