This article considers how the AMA Code of Medical Ethics can support physicians while they cope with regret about a patient’s poor outcome.

This manuscript distinguishes between constructive regret and destructive regret, which can lead to emotional withdrawal and impaired decision-making.

This article suggests how organizations can help surgeons experiencing regret and help sustain their impulses to practice.

Sarah L. Spaulding joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored with Dr Katherine Fischkoff: “How Should We Understand Regret as a Moral Psychological Experience That Can Influence Clinical Decision-Making?”

Dr Amy E. Vertrees joins Ethics Talk to discuss her article, coauthored Dr Matthew R. Endara: “What Are Organizations’ Responsibilities When Surgeons Experience Regret?”

Expressing regret to patients requires transparent and honest communication but can leave surgeons vulnerable.

Surgeons’ regret experiences arising from factors beyond their control might mean that organizations need to step up and help.

Ryan X. Lam joins Ethics Talk to discuss his article, coauthored with Ruhi Thapar and Drs Eric J. Silberfein and Lorenzo R. Deveza: “Which Systemic Responses Should We Evolve to Help Surgeons Navigate Their Regret Experiences?”

The weight of mentors’ burnout born by students is depicted in this image of arms entangling anguished faces.

A narrow definition of moral distress may mask morally relevant distinctions between types of distress and the groups experiencing it.