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Yes. I'm a doctor, an epidemiologist, and lots of my…

“Yes. I'm a doctor, an epidemiologist, and lots of my professional colleagues flip back and forth between industry and medical roles. I know them; they are not bad people. But it is possible for good people in bad systems to do things that inflict enormous harm.” quote by Ben Goldacre
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“Yes. I'm a doctor, an epidemiologist, and lots of my professional colleagues flip back and forth between industry and medical roles. I know them; they are not bad people. But it is possible for good people in bad systems to do things that inflict enormous harm.”

Ben Goldacre

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Even well‑intentioned professionals can cause great harm within flawed institutions.

In simple terms: Good people can still cause harm in bad systems.

Key Takeaway

Work to improve systemic structures.

Themes

ethics systems professional responsibility

Mood

critical concerned

Type

ethical institutional

When to use this quote

  • healthcare policy
  • industry regulation
  • whistleblowing

Key Concepts

institutional failure moral hazard

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you influence systemic change?
  • What safeguards protect against harm?
A Different Perspective

Changing systems is complex and slow.

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