I thought it might be a good idea among all the talk about health care these days to take a fresh look at the Hippocratic Oath. I stressed a part of it which I think is relevant.
The Oath
By Hippocrates
Written 400 B.C.E
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!
THE END
Considering that very few people actually worship Apollo these days, the oath has no real meaning to them.
ReplyDeleteIn Israel the Hippocratic Oath isn't given. The Oath of Maimonides is given instead:
The eternal providence has appointed me to watch over the life and health of Thy creatures. May the love for my art actuate me at all time; may neither avarice nor miserliness, nor thirst for glory or for a great reputation engage my mind; for the enemies of truth and philanthropy could easily decieve me and make me forgetful of my lofty aim of doing good to Thy children.
May I never see in the patient anything but a fellow creature in pain.
Grant me the strength, time and opportunity always to correct what I have aquired, always to extendits domain; for knowledge is immense and the spirit of man can extend indefintely to enrich itself daily with new requirements.
Today he can discover his errors of yesterday and tomorrow he can obtain a new light on what he thinks himself sure of today. Oh, God, Thou has appointed me to watch over the life and death of Thy creatures; here am I ready for my vocation and now I turn unto my calling.
I always marvel, after having passed 26 kidney stones, that the only two reasons to "cut" or let bleed to death (in other words, kill) a person in ancient times was a failed birth (for which the mother would be sacrificed to save the child) or a kidney stone !! Thank goodness for Dilaudid...
ReplyDeleteI think that most doctors take their oath very seriouly, whether the Hippocratic or the Oath of Maimonides. Personally, three of my doctors/specialists have removed themselves from the HMO racket because they simply couldn't practice medicine under such constraints. I am glad they had the integrity to do so, and I am perfectly willing to pay more to see them, knowing that they are dedicated to the care of the patient and not to feeding the HMO.
Just which god are you to praying to? As a Christian, Gary, you should know that "He" does not want you to put any other gods before him. I think you all are hypocrites and the Hippocratic Oath means nothing, because you believe in abortion in case of....
ReplyDeleteAnd what I can read from the past, you certainly hate your neigbors.
Ingrid,
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't worship Apollo or any of those other guys.
Hate my neighbor? We drink together.