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