Hippocratic Oath

The Hippocratic Oath (/hɪpəˈkrætɪk/; Ancient Greek: ὅρκος, horkos) is a traditional oath historically taken by physicians and other healthcare professionals swearing to practice medicine ethically and honestly. It is widely believed to have been written by Hippocrates, often regarded as the father of western medicine, or by one of his students.

Etymology

The term "Hippocratic" is derived from the name Hippocrates, a Greek physician who is credited with the oath's creation. The word "Oath" comes from Old English āð, which means a solemn promise or a formal declaration.

Content

The Hippocratic Oath covers several important ethical issues between doctors and patients. The original text is usually interpreted as one of the first statements of a moral code to be used by physicians, establishing several principles of medical ethics which remain of paramount significance today. These include the principles of medical confidentiality and non-maleficence.

Modern Use

While the original text is rarely used today, derivative versions are often used in medical schools at the time of graduation. These modern versions make similar ethical stipulations, although language and cultural references have been updated.

Related Terms

Medical Ethics: The field of applied ethics which analyzes the practice of clinical medicine and related scientific research.
Hippocrates: An ancient Greek physician who is referred to as the 'Father of Western Medicine'.
Non-maleficence: A principle that asserts an obligation not to inflict harm intentionally. It is often mentioned in the context of medical ethics.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Hippocratic Oath
Wikipedia's article - Hippocratic Oath

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Hippocratic Oath