“The conference is for the housestaff really. First, we go through the dialogue to point out verbally, schematically, and theatrically the issues involved. It is a teaching device first and foremost. Second, it shows by example honesty and lack of immunity from the problems of the profession. It teaches that these problems will be with them their whole professional life. Third it’s good for our own characters to admit mistakes. Deaths and complications are great levelers in surgery. It teaches that you are not the archangel Gabriel, that you bleed when cut”

—Attending