A classic medical aphorism is a phrase or statement that summarizes a medical concept or theory. Some synonyms for the term classic medical aphorism include medical maxim, healthcare adage, medical proverb, medical dictum, and medical saying. These phrases are often used as teaching tools to help healthcare professionals remember important concepts or to convey a message to patients. Some well-known classic medical aphorisms include "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," "first, do no harm," and "laughter is the best medicine." Using classic medical aphorisms can help promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement in the healthcare profession.