I worked with a gifted surgeon who just happened to be married to an OR nurse. The wife was Italian - like myself. He told me that when he got in over his head with some inane comment or action, he would say, "I'm sorry. {pregnant pause}. I was wrong. {pregnant pause}. It'll never happen again, dear." I knew we had bonded the first time he turned to me & said, "I'm sorry. {pregnant pause}"

I worked with MDs my whole life. Though cardiologists tend to be a gentler breed than surgeons.