the buddha praised the competent physician and nurse in these words: "those who tend the sick are of great benefit (to others)." because the pāḷi canon predates the separation and specialization of the medical profession as presented in āyurvedic treatises, it rarely makes a distinction between the doctor or physician ("bhisakka", "tikicchaka", "vejja") and the nurse ("gilānaupaṭṭhāka"). at that time the doctor probably performed all the functions in the sick room, including that of nursing patients.