Is transparency always the best policy?

From Medical Economics:

Physicians who admit errors may face the opprobrium of their peers, the anger and disappointment of their patients (and their patients' families), legal entanglement, and economic loss. Unlike in church, confession doesn't necessarily lead to absolution in the world of medicine.

While saying I'm sorry may well be morally correct and soothing to the psyche, our society, unfortunately, provides little reward for contrition. Indeed, the high road often comes with many sharp turns and few guardrails.