Thursday, June 18, 2009

The Hippocratic Oath


Though it's not obligatory, many physicians take this Oath as a rite of passage before practicing medicine. See if you think there's anything concerning about this...

I swear by Apollo, the healer, Asclepius, Hygieia, and Panacea, and I take to witness all the gods, all the goddesses, to keep according to my ability and my judgment, the following Oath and agreement:

(Any problems so far? Uhhhhhh...)

To consider dear to me, as my parents, him who taught me this art; to live in common with him and, if necessary, to share my goods with him; To look upon his children as my own brothers, to teach them this art.

I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone.
I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion.
But I will preserve the purity of my life and my arts.

I will not cut for stone, even for patients in whom the disease is manifest; I will leave this operation to be performed by practitioners, specialists in this art.
In every house where I come I will enter only for the good of my patients, keeping myself far from all intentional ill-doing and all seduction and especially from the pleasures of love with women or with men, be they free or slaves.

All that may come to my knowledge in the exercise of my profession or in daily commerce with men, which ought not to be spread abroad, I will keep secret and will never reveal.

(Here comes the kicker! Ready for some promises of protection and provision? How about some threats of doom, thrown in for good measure?)


If I keep this oath faithfully, may I enjoy my life and practice my art, respected by all men and in all times; but if I swerve from it or violate it, may the reverse be my lot.

2 comments:

  1. I have several doctors in my famly who've taken this oath. C-rap. Both of my grand fathers and plenty of others. I am not one to curse; but I wanna. All of them in my family claim to have a relationship with Christ.

    What was it you said, Steven, "On the backs of Christians..."?

    I am trying to figure out what impacts of these have rolled down to me and my family.

    Thank you, Steven. I am blessed by your leadership and sharing. Through Christ, peace to you always.

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  2. Wow, I'm not sure I really want to be treated by a doctor who sware an oath to apollo! I never realized this!

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