Strategies to Grow After Adverse Medical Outcomes in Radiology (2025)-WEB05-2025

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This webinar, presented by breast radiologists Dr. Kate Lampensacker and Dr. Priscilla Slanetz, addresses how radiologists can grow professionally and personally after experiencing adverse medical outcomes. They discuss diagnostic errors, procedural complications, and communication failures contributing to such events, emphasizing that errors occur despite best efforts due to factors like cognitive biases, fatigue, and systemic vulnerabilities. The speakers share personal stories illustrating these challenges and highlight the emotional toll on physicians, who may become "second victims," experiencing guilt, fear, and burnout.<br /><br />Key strategies to cope include adopting a growth mindset—viewing errors as learning opportunities—building resilience and self-compassion, and embracing peer support. They stress the importance of institutional culture that encourages open communication, psychological safety, and standardized workflows to minimize errors. Peer learning programs and trained peer supporters can provide confidential, empathetic support, helping radiologists process events constructively and prevent recurrence.<br /><br />Ultimately, thriving after adverse outcomes involves courage, reflective practice, teamwork, and system improvements, transforming traumatic experiences into wisdom and growth. The presenters advocate for better training in error disclosure and coping mechanisms during medical education to prepare physicians for these challenges throughout their careers.

Keywords

breast radiologists

adverse medical outcomes

diagnostic errors

procedural complications

communication failures

second victims

growth mindset

peer support

error disclosure training