In the hands of an expert, clinical practice appears effortless. Each patient feels safe and cared for while their problem is explored, diagnosed and resolved by a wise and compassionate clinician. Yet this apparent simplicity requires decades of thoughtful work and preparation.
In this lecture I link my own experience as a surgeon, a family physician and a clinical educator with insights I have gained through collaborating with musicians, dancers, actors, puppeteers and close-up magicians. I outline my research into what it means to become expert and show how William Osler’s legacy continues to resonate with all of us today.