Physicians Criticizing other Physicians to Patients

In this episode, Dr. Eanelli and co-host Angel Santana explore the damaging practice of physicians criticizing other physicians in front of patients. Using authentic clinic vignettes and research, they explain how such comments harm teamwork, increase patient confusion, distress, and even worsen outcomes. The hosts review four common scenarios, discuss why clinicians sometimes engage in this behavior, and offer clear solutions for patients and providers — including how patients can advocate for themselves and how clinicians can communicate professionally, empathetically, and through direct collegial contact.