[The moral courage of psychiatrists].

BACKGROUND: Moral courage is the courage to do what you morally believe to be right, despite the presence of danger. Courage is certainly important in critical situations where moral values are at stake. Reflection is not enough, you have to act wisely. Moral courage bridges the gap between thinking and doing. This article first characterizes moral courage and then provides tools that can help psychiatrists to show moral courage. AIM: To provide tools that can help psychiatrists in their professional practice to show moral courage. METHOD: Characterizing moral courage on the basis of a case study and literature review. RESULTS: Psychiatrists can learn courage by preparing for the dangers inherent in the job, by thinking about situations in advance, and going through and practicing possible scenarios and consequences. They can also discuss the subject in peer-to-peer meetings. CONCLUSION: Courage is certainly important in critical situations where moral values are at stake. Reflection is then not enough, and one must act wisely. Moral courage bridges the gap between thinking and doing. Professionals are assisted in this when (professional) organizations invest in a safe and stimulating context.