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Disagreeing respectfully: embracing complexity facilitates civil discourse.
Ariel Lefkowitz1,2, Jerry M Maniate3,4, Ayelet Kuper1,2,5
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Ontario, Canada.
Canadian Medical Education Journal
|November 19, 2025
Summary
Rising polarization impacts workplaces. Embracing complexity in civil discourse is crucial for physicians to navigate disagreements respectfully, ensuring patient safety and professional conduct.
Area of Science:
- Medical Ethics
- Professional Communication
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Increasing polarization and incivility negatively affect workplace dynamics, collegiality, and performance.
- There is a growing need for improved communication and understanding within the medical profession.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for civil discourse in medicine.
- To highlight the importance of embracing complexity in professional interactions.
- To define the boundaries of professional conduct in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis of civil discourse in medicine.
- Examination of physicians' professional responsibilities and patient advocacy.
- Distinguishing civil discourse from moral relativism and its misuse.
Main Results:
- Embracing complexity fosters nuanced thinking and respectful dialogue among physicians.
- Civil discourse principles clarify professional conduct, enabling advocacy while maintaining collegiality.
- Physicians' professional rights are balanced by responsibilities to patients and colleagues.
Conclusions:
- Civil discourse, grounded in complexity, is essential for effective physician communication and collaboration.
- Physicians can advocate for patients and communities while upholding professional standards.
- Respectful dialogue and nuanced understanding are key to safe and effective patient care.
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