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we need practice to get good at what we do. There is one…

“we need practice to get good at what we do. There is one difference in medicine, though: it is people we practice upon.” quote by Atul Gawande
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““we need practice to get good at what we do. There is one difference in medicine, though: it is people we practice upon.””

Atul Gawande

About This Quote

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

Skill improves through practice, but in medicine the practice is on real people, raising ethical stakes.

In simple terms: Medical practice is learning on actual patients.

Key Takeaway

Practice in medicine carries moral responsibility.

Themes

medicine ethics skill development practice

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

philosophical advice

When to use this quote

  • clinical training
  • surgical residency
  • simulation labs

Key Concepts

patient safety professional duty

Practical Applications

  • integrate ethical reflection into training
  • use simulated practice before real cases

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can clinicians balance learning with patient safety?
  • What safeguards protect patients during trainee practice?
A Different Perspective

Simulations can reduce risk but cannot fully replicate human complexity.

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