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did not avoid using this expression before Levi’s friends, although he #
was ashamed by it. We are forced to conclude that this is the way that
the teacher points out the disciple’s error. As result, he will pay heed
and be more careful so that he not be shamed a second time in front
46 A DIRECTOR DICTATING rebuke to his student. The director of the department in the hospital
of his colleagues.
In our case as well, we have to consider the matter like a teacher’s
HIS NEGATIVE OPINIONS
ABOUT PHYSICIANS TO HIS
is responsible to ensure that the physicians do their job with devo-
SECRETARY
tion. If he sees failure and error on the part of one of the physicians,
it is his job to criticize his error. He is permitted to do so in front
of the rest of the staff, just as a teacher can discipline his student
in front of the others. Although there is room to say that the rav is
1 Question Dictating negative opinions to secRetaRy permitted to discipline his student publicly because he is involved in
spiritual matters, and that this leniency does not apply to any other
I am asking about the prohibition of lashon hara. task, nevertheless, since our case involves pikuach nefesh, it is certainly
It is customary for hospitals to hire young physicians for a tryout. considered a Heavenly matter as well. Thus the rav is responsible and
After a year of work, the director of the department evaluates the permitted to publicly discipline the disciple and set him straight. 20818_efi-ab - 20818_efi-ab | 7 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:29:02 | SR:-- | Magenta
doctor. In a letter to the administration, he expounds on the strengths #20818_efi-ab - 20818_efi-ab | 7 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:29:02 | SR:-- | Yellow 20818_efi-ab - 20818_efi-ab | 7 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:29:02 | SR:-- | Black 20818_efi-ab - 20818_efi-ab | 7 - B | 18-08-20 | 13:29:02 | SR:-- | Cyan
and weaknesses of the fledgling physician. For lack of time, the direc- Yitzchak Zev Kohen
tor dictates the content of these letters to his secretary, and then signs
them.
Even if the director is allowed to relay the failures of the physician The words of Rav Yitzchak Zev Kohen ring true, specifically the fact
(as this is for a purpose, as explained in Chafetz Chayim, Hilchos Rech- that human nature is that once a person becomes accustomed to his
ilus, Rule #9, Be’er Mayim Chayim #8) the secretary does not have to work, he is no longer shocked at the sight of a dangerously ill patient.
know. Is the director permitted to dictate the content of these letters For this reason, many wise Torah sages avoid taking upon themselves
to the secretary? the yoke of giving halachic rulings, for fear of becoming immune to
the severity of the topics under discussion.

1 AnsweR However, in practice, it seems to me that, in spite of all this, it is
preferable to do so without mentioning names. This is according to
This question was asked in the beis midrash of the Tzitz Eliezer (Part what the Chafetz Chaim wrote (in Hilchos Lashon Hara, Rule 10, Be’er
20 #51), by the learned physician Rabbi Dr. A. Sofer Avraham. He Mayim Chayim #11, and in Hilchos Rechilus #19, Be’er Mayim Chayim
even added to it, as follows: #35). Even in a situation where one is allowed to speak lashon hara, if
While an adult patient knows he will receive a discharge letter in- possible, it is always preferable to hint than to say things outright. In
cluding private matters, and he gives permission in advance for these our case where there is a possibility of causing anguish and shame,
matters to be revealed, what is the law in the pediatric department? it is preferable to hint as well. Since the matter will be spoken about

204 1 Medical-HalacHic Responsa of Rav ZilbeRstein Criticism of a medical omission 2 201