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It takes 50 years to get a wrong idea out of medicine, and…

“It takes 50 years to get a wrong idea out of medicine, and 100 years a right one into medicine.” quote by John Hughlings Jackson
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“It takes 50 years to get a wrong idea out of medicine, and 100 years a right one into medicine.”

John Hughlings Jackson

About This Quote

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

Medical ideas persist long after being proven wrong, while correct concepts take even longer to be accepted.

In simple terms: Wrong ideas linger; right ideas lag.

Key Takeaway

Critically evaluate new medical theories.

Themes

medical inertia paradigm shift innovation

Mood

skeptical reflective

Type

analytical historical

When to use this quote

  • hospital policy
  • research funding
  • clinical guidelines

Key Concepts

evidence based practice clinical adoption

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we accelerate adoption of correct ideas?
  • What mechanisms keep wrong ideas alive?
A Different Perspective

Resistance can stem from entrenched interests.

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