Drexel University College of Medicine - Medic Yearbook (Philadelphia, PA)

Page 9 text:

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Page 10 text:

Dear Doctor: I recall that when I graduated from medical school many years ago a generous drug com- pany gave all of the seniors a copy of Osler's Essays entitled, AEQUANIMITAS . There was considerable disappointment among the graduates as most would have better appre- ciated a textbook of surgery or some other more useful gift. I kept my copy and have on many occasions re-read with pleasure these famous essays. Osler, generally regarded as the father of modern medical practice in this country, said everything that should have been said in his era and said it better than anyone else. He predicted a good many things which came to pass, but what is more remarkable is what he did not predict. Osler never had the remotest suspicion that all the great killers of his day, pneumonia, tuberculosis and syphilis would be brought under control. This plus other discoveries have so changed the character of medical practice that Osler and other great prophets could not even come close to a rea- , 5.5.4 , .I ,W - sonable prediction. Who would have antici- 'N-v ' pated that we would encourage the produc- s..f X tion of physicians assistants, that classical -..,, ' -u MI --. -- inn medical education would now become a core curriculum with tracks. Many now predict even greater change in last quarter of this century. One thing never changes and Osler had it right in his title. Equanimity, or evenness of mind or temper will never grow old fashioned. Never in the history of medicine has the physician a greater need to maintain his cool , Beset on all sides by ever increasing criticism and faced with greater strain in his practice at the same time with less rewards to his ego if not his pocketbook, it is not surprising that the modern physician breaks down mentally. It is no secret that the incidence of alcoholism, drug addiction and acute psychosis is greater among physicians than the general population. My advice to you must therefore be that you aim to achieve that calmness of mind, that composure that comes only when the physician knows himself and is secure in his work. Return to the simple truths so well expressed in Osler's essays. Do not be beguiled by the massive technology of our age. Love of fellow man, humility and conscientiousness will still do more than all the computers of our space age. Cordially yours, Wgsglapa joseph R. DiPalma, M.D. Dean s