Part of learning to be a doctor is delivering news. Sometimes, the news is bad.
I don’t recall receiving any training in delivering bad news when I was a medical student, a resident, or fellow.
Some physicians have better innate skills in such conversations. Some outsource the conversation to others.
As Maya Angelou once said,“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
If you bungle the conversation in delivering bad news, a professional liability lawsuit may follow. Or a Board complaint. Or a rotten online review.
I once believed that some physicians are born with this talent. I also believed others would never pick it up.
I was wrong.
These skills can be trained. Everyone can get better at having these conversations. Even if the conversations are gut wrenching.
Introducing you to Dr. Tony Orsini, a neonatal ICU intensivist. He’s had to deliver tough news. He’s probably one of the best in the country. He teaches others how to do it.
I’ll let him explain himself. See below.
WEBINAR
Reducing Malpractice Risk Through Better Communication
Medical malpractice is often assumed to be the result of poor clinical care. In reality, research consistently shows that breakdowns in communication, trust, and human connection are the true drivers of complaints and lawsuits.
“Reducing Malpractice Risk Through Better Communication” is a free 45-minute webinar, live at either 4pm EST or 7pm EST on March 5th, led by ICU physician and nationally recognized speaker Dr. Anthony Orsini.
This session explores four practical, actionable ways clinicians and healthcare organizations can reduce medical errors, limit malpractice claims, and lower liability. Particular attention is given to how compassionate, well-trained disclosure after an adverse event can significantly reduce litigation while supporting healing for both patients and clinicians.
Rather than focusing on blame or legal fear, this webinar emphasizes what truly protects organizations: relationships, transparency, and prepared conversations when it matters most.
Participants will learn how to:
- Use patient experience and human connection as a powerful risk-reduction strategy
- Recognize clinician burnout as a safety and liability issue—not just a wellness concern
- Reduce medical errors through clearer, more intentional team communication
- Disclose medical errors in a way that minimizes harm, rebuilds trust, and lowers the risk of litigation
THE WHITE PAPER
Training Physicians in Medical Error Disclosure
Despite every safeguard, medical errors sometimes occur. What distinguishes organizations that maintain trust and financial stability from those that spiral into costly litigation is not the error itself, but how the error is disclosed.
The Orsini Way
The Orsini Way is a proven methodology that equips healthcare teams with the skills to connect authentically, speak with compassion, and lead with empathy. Our programs include Breaking Bad News, Mastering Medical Error Disclosure, Physician Remediation, Difficult Dialogues and It’s All in The Delivery.
