Osler and Australia
Sir William Osler (1849-1919) casts a long shadow.
A hundred years later, and we are still under his spell. Among his many achievements and contributions he helped combine the best of German and English medicine, thus helping to shift of the epicenter of medical progress to North America. Interestingly, among his many famous quotations, there is this:’… the current may turn towards the [medical] schools of the great nations of the south … the Africander, the Australian, or the New Zealander may reach a development before which even ‘the glory that was Greece’ may pale’
Milton Roxanas has two articles in the most recent issue of the Medical Journal of Australia that will be of interest to like-minded oslerphiles. The first article examines the life and medical influences of William Osler in the context of his Australian connections, and the second looks at his encounters with Australians and the Australian legacy that he left.’Osler’s influence on Australia was similar to that on other countries. The Australian edition of his textbook taught the principles of medicine to a generation of doctors. Those fortunate enough to visit or meet him took pride in the experience and were inspired to practise medicine with high ideals and humanity. His writings and timeless sayings (eg, “take heed to [your] education, and [your] reputation will take care of itself”) are often quoted because they have well articulated wisdom, even in this age of molecular medicine. His cautious attitude to medication (“man has an inborn craving for medicine”) is a constant warning to those practising polypharmacy. He also highlighted the need for continuing medical education by stating “it is astonishing with how little reading a doctor can practice medicine, but it is not astonishing how badly he may do it”. The employment of modern tests, be they chemical, imaging or pathological, do not lessen the need to be wise, well read, experienced, and compassionate towards the patient, in spite of the help given by computers and other technology. Australian doctors, medical teachers and writers continue to look to Osler’s guidance in applying his principles to modern medical practice.’
— excerpt from Roxanas MG, 2010 (part 2).
I would humbly add LITFL to Osler’s Australian legacy.
References
- Roxanas MG. Osler and his Australian associations – part 1: during his life. Med J Aust. 2010 Dec 6;193(11-12):686-9. PMID: 21143060.
- Roxanas MG. Osler and his Australian associations – part 2: continuing influence. Med J Aust. 2010 Dec 6;193(11-12):690-3. PMID: 21143061.
Chris is an Intensivist and ECMO specialist at The Alfred ICU, where he is Deputy Director (Education). He is a Clinical Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University, the Lead for the Clinician Educator Incubator programme, and a CICM First Part Examiner.
He is an internationally recognised Clinician Educator with a passion for helping clinicians learn and for improving the clinical performance of individuals and collectives. He was one of the founders of the FOAM movement (Free Open-Access Medical education) has been recognised for his contributions to education with awards from ANZICS, ANZAHPE, and ACEM.
His one great achievement is being the father of three amazing children.
On Bluesky, he is @precordialthump.bsky.social and on the site that Elon has screwed up, he is @precordialthump.
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