Clinician-scientists no longer drive biomedical research. Refusing to see how the scientific potential of the clinician-scientist has evolved in today’s science does not elevate the debate. Today’s science is notably assessed through cheerleader endorsement, and cultivating popularity, if not self-sufficient, is also necessary for success. It is fair to say that humility, although still elegant at the personal level, is not a mandatory quality to become a successful scientist. Patience, however, is necessary since the most important projects run over many years.

Repetition is not often fruitful and renewed creativity is a must. Researchers listen to the evidence obtained and use it to develop, and fund, the next research project. Scientists’ expectations are very high and good research projects are developed with ambition, intuition and vision. Strong-a scientist must therefore certainly become as well. Of course, science cannot evolve without open debate, and that is sometimes accompanied by some vehemence in the argument or in the communication. Exploring the unknown is fascinating, exciting and a source of real pleasure. On the brink of what is known, we have the intoxicating mission of pushing the scientific community in the direction our results suggest. Researchers rather desperately look for the disequilibrium point, the scientific breakthrough. Doctors therefore listen, observe and finally propose, with a mixture of both cutting-edge knowledge and common sense, a balanced strategy that will usually help the patient in overcoming their medical issue.

The seemingly ‘better’ or the purported ‘perfect’ is in reality not always the ‘good’ for a particular patient. Practitioners try to reach the best equilibrium point possible for any given patient. If practitioners agree to recognise it, humility is waiting for you at the corner of your practice. Although aiming for a cure, practitioners see the limitation of the so-called ‘art of curing’ on a daily basis. Whilst aspects of medical practice can sometimes be seen as repetitive, facing the human condition in all its magnificence and weakness is assuredly an inspiring privilege.

Medical training is exigent so too is the clinical practice which is also very dynamic in nature, with rapid rewards or as rapid disappointments. We try hard to make ourselves strong enough to take responsibility for our actions and provide solutions to patients. As practitioners, we learn to act during times of acute or prolonged crisis.

You will be a man my son