[Sir William Osler's legacy].

Abstract

William Osler (1849-1919) is generally regarded as one of the greatest and most respected physicians in the history of medicine. As an outstanding clinician and a professor of medicine at four universities in three countries he exerted a profound influence on medical education. His textbook "The Principles and Practice of Medicine" became the most popular treatise on medicine in the world. He emphasized the value of hard work. His compassion and concern for patients, students and colleagues reflected his personality. Osler's humanism, his philosophy and views did not lose their validity even today.