THE RULES OF SURGEONS by Peter F. Drucker

“THE RULES USED BY SURGEONS TO MAKE DECISIONS: Rule one: In a condition that is likely to cure itself or to stabilize itself without risk or danger or great pain to the patient, you put it on watch and check regularly. But you don’t cut. To do surgery in such a condition is an unnecessary decision. Rule two: If the condition is degenerative or life threatening and there is something you can do, you do it fast and radically. It is a necessary decision, despite the risk. Rule three: The condition that falls between Rule One and Rule Two is no doubt the largest single category: the condition that is not degenerative and not life threatening but still not self-correcting and quite serious. This is where the surgeon has to weigh opportunity against risk. It’s also where he or she has to make a decision. And it is this decision that distinguishes the first-rate surgeon from the also-ran.”