Tardy wardround

Sorry folks. The posting is late this week due to foreign travel and computer problems.

I will just cut to the quick and give next week's reading:

BMJ 2003;326:151 ( 18 January )

Filler

Endpiece

A good physician versus no physician

The difference between a good physician and a bad one is certainly very great; but the difference between a good physician and no physician at all, in many cases, is very little.

If during the course of the common epidemic diseases which occur in this island every spring and autumn, two hundred patients were taken promiscuously, and one half delivered to the care of the faculty to be treated according to the art; that is, as private patients by whom they are fee'd every time they prescribe, and the other half delivered to the care of nurses, instructed to give them no physic whatever, but merely cooling drinks, and such light and simple foods as the patients' appetites might lead them to, I am convinced the world would be a good deal surprised at the result of the experiment.

---

J Moore, Medical Sketches. London: A Strahan and T Cadell, 1786

Jeremy Hugh Baron, honorary professorial lecturer, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York

Remember that a short read means more time for reflection.

You already have your assignments for two minute talks on endocrine dysfunctions.

MJM