Moving on From Mistakes: Challenging the Medical Perfectionist Culture

Mistakes are an inevitable part of any job, including medicine. Understanding how to learn from them and then move on (without getting trapped in self blame), is a critical skill for any doctor.This episode brings practical insights from two doctors about dealing with mistakes in medicine and the pressures of perfectionism, which is often borne out of the medical system with its exams, hierarchy and high expectations.Hear from:Dr Luke Auciello - Emergency ACRRM registrar, at Bairnsdale Regional Health Service  Dr Sophie Fontaine - ACRRM registrar, at West Gippsland Healthcare GroupTogether they discuss why mistakes (whether clinical or professional) usually occur as a result of multiple, complex factors, rather than being purely an individual’s fault. They also explore:Why perfectionism is deeply embedded in medical culture.The difference between clinical mistakes and professional mistakes.What to do in the moment when you realise something has gone wrong.How mentors, colleagues and debriefing can help doctors process difficult situations.For more information about the study and training opportunities across regional Victoria, head to the Monash Rural Health website.The North West Victoria and Gippsland Regional Training Hubs have commissioned this podcast to help medical students and junior doctors learn more about training and practising medicine in regional Australia. Find your nearest Regional Training Hub here.