Does Osler’s Aequanimitas Inform Our Contemporary Pursuit of Stillness?

William Osler (1849-1919) was an academic physician who has been revered by many as an accomplished internist of his time. His contributions to the philosophy and practice of medicine foreground characteristics of a compassionate caregiver, including imperturbability and equanimity. This article defines these qualities, argues that Osler demonstrated both, and suggests how today's clinicians can apply these qualities to their own pursuits of stillness in their practices and relationships with patients.