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The Ego Barrier in Medicine: When Being Right Overtakes Being Effective
Lauro Amezcua-Patino, MD, FAPA.
“First, do no harm.” This is the guiding principle of medicine. A principle that, when upheld, can benefit millions of patients worldwide. But what happens when the pursuit of excellence and the thirst for professional recognition overshadow the core purpose of medicine?
When the physician’s ego prevents them from seeing the patient as a human being and becomes an obstacle to effective healthcare? Today, we’re going to explore the ego barrier in medicine — a growing problem in top-tier medical institutions that threatens to undermine the very purpose of healthcare.
At top-tier medical institutions, the pressure to be perfect is intense. Physicians are surrounded by some of the brightest minds in the field, and the desire to stand out can lead to an overwhelming focus on being right.
The ego barrier in medicine refers to an overemphasis on academic excellence, often at the expense of patient understanding and connection. It is a problem that gets worse with experience.
