Hippocratic oath

The Hippocratic oath is an ethical code traditionally taken by physicians, attributed to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates.

Its core principle is often summarized as "first, do no harm," though that exact phrase doesn't appear in the original text.

The oath commits doctors to practice medicine ethically, maintain patient confidentiality, and avoid harm.

Modern medical schools often use updated versions: She recited the Hippocratic oath at her graduation from medical school.

The term extends figuratively to any professional commitment to ethical practice: Journalists have no Hippocratic oath binding them to truth.