"The practice of medicine is an art, based upon science."

"The good observer is not limited to the large hospital."

"There is no more difficult art to acquire than the art of observation, and for some men it is quite as difficult to record an observation in brief and plain language."

"Observations are made with accuracy and care, no pains are spared, nothing is thought a trouble in the investigation of a problem. The facts are looked at in connection with similar ones, their relation to others is studied, and the experiences of the recorder is compared with that of others who have worked upon the question."

"Never ask a new patient a question without a notebook and a pencil in hand."

"In taking histories, follow each line of thought; ask no leading questions; never suggest. Give the patient's own words in the complaint."

"Learn to see, learn to hear, learn to feel, learn to smell and know that by practice alone can you become experts."

"Medicine is learned by the bedside and not in the class room. Let not your conception of manifestations of disease come from work heard in the lecture room or read from the book: see and then research, compare and control. But see first."

"Don't touch the patient--state first what you see, cultivate your powers of observation."

"Our profession is to honor and patient to serve above all."

- Sir William Osler

Citation suggestion: Dr Gary Galambos, Quotes (http://www.ep.org.au/gg/int/quotes.htm) [date accessed]

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