What is the Hippocratic Oath? Why is it Important?

The Hippocratic Oath is an oath traditionally taken by physicians regarding the ethical practice of medicine. It is widely believed that the oath was written by Hippocrates, the father of medicine.

Hippocrates was a doctor, teacher, and writer. He did away with superstitions and based his treatment on a detailed observation of the patient’s symptoms.

Hippocrates created a code for the way in which doctors should behave. A student of medicine had to swear that he would use his knowledge and power to help the sick to the best of his ability and judgment and that he would not harm or wrong any man by it. Medical students graduating from medical school take this oath to their day.

Hippocratic Oath Text
Hippocratic Oath Text

How to Say Hippocratic Oath?

Well, often the professor reads the Hippocratic oath and medical students repeat after them. Here is a video from John Hopkins University showing students taking the Hippocratic oath online in 2020.

Video: John Hopkins Medicine

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