David Sackett

David Lawrence Sackett (November 17, 1934 – May 13, 2015) was a Canadian-American physician, clinical epidemiologist, and a pioneer in the field of evidence-based medicine (EBM). His work significantly contributed to the development of clinical epidemiology as a foundational aspect of medical education and practice, emphasizing the importance of using empirical evidence to make clinical decisions. Sackett's efforts in promoting the principles of EBM have had a lasting impact on healthcare, influencing both policy and practice worldwide.

Early Life and Education

David Sackett was born in Chicago, Illinois, and later moved to Canada, where he became a naturalized citizen. He completed his medical degree at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in 1960 and went on to pursue a Master's degree in epidemiology at Harvard University. His education laid the groundwork for his future contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in the area of clinical epidemiology.

Career

Sackett's career was marked by his commitment to improving patient care through the application of evidence-based practices. In 1967, he founded the first Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. This department was among the first in the world to focus on the application of epidemiological methods to the study of clinical problems and healthcare outcomes.

Throughout his career, Sackett was involved in numerous research projects and clinical trials that aimed to address practical questions in medicine. He was a strong advocate for the critical appraisal of medical literature and the application of research findings to clinical decision-making. His work led to the publication of several influential books and articles that have become foundational texts in the field of evidence-based medicine.

Contributions to Evidence-Based Medicine

David Sackett is often referred to as the "father of evidence-based medicine," a term that he helped popularize in the 1990s. He defined EBM as "the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of current best evidence in making decisions about the care of individual patients." Sackett's approach to EBM emphasized the integration of clinical expertise with the best available external clinical evidence from systematic research.

He was instrumental in the development of the User's Guides to the Medical Literature, a series of articles published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) that aimed to help clinicians learn how to evaluate and apply research findings to their practice. Sackett also co-founded the Cochrane Collaboration, an international network dedicated to preparing, maintaining, and promoting the accessibility of systematic reviews of the effects of healthcare interventions.

Legacy

David Sackett's legacy is evident in the widespread adoption of evidence-based practices in healthcare. His work has influenced the education of healthcare professionals, leading to the incorporation of EBM principles into medical curricula worldwide. Sackett's dedication to improving patient care through research and evidence-based decision-making continues to inspire clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.

Sackett passed away on May 13, 2015, but his contributions to the field of medicine and his pioneering work in evidence-based medicine continue to have a profound impact on healthcare.

Selected Publications

• Sackett, D.L., et al. "Evidence-Based Medicine: What It Is and What It Isn't." British Medical Journal, 1996.
• Sackett, D.L., et al. "Clinical Epidemiology: A Basic Science for Clinical Medicine."
• Sackett, D.L., et al. "Evidence-Based Medicine: How to Practice and Teach EBM."

See Also

• Clinical Epidemiology
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Cochrane Collaboration