We Need to Talk: Advancing Open Inquiry

Abstract

In this article, the authors explore the current state of divisiveness in U.S. society and its impact on medical schools. Higher education institutions are increasingly faced with challenges in supporting freedom of speech while respecting marginalized groups who may feel attacked by certain kinds of speech. "Cancel culture"has resulted in misunderstandings, job loss, and a growing fear of expressing ideas that may offend someone. These dynamics are particularly relevant in medicine, where issues of racial justice, reproductive health, gender identity, and end-of-life care, occurring in the context of personal and religious differences, affect patient care. Despite these challenges, there must be ways to talk and listen respectfully to each other and bridge sociopolitical divides. Open inquiry and discussion are essential to medical education and patient care. There needs to be a common language and a setting where open engagement is encouraged and supported. This requires expertise and practice. The authors describe several models that offer constructive approaches toward this goal. Organizations including Braver Angels, Constructive Dialogue Institute, Essential Partners, and Greater Good Science Center are working to advance open inquiry and discussion, as are psychology leaders whose methods encourage empathy and learning from one another before engaging in a charged, polarized discussion topic. These and others are using methods that can benefit medical education in supporting diversity of ideas and deliberative discussions to equip students with skills to overcome divisiveness in their training and clinical practice. Promoting civil discourse is critical to society's well-being, and respectful engagement and open inquiry are essential to medical education and patient care. Despite the challenges posed by current societal divides, there are ways to talk with each other respectfully and constructively. The authors assert that this requires ongoing effort and practice, which are crucial for the health care enterprise to flourish.