Anesthesia and Critical Care Reviews and Commentary (ACCRAC) Podcast Episode 323: Addressing Incivility in Healthcare with Dr. Sam DeMaria
Dec 14, 2025
Dr. Sam DeMaria, a professor and vice chair for research in anesthesiology at the Mount Sinai Health System, discusses his book, "The Invisible Cut." He reveals how incivility, often exacerbated by stress and burnout, negatively impacts patient safety. Sam highlights research linking verbal misconduct to poor medical outcomes and shares tactical empathy techniques to combat rudeness. He emphasizes the importance of creating a civil culture in healthcare through personal communication and collaborative strategies, aiming for a safer environment for both patients and staff.
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Early Surgical Humiliation Sparked Inquiry
- Sam DeMaria recounts being hip-checked out of a scrub sink as a medical student on a vascular surgery rotation.
- The rotation included early pre-dawn rounds, harsh criticism, and shaped his curiosity about medical culture.
Verbal Incivility Outlasts Physical Aggression
- Physical workplace violence has declined but verbal incivility persists and may be rising.
- Burnout and stress, especially post-pandemic, amplify verbal abuse in healthcare.
Fear, Burnout And The Brilliant-Jerk Loop
- Fear and stress are primary drivers of incivility, often combined with a "brilliant jerk" effect.
- High performers may get a pass for abusive behavior, creating a reinforced loop of misconduct.
