Diagnosis: contemporary medical hubris; Rx: a tincture of humility

Despite increasing attention to evidence-based medicine, unprecedented advances in medical technology, and rapid diffusion of innovative information, there continues to be disturbing disclosures of widespread iatrogenic illness resulting from harmful medical interventions. The medical community at times displays a lethargic and lackluster response to important scientific and epidemiological data that challenges prevailing conventional wisdom or that elucidates existing medical miscalculations. To ensure that long-term health and well-being for patients and the community remains the primary goal of medicine, it is necessary to revisit the important issues of scientific integrity, health care objectives, and medical professionalism. Furthermore, to be trustworthy advisors for individual patients and credible advocates for the health of populations, the medical community needs to critically evaluate the profound influence of commercial interests on medical research, medical education and clinical practice.