I had not role modeled cynicism or pessimism. Rather, my student's statement was a sign of learning and understanding what I had taught: processing and handling the reality of medical practice.

Beatrice T.B. Preti reflects on teaching students to be aware of the systems they work in (including limitations and flaws), which helps them to prepare for future practice.

The essay read in this episode was published in the Teaching and Learning Moments column in the May 2025 issue of Academic Medicine. Read the essay at academicmedicine.org.