title: Health care in its right mind: medical harm and the knowledge revolution part one--the state of medical knowledge.
abstract: The "Tao of Medicine" is patient-centeredness and is most succinctly summarized by W.W. Mayo, MD, as, "the best interest of the patient is the only interest to be considered, and in order that the sick may have the benefit of advancing knowledge, union of forces is necessary". This calling, also known by its more familiar designation, the Art of Medicine, is true for all times and all places, serving as our ideal, our law and our conscience. It, therefore, meets the definition of a universal. It is only a culture of safety that will support the Art of Medicine and sustain improvement within the deeply complex, tightly coupled and highly contextual world of health care delivery.
authors.forename: Wendell W
authors.initials: WW
authors.lastname: Hoffman
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019359:Knowledge; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D010686:Philosophy, Medical