Who said “I have noticed that doctors who fail in the practice of medicine have a tendency to seek…”?

Verified

Ernest Hemingway. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceA Farewell to Arms (1929)

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“I have noticed that doctors who fail in the practice of medicine have a tendency to seek one another's company and aid in consultation. A doctor who cannot take out your appendix properly will recommend you to a doctor who will be unable to remove your tonsils with success.”
— Ernest Hemingway
VerifiedA Farewell to Arms (1929) · evidenceDoctors

Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: A Farewell to Arms (1929).

APA

Hemingway, E. (n.d.). I have noticed that doctors who fail in the practice of medicine have a tendency to seek one another's company and aid in consultation. A doctor who cannot take out your appendix properly will recommend you to a doctor who will be unable to remove your tonsils with success. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13688-i-have-noticed-that-doctors-who-fail-in/

MLA

Hemingway, Ernest. “I have noticed that doctors who fail in the practice of medicine have a tendency to seek one another's company and aid in consultation. A doctor who cannot take out your appendix properly will recommend you to a doctor who will be unable to remove your tonsils with success.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13688-i-have-noticed-that-doctors-who-fail-in/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Hemingway, Ernest. “I have noticed that doctors who fail in the practice of medicine have a tendency to seek one another's company and aid in consultation. A doctor who cannot take out your appendix properly will recommend you to a doctor who will be unable to remove your tonsils with success.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/13688-i-have-noticed-that-doctors-who-fail-in/.

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