Melbourne audiologist DR YAZDANEH GALT says some healthcare professions avoid criticism while others do not.
In the interconnected world of healthcare, where trust underpins patient-practitioner relationships, professional etiquette plays a pivotal role in shaping the public’s perception of the sector.
While collaboration and mutual respect are essential across all healthcare professions, notable differences exist in how some fields, such as medicine, handle professional criticism compared to others, like audiology. These disparities raise crucial questions about the long-term implications for public trust and the reputation of healthcare professions in Australia.
The medical profession: Presenting a unified front
Medical practitioners everywhere have long recognised the importance of maintaining a unified front. It is uncommon to witness overt criticism among doctors, particularly in public or in front of patients. This is not due to a lack of disagreements; rather, it reflects a deep understanding of the potential damage such behaviour can cause to the public’s confidence in the medical field. When a doctor publicly criticises another, it risks undermining trust not just in the individuals involved but in the medical profession as a whole.
Doctors are guided by a commitment to science-based, evidence-driven practices. A unified approach reassures patients that their care is consistent, credible, and rooted in shared expertise. Disagreements are typically addressed through private channels, ensuring the trust patients place in the healthcare system remains intact.
Audiology: A lesson in professional conduct
In contrast, audiology – a field equally grounded in science and dedicated to improving patient outcomes – has not always universally embraced this ethos of solidarity. In my experience, and in talking with many colleagues, it is not uncommon for audiologists to openly criticise one another, whether in professional settings or, unfortunately, in front of patients. While these critiques may stem from genuine differences in practice, they can also be motivated by financial interests, such as gaining a patient’s business.
I worry this behaviour, while potentially advantageous in the short term, can erode the credibility of audiology over time. When patients see practitioners undermining each other, they may perceive the profession as fragmented and unreliable. This can lead to broader scepticism about the value of audiology services, impacting not only individual practitioners but the profession.
The broader impact of public criticism
The consequences of professional criticism extend far beyond the immediate context. In healthcare, trust is delicate, and actions that diminish it can have lasting repercussions. When patients perceive disunity or hostility within a profession, they may:
1. Lose trust in care: Patients may hesitate to follow recommendations, undermining their treatment outcomes.
2. Avoid necessary services: Distrust could lead to patients delaying or avoiding vital healthcare interventions, particularly in audiology, where early intervention is critical.
3. Harm the profession’s reputation: A fractured professional image can make it harder to attract new talent, secure funding, or gain the respect of other healthcare sectors.
Moving forward: Building trust through professional etiquette
To secure the future of audiology in Australia, practitioners must prioritise professionalism and the collective good over individual interests. This means:
- Avoiding public criticism: Differences in opinion should be addressed privately, ensuring that patients see a cohesive and supportive profession.
- Promoting collaboration: By working together, audiologists can enhance patient outcomes and foster innovation within the field.
- Educating patients: Emphasise the scientific and evidence-based nature of audiology to reinforce its legitimacy as a healthcare profession.
- Setting an example: Senior audiologists and leaders should model respectful and constructive behaviour, encouraging a culture of mutual respect.
Learning from medicine
Australian audiologists can draw inspiration from the medical profession’s approach to handling disagreements. By prioritising patient trust and focusing on the reputation of the profession, audiology can strengthen its standing within the healthcare landscape. Collaboration and mutual respect are not just aspirational values – they are practical strategies for ensuring the long-term credibility and success of the field.
How a profession manages internal conflicts speaks volumes about its maturity and commitment to the public it serves. In healthcare, where trust is everything, professionals must put the collective good above individual interests.
Audiology has the opportunity to embrace a culture of collaboration and professionalism, ensuring it remains a respected and trusted field. By avoiding public criticism and working together, audiologists can build a stronger, more unified profession that benefits both practitioners and the patients they care for.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Name: Dr Yazdaneh Galt.
Affiliations: ACE Audiology, Bulleen and Ivanhoe.
Location: Melbourne, Victoria.
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