Concepts "Dao" and "Shu" in surgeons

Abstract

In Chinese traditional culture, there are the concepts Dao and Shu . Dao means basic concept, basic principle, rule and regulation. Shu on the other hand means the application of Dao into daily use.If we apply these concepts of Dao and Shu into clinical medicine, Dao becomes the basic principle and rule that every good clinician should follow. This requires every clinician to have good medical ethics, sound medical knowledge, technical skills and the ability to apply the knowledge and skills into patient management. Furthermore, each clinician should submit himself to life-long continuing medical education and auditing. For a good surgeon, there is the additional requirement that he should have a pair of good hands. In other words, Shu is required in a good surgeon so that he can apply his medical knowledge and skills through operating with his hands.A good balance in the development of Dao and Shu is the basic requirement to become a good surgeon. Thus, a balance in Dao and Shu forms the launching platform for future development of a good surgeon.Clinical research in surgery is based on good clinical works and results. Without good clinical works and results, there is no good clinical research. On the other hand, good clinical research helps to improve clinical works and results. Thus, the two forms a virtuous cycle. In other words, clinical research and innovation in surgery are the final product of a balanced development of Dao and Shu in surgery. Key words: Surgeons; Dao; Shu