Otolaryngologist, head and neck surgeon Francis T. Hall discusses the evaluation of thyroid nodules, which primarily aims to determine the likelihood of malignancy. He then reviews the treatment of thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer, including recent advances in management
Disingenuous apologies can make a mountain out of a molehill
Disingenuous apologies can make a mountain out of a molehill

A meaningful professional apology regarding patient care should not reveal any resentment the doctor may have about having to make it, or insincerity about the issues, says Wellington barrister Gaeline Phipps
Kia ora and welcome to New Zealand Doctor Rata Aotearoa
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1. Whitman AB, Park DM, Hardin SB. How do patients want physicians to handle mistakes?, A survey of internal medicine patients in an academic setting. Arch Intern Med 1996;156(22):2565–69.
2. R v Hugel trial ruling not reported, for the costs decision see unreported, High Court Rotorua, T99/97, 20 October 1998, Paterson J. The Judge excluded attempts of the Crown to use the apology as an admission of liability, in the Hugel manslaughter trial.
3. Carvel D (GP; Glasgow, UK). The downward spiral [editorial]. BMJ 2000;321:715.