Osler's Razor

In the picture you can see me with Osler McCarthy, who works for the Supreme Court of Texas. We had met online, but never before in person.

What we have in common is a name, and a name that is uncommon.

Sir William Osler was a famous (well, relatively) medical educator in the 19th century and into the 20th century. He was a founder of the Johns Hopkins medical school, and then became a medical professor at Oxford in 1905. His two major innovations were (1) To teach medical students by taking them on "rounds" to treat patients, and (2) to emphasize the mental state of the patient as a crucial factor to recovery.

As for the second, what do you think? It seems like this lesson has passed on to some physicians more than others, in my own experience.

There is something deeper there, too, though. In a modern world where science and faith are seen as separate spheres, each living in fear of the other, I think Osler's idea suggests a harmony. The spirit of the patient, often linked to faith, does affect health. Is that a denial of science? Of course not. The body responds to our thoughts and feelings in a variety of ways. We know this from the time we are children-- we can tell when a friend is down because of how he looks, in ways beyond the superficial facial expression or posture. Sadness changes us physically, as does joy. Because faith is the source of such feelings for many of us, the nexus between faith and science is that very link between our minds and our bodies, a link that no one would dispute.

What does that mean? I don't think that there can be no science without faith or no faith without science, but what I learn from Sir William is that they are not in separate spheres; there is a connection, and in a profound way it is within me.

And what of my own work?

There are moments, too rare, that I feel akin to Sir William on rounds, looking in the eyes of a patient not to assess pupil dilation but to reassure him. If I can teach in that way, I will.