Professionalism and the Art of Patient-Centric Thyroidology

Abstract

The observations of these medical luminaries occurred at a time when the science of medicine was relatively embryonic. Drs. Osler and Mayo surely could not have foreseen the rapid march of medical science that occurred in the latter half of the twentieth century. They understood however that if patients were to fully benefit from advancing knowledge, both the art and science must together be applied. The discipline of endocrinology has been in the forefront of advancing scientific knowledge resulting in modern clinical endocrine practice being firmly established on a sound scientific footing. The discipline of thyroidology has progressed in tandem resulting in new insights into the genetic and biological basis of disease and in the widespread availability of highly reliable and precise laboratory tests and imaging procedures. The natural history of many thyroid disorders has been defined, and the development and publication of evidence-based practice guidelines have equipped clinicians everywhere with the tools and knowledge that promote good practice and better clinical outcomes.

Medicine is an art based upon science

Sir William Osler MD

Medicine is both an art and a science and both make appeal to the true physician

Charles H Mayo MD