Sir William Osler and Janice Pasieka: An inspiration for patient-centered care

Dr. Janice Pasieka boldly dared us to be “Oslerian” in her presidential address to the American Association of Endocrine Surgeons in 2010. It is fitting, therefore, to reflect on the words and career of Sir William Osler during this festschrift honoring the career of Dr. Janice Pasieka. William Osler, like Dr. Pasieka, was a proud Canadian who displayed exemplary leadership and charisma and influenced the lives and careers of many physicians. Although his passing occurred more than a century ago, his enduring legacy can be witnessed today in training programs and in the practice of medicine. Furthermore, cemented in his words are lessons that ring true today and could be considered the first call for the study of patient-reported outcomes. It is my privilege to review the lessons of Dr. Osler for this festschrift honoring the career of Dr. Pasieka. Quotes from Osler will be used throughout this essay to demonstrate the Oslerian ideals of equanimity, patient-centered care, and a rejection of Chauvinism.