The Hippocratic Oath

• The Hippocratic Oath is a traditional oath of physicians, who pledge to practice medicine according to the ideals and moral principles put forth by Hippocrates.
• The Oath was written about 400 B.C.
• The oath consists of two parts. The first specifies the duties of the physician to his teachers and his obligations in transmitting medical knowledge. The second, giving rules to be observed in the treatment of diseases, is a short summary of medical ethics expressing general principles.
• So what exactly are the words of the "Hippocratic Oath"?
  
  I SWEAR by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and this stipulation — to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. I will not cut persons laboring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick, and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further from the seduction of females or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice or not, in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times! But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot!"
  
  Translated by Francis Adams
• In 1948 in Geneva a modern version of the oath was drawn up by the World Medical Association.
  
  I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
  I will give my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
  I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity;
  The health of my patient will be my first consideration;
  I will respect the secrets which are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
  I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession;
  My colleagues will be my brothers;
  I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics orsocial standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;
  I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of conception;
  even under threat I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity.
  I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.
  

See our Jokes Archives for an interesting "twist" on the Hippocratic Oath! ["Hippocratic Oath For Software Engineers"]