Relations in the Medical Team

Abstract

Nowadays, medicine is almost always a team activity. While physicians readily ask for the help of colleagues of other specialities, some physicians are reluctant to recognize the expertise of other health professionals such as nurses. However, in the light of rapid expansion of knowledge in all fields of medicine, sharing of knowledge, expertise, and responsibility is essential. Within a healthcare team, discordances in professional and organizational issues are inevitable and should be resolved in an open discussion based on arguments, rather than on power. Authoritarian leadership is inappropriate as it leads to frustration, suppression of new ideas, and concealing of professional misconduct.