Definition of Hippocratic Oath

The "Corpus hippocraticum" is a collection of writings made by Hippocrates of Cos and his disciples between the 5th and 4th centuries BC. C. This work is considered one of the first medical treatises in history. In these texts appears information on different topics: anatomy, pathology or medical therapies.

On the other hand, one of its parts includes the famous Hippocratic Oath, a document that expresses the ethical commitment that should govern the practice of medicine. At present this text it is included in the ritual of doctors who finish their academic studies. The reading of the Oath represents a statement of principles of the medical profession.

What does the Hippocratic Oath express?

In the first lines it is indicated that the doctor swears by the gods to comply with the requirements of the Oath. Then a I respect by the person who has been the doctor's teacher. Next it is indicated that the practice of medicine should be oriented to the care of the sick.

According to the content of the Oath, the doctor is obliged to the following:

1) heal the ailments of the sick,

2) avoid patient pain,

3) do not facilitate poison under any circumstances,

4) act fairly,

5) not facilitate the abortion to no woman,

6) practice the medical profession with a attitude kind,

6) not maintaining intimate relationships with patients and

7) keep the life of the sick a secret.

Ethics and medicine

The "Hippocratic Oath" is much more than just a historical document. The fact that it is still used as a ritual today is a clear sign of its value as a text. Keep in mind that medicine is a discipline with obvious ethical implications. A doctor has knowledge that could allow him to make some decisions contrary to the Ethics, such as incitement to suicide, abortion, the use of poisonous substances and other many.

The first code of ethics in history

Today many professions incorporate an ethical commitment, which is known as code deontological. These codes specify a series of ethical issues: how a person should act professional, what actions are contrary to their profession or what are the limits that should not be crossed.

The different codes of ethics in force have a precedent with 2,500 years of history, the Hippocratic Oath.

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