--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I was a bad practicing physician because…" description: "\"I was a bad practicing physician because I was never sure of the diagnosis or of the treatment.\" — Joshua Lederberg" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10f/joshua-lederberg-17119_diagnosis_i-was-a-bad-practicing-physician-because_698957.png" --- # I was a bad practicing physician because I was never sure… ![“I was a bad practicing physician because I was never sure of the diagnosis or of the treatment.” quote by Joshua Lederberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10f/joshua-lederberg-17119_diagnosis_i-was-a-bad-practicing-physician-because_698957.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10f/joshua-lederberg-17119_diagnosis_i-was-a-bad-practicing-physician-because_698957.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/10f/joshua-lederberg-17119_diagnosis_i-was-a-bad-practicing-physician-because_698957.png) > “I was a bad practicing physician because I was never sure of the diagnosis or of the treatment.” [Joshua Lederberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joshua-lederberg/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He admits his uncertainty in diagnosis and treatment made him a poor physician, highlighting the importance of confidence and competence. **In simple terms:** Uncertainty undermines effective medical practice. Key Takeaway Seek knowledge and confidence in clinical decisions. Themes medical ethics professional competence confidence diagnostic uncertainty Mood reflective cautious Type educational ethical When to use this quote - medical students - practicing physicians - hospital administrators Key Concepts clinical decision making medical education patient safety Questions to Reflect On - What steps improve diagnostic confidence? - How to handle uncertainty without compromising care? A Different Perspective Overconfidence can also be harmful; balance is needed. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Ignorance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/ignorance/) [Medicine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/medicine/) [Physician](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physician/) [Physicians](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/physicians/) [Treatment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/treatment/) ## Related quotes > [There is a clear matter that I am not a practicing physician; I have never been a practitioner; everybody has known for decades.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-jarvik/there-is-a-clear-matter-that-i-am-not-a-practicing-physician-i-have/) [Robert Jarvik](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-jarvik/) > [Well, I would never do a study because I'm a practicing physician. 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