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

Special issue contains articles from expert meeting, 'Evidence: Its Meanings and Uses in Law, Medicine and Health 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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Current as of April 2000

Internet Citation: Proof and Policy from Medical Research Evidence, Figure 1. Historical Trends in North American Philosophy toward Medical Care. April 2000. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. http://www.ahrq.gov/research/findings/evidence-based-reports/jhppl/mulrfig1.html