Accepted Quote by Paul Douglas
“...No one died from infection under Keen. ...He (Keen) began to chronicle the results in statistical articles. He was threatened with expulsion from the Pennsylvania Medical Association…This was in the 1890's…Finally was accepted as the greatest surgeon in the US. The old man told me - and he started to cry...'I nearly went under. I was nearly shut off.”
About This Quote
The passage illustrates the early struggle and eventual triumph of a pioneering surgeon who faced professional opposition while improving surgical outcomes, highlighting perseverance and statistical documentation.
In simple terms: A surgeon overcame opposition to improve patient survival.
Key Takeaway
Persistence and data can transform medical practice.
Themes
medical innovation
professional adversity
statistics in medicine
surgical ethics
historical medicine
leadership
Mood
determined
reflective
inspired
Type
historical anecdote
testimonial
When to use this quote
- early hospital administration
- medical association debates
- clinical research settings
- surgical training programs
- public health policy discussions
Key Concepts
surgical technique
statistical analysis
professional conflict
patient outcomes
Practical Applications
- developing evidence‑based surgical protocols
- advocating for data‑driven medical reforms
Questions to Reflect On
- What role does statistical evidence play in overcoming professional resistance?
- How can modern clinicians learn from historical pioneers?
![“We have reached a situation where a theory has been accepted as fact by some, and possible contrary evidence is shunted aside. [This is] mythology rather than science.” quote by Robert Shapiro](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c31/robert-shapiro-26969_accepted_we-have-reached-a-situation-where-a-theo_19120.jpg)
