Opinion: The hospice industry needs major reforms. It should start with apologies
“How has the clinical work you do affected you personally?” We’d come to the Q&A part of the evening in an historic church in eastern Pennsylvania. I had traveled there at the request of a local hospice to talk about my perspective as a doctor with a long career of caring for seriously ill and dying patients.
I smiled at the casually dressed older man who asked the question. It’s one I’d asked myself many times. I told him that my work has taught me the importance of apologies. Today is a good day to admit my mistakes and ask people for forgiveness, because tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. I’ve learned that there is no place for the passive voice when apologizing. “I’m sorry your feelings were hurt” is cringeworthy. An apology is about taking personal responsibility for things you now regret.
