Proof and Policy from Medical Research Evidence, Figure 1. Historical Trends in North American Philosophy toward Medical Care

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Figure 1. Historical Trends in North American Philosophy toward Medical Care

Mid-to-late 1700's, Dr. Benjamin Rush (photograph), 'Do everything you can, anything is possible'; Mid-to-late 1800's, Dr. Oliver Wendell Holmes (photograph) and Dr. William Osler, 'Do nothing, because doctors do more harm than good'; Circa World War II, a return to Rush's view (photograph of surgeon operating); 1980's, Dr. David L. Sackett (photograph) and the evidence-based medicine movement.

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