To Redelmeier the very idea that there was a great deal of uncertainty in medicine went largely unacknowledged by its authorities. There was a reason for this: To acknowledge uncertainty was to admit the possibility of error. The entire profession had arranged itself as if to confirm the wisdom of its decisions.
Redelmeier pointed out that the medical field often overlooks the significant uncertainty inherent in its practices. Acknowledging this uncertainty implies that errors might occur, which poses a challenge to the credibility of medical authorities and their decisions. Such an admission could undermine the perceived infallibility of medical professionals.
The medical profession has structured itself to reinforce the belief in the correctness of its judgements. This approach creates an environment where the complexities and potential mistakes in medicine are minimized, fostering a sense of trust but also potentially leading to significant oversights regarding the inherent uncertainties that exist in medical practices.
