Hippocratic Oath
Medical ethics pledge
The Hippocratic Oath is a pledge traditionally taken by physicians upon entering medical practice, committing them to ethical conduct and the welfare of patients.
Named for the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates, it includes principles like "do no harm" and maintaining patient confidentiality.
Modern versions vary, but the oath remains a symbolic cornerstone of medical ethics: She took the Hippocratic Oath at her graduation from medical school.
Avoid causing injury
- beneficenceActive desire to help
- confidentialityQuality of protecting secrets
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- justiceFair treatment under law
integrity · duty · responsibility · professionalism · compassion · trust · honesty · fidelity
Solemn personal commitment
- pledgeBinding promise given
- swearVow or use profanity
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
- covenantBinding formal pledge
bond · declaration · affirmation · obligation · dedication · avowal · profession · induction
Licensed medical doctor
- doctorLicensed medical healer
- medical schoolPhysician training institution
- residencyState of dwelling somewhere
- practiceRepeated work toward mastery
patient · treatment · healing · care · profession · licensure · board certification · attending
do no harm
Avoid causing injury
- beneficenceActive desire to help
- confidentialityQuality of protecting secrets
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
justice · integrity · duty · responsibility · professionalism · compassion · trust · honesty · fidelity · stewardship
vow
Solemn personal commitment
- pledgeBinding promise given
- swearVow or use profanity
- commitmentFirm pledge to act
covenant · bond · declaration · affirmation · obligation · dedication · avowal · profession · induction · ceremony
physician
Licensed medical doctor
- doctorLicensed medical healer
- medical schoolPhysician training institution
- residencyState of dwelling somewhere
practice · patient · treatment · healing · care · profession · licensure · board certification · attending · rounds
Greece
Balkan peninsula nation
- ancient medicinephysicians, healers, four humors, bloodletting, leeches
- Greek classicsHomer, Iliad, Plato, Odyssey, Aristotle
Hippocratic Oathmedical malpractice
Substandard care causing injury
Hippocratic Oathprofessional misconduct
Ethics breach at work