Whistleblowing: a neglected role of the physician

Whistleblowing is the act of an employee raising concerns about wrong doings or potential wrongdoings within an organization. It is crucial that when doctors suspect malpractice, they document factual information and convey their suspicions to someone with authority. Ideally, they should seek advice from a senior colleague or legal representative before doing so. Concerns can range from doubts about registration status and medical licensing to standards of medical professionalism and fitness to practice. Whistleblowing differs from personal grievances as it has a community interest aspect, usually because the activity reported threatens patient safety.
Ethically, whistleblowing can be challenging for healthcare professionals, balancing between advocating for patients' safety and maintaining employment. It is seen as an act of virtue ethics, fulfilling obligations of professional conscience. Unwarranted disclosure of a patient's medical treatment is a breach of the patient's personal rights, but at the same time there may be an obligation to compromise confidentiality to prevent harm to a third-party.
The low prevalence of whistleblowing among medical practitioners the world over is often due to the fear of personal reprisal and a 'blame culture'. Whistleblowers need legal protection from retaliation by employers, and in developed countries, they are protected by whistleblower protection acts.
The downside of whistleblowing includes alleged professional jealousy and the potential for the whistleblower to suffer personally and professionally. Despite this, it is a crucial activity for maintaining standards and preventing harm to patients in healthcare settings.