Primum non nocere

in «Blogging & Personal» by moftasa

Warning! This post is very old and may contain information or opinions that are no longer valid or embarrassing.

I officially finished medical school. Results are out. I am glad to leave behind days of stress, photocopied notes, nights of high caffiene, panic, anger, fear, guilt and countless number of mixed emotions.

Although it is time to celebrate and relax. I can't stop thinking of what is to come. I hope that I start truly learning the Art. I wish that I always feel that I know so little, so I always look for more.

I will always do my best to help people, abide by the ethics and serve humanity and ultimatly become a servant of truth.

As part of my celebrations, here is the original Hippocratic Oath:

I swear by Apollo the physician and Aesculapius and Hygieia and Panacea 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 my 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 judgement,I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous.

I will give no deadly medicine to anyone 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 labouring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work.

Into whatsoever 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 abduction 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!