Historical perspective. Ernest Amory Codman, 1869-1940. A pioneer of evidence-based medicine: the end result idea.

Unappreciated during his career and largely uncelebrated today, Ernest A. Codman made profound contributions to medical practice and outcomes research. The origin of the present emphasis on evidence-based medicine began with Codman and his "end result" idea. Codman's ideas, courage, and persistence played a critical role in the transition from the 19th century artisan style of medical practice to the current scientific basis of medicine. This historical perspective is a tribute to Codman's contributions to medical science and highlights his remarkable career.