Cognitive dissonance in the hidden curriculum of medicine

Cognitive dissonance is a term coined by Festinger in the 1950s that describes an uncomfortable tension experienced whenever one simultaneously holds contradicting beliefs or finds that one's behaviour is inconsistent with inner beliefs. This phenomenon is unfortunately commonplace in medical training and practice, where many lived experiences in its 'hidden curriculum' reflect observations, attitudes and practices that run contrary to what is formally taught or one's personal values/beliefs. As medical professionals training and practising in modern healthcare settings, we herein share our perspectives on the key areas in which cognitive dissonance occurs in real-world clinical environments, and offer practical strategies at both individual and systemic levels to mitigate this issue.