The first [quality] to be named must always be the power…
![“The first [quality] to be named must always be the power of attention, of giving one's whole mind to the patient without the interposition of anything of oneself. It sounds simple but only the very greatest doctors ever fully attain it. ... The second thing to be striven for is intuition. This…” quote by Wilfred Trotter](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/e2d/wilfred-trotter-30944_aptitude_the-first-quality-to-be-named-must-alway_74426.jpg)
“The first [quality] to be named must always be the power of attention, of giving one's whole mind to the patient without the interposition of anything of oneself. It sounds simple but only the very greatest doctors ever fully attain it. ... The second thing to be striven for is intuition. This sounds an impossibility, for who can control that small quiet monitor? But intuition is only interference from experience stored and not actively recalled. ... The last aptitude I shall mention that must be attained by the good physician is that of handling the sick man's mind.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True medical competence requires deep, undivided attention, cultivated intuition from experience, and skillful management of patients' mental states.
In simple terms: Focused attention, intuition, mental care
Key Takeaway
Attentive, intuitive, psychologically aware practice
Themes
attention
intuition
patient psychology
clinical expertise
mindfulness
doctor-patient relationship
Mood
thoughtful
empathetic
reflective
Type
advice
observation
philosophical
When to use this quote
- diagnostic consultation
- chronic disease management
- mental health counseling
- end‑of‑life care
- medical education
Key Concepts
patient care
clinical judgment
experience integration
psychological support
Practical Applications
- improving bedside presence
- enhancing diagnostic intuition
Questions to Reflect On
- How does a physician’s attentiveness affect treatment outcomes?
- In what ways can intuition be balanced with evidence‑based practice?