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Art Quote by William Osler

“If it were not for the great variability among individuals, medicine might as well be a science, not an art.” quote by William Osler
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“If it were not for the great variability among individuals, medicine might as well be a science, not an art.”

William Osler

About This Quote

Source Lecture: Medicine and the Art of Healing, 1926

Individual variability makes medicine an art, requiring personal judgment beyond scientific data.

In simple terms: Medicine is both science and art.

Key Takeaway

Balance data with empathy.

Themes

medicine variability art

Mood

inspirational analytical

Type

professional philosophical

When to use this quote

  • patient care
  • medical education
  • research design
  • policy making

Key Concepts

clinical judgment personalized care humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can doctors honor patient individuality?
  • What role does intuition play in medicine?
A Different Perspective

Standardization can ignore uniqueness.

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