Reducing the effect of faculty demoralization when failing students

Failing a student in the clinical setting can be a devastating experience for faculty members. The process may involve a prolonged grievance or lawsuit, resulting in continued expenditure of time and undermining of morale. The author suggests ways to put the experience in perspective, mobilize support, and attenuate the emotional effect. As a result, faculty members will have more energy to devote to more capable students and their own scholarly pursuits.