Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2017
Programs
Physician Assistant Program
Abstract
The history of medicine includes many errors. Some persisted for decades and caused great harm. Several are highlighted in this article, including the mythical thymic diseases: thymic asthma and status thymicolymphaticus. Some medical mistakes, such as the diet-heart hypothesis of Ancel Keys, continue to cause harm. To avoid future errors and their associated harm, I suggest a cultural shift encouraging professional humility and greater questioning of medical dogma. Medical education focused on teaching students this history may help with this cultural shift.
Recommended Citation
Ritterman, J. B. (2017). To err is human: Can American medicine learn from past mistakes? Permanente Journal, 21 [Article 16-181].
Publisher's Statement
Reprinted from The Permanente Journal, Vol. 21, Jeffrey B. Ritterman, To err is human: Can American medicine learn from past mistakes?, Article no. 16-181, copyright 2017, with permission from The Permanente Press. Reproduction of this material is confined to the purpose for which permission is hereby given. https://doi.org/10.7812/TPP/16-181
