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Few things a doctor does are more important than relieving…

“Few things a doctor does are more important than relieving pain. . . pain is soul destroying. No patient should have to endure intense pain unnecessarily. The quality of mercy is essential to the practice of medicine; here, of all places, it should not be strained.” quote by Marcia Angell
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“Few things a doctor does are more important than relieving pain. . . pain is soul destroying. No patient should have to endure intense pain unnecessarily. The quality of mercy is essential to the practice of medicine; here, of all places, it should not be strained.”

Marcia Angell

About This Quote

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

Pain relief is a core duty of doctors; unnecessary suffering harms patients physically and spiritually.

In simple terms: Doctors must prioritize easing pain.

Key Takeaway

Alleviate pain whenever possible.

Themes

compassion medicine patient care

Mood

empathetic serious

Type

ethical practical

When to use this quote

  • clinical practice
  • palliative care
  • emergency treatment
  • chronic illness management

Key Concepts

ethics pain management medical responsibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide when pain medication is necessary?
  • What non‑pharmacological methods can reduce suffering?
A Different Perspective

Balancing pain relief with potential side effects can be challenging.

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