How to break the cycle of judgment in medicine

Pediatrician and certified coach Jessie Mahoney discusses her article, "Why judgment is hurting doctors—and how mindfulness can heal." She argues that the culture of medicine is steeped in judgment—from the language of "noncompliant" patients to the intense scrutiny of training—and that this culture is crippling physicians. Jessie explains that while judgment is often disguised as a tool for maintaining high standards, it actually drives shame, blame, and exhaustion rather than excellence. The conversation explores the high cost of this mindset, which drains energy and creates disconnection from patients and purpose. As a radical alternative, Jessie introduces the concept of Maitri, or unconditional friendliness, a mindfulness practice of replacing reflexive judgment with curiosity, compassion, and generosity. Listeners will learn practical ways to reframe feedback, opt out of the judgment cycle, and use mindfulness to protect their energy, build healthier teams, and begin to heal medicine from the inside out.

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