Why do doctors NEVER say sorry when they get something wrong?

Question

In a normal situation, if you stepped on someones foot, you usually say sorry, or if your on a plane the stewardess gives you the wrong drink, you get a sorry---now I'm not saying I'm a gratitude freak, but why do doctors who persistently get your medication wrong, or send you to the wrong examination, or for the fact maybe they see you as a number, why do they NEVER say sorry for any mistake they make

Answer 1

Because it has been advised against by their insurance companies because the phrase is legally incriminating.

HOWEVER a lot of doctors would actually like to apologize and, of course, sometimes fessing up and saying "I'm sorry" is what will actually prevent a lawsuit.

If you would like a doctor to say "I'm sorry" you might be able to coax it out of them by assuring them you aren't going to sue.

Answer 2

They reserve their sorry for terminal patients and relatives of the deceased...

Answer 3

In all my years of going to and dealing with doctors I only had two apologies, but both were sincere. MOST doctors are very arrogant and some have God complexes, so don't wait for an apology because you most likely will never get one.

Answer 4

They do, you just haven't seen it.

My mom, 10 years ago went to the doctor, she had problems breathing, and they told her its the cold that has been going around, have some cold meds. However they still wanted to do a few tests.

A week later the doctor came to our house and apologized and told her that she had cancer and that she was going to die very soon.  

Answer 5

cuz they dont care

Answer 6

Never say NEVER.  Sounds like you have had a bad experience with a physician, so your frustration is certainly understandable.  However, I have seen many instances where physicians (as well as other healthcare professionals) have apologized for mistakes.  I myself have had to do this.  

Maybe you need to find a new doctor.

Answer 7

Medical professionals are highly encouraged to never admit fault by their insurance carriers.  It can lead to a malpractice suit.  

Answer 8

They constantly have to be aware of legal liability.  Everybody loves to sue a medical person.  They don't dare ever admit an error of any kind.

One doctor told of going to the funeral of a patient.  A woman stood up and pointed to him and said, "There's the man who killed my baby."  He learned the hard way.

Answer 9

Some doctors are arrogant, some don't say sorry because they are admitting to be wrong, which in their situation could cost them millions of dollars in a malpractice suit.  Some, on the other hand, do say sorry.

Answer 10

When I start apologizing for my wrongs, it allows doubt to creep into my mind, even if only a little bit.  I don't want a doctor who has any doubt whatsoever.  The argument that they shouldn't LEGALLY admit fault is probably the more accurate one, but I personally want my doctor thinking that he can do no wrong medically, I don't want him thinking about a mistake.

Answer 11

By saying "sorry" they are admitting fault, which in today's society could end up costing them millions.  It's the same reason you never admit fault in a car accident.