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Think
Assess
Patient: Autonomy
Practitioner: Beneficence & Nonmaleficence
Public Policy: Justice
Conclude
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E. The Hippocratic Oath
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As a member of the medical profession, I will not permit considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient.
~ Declaration of Geneva
Oath’s Secrets
Unraveling the Mystery of the Hippocratic Oath
In the hallowed halls of the renowned Galen Medical School, an air of unease gripped the students and faculty alike. It was a dark and stormy night when a mysterious murder shook the very foundations of the institution. Dr. Aesculapius, a revered physician and esteemed professor, was found lifeless in his office, an old parchment clutched in his cold hand. As the news spread, whispers of the Hippocratic Oath echoed through the corridors, and the chilling incident became an unexpected lesson in medical ethics.
Dr. Aesculapius had been a pillar of the institution, well-respected for his adherence to the Hippocratic Oath, an early statement on medical ethics believed to have originated and developed between the 6th century BCE to 1st century CE. He championed the responsibilities of a physician, emphasizing the importance of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and moral principles in his teachings. The students were well aware that their beloved professor had always upheld the ideals of beneficence, nonmaleficence, and justice.
When the investigation began, the detectives discovered that the parchment held by Dr. Aesculapius was a copy of the original Hippocratic Oath, translated by Michael North in 2002. Although the Oath was considered archaic and controversial, and not widely used in modern medical education, the detectives could not help but wonder if the answer to the murder lay hidden within its ancient verses.
As the detectives delved into the lives of those who knew Dr. Aesculapius, they found that the late professor had many students and colleagues who swore by the Oath, following its principles faithfully. It was clear that the lessons of the Hippocratic Oath had deeply influenced the community at Galen Medical School, even though the original text was no longer used in graduation ceremonies.
The detectives were especially intrigued by the Oath’s guidance on the teacher-student relationship, the value of imparting knowledge to those who wished to learn the art of medicine, and the commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality. They began to connect the dots between the murder and the Oath’s tenets, interviewing those who had learned from the deceased physician.
As the investigation unfolded, it became apparent that Dr. Aesculapius had been embroiled in a heated dispute with one of his colleagues, Dr. Panacea, over a breach of patient confidentiality. Dr. Panacea, it seemed, had failed to uphold the ethical standards set forth in the Hippocratic Oath, and Dr. Aesculapius had confronted him, demanding justice.
The storm that had been brewing outside finally broke, and the detectives found themselves cornered by the truth. Dr. Panacea, unable to bear the weight of his actions and the repercussions of violating the sacred Oath, had murdered Dr. Aesculapius in a moment of desperation. As the detectives apprehended the culprit, the legacy of the Hippocratic Oath reverberated through the halls of Galen Medical School.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, the faculty and students of Galen Medical School were reminded of the importance of upholding the ethical standards outlined in the Hippocratic Oath. They recognized that, although the original text was no longer widely used, its influence on medical ethics remained significant. The whispers of the Oath continued to guide them as they moved forward, striving to embody the core values that have shaped the medical profession for centuries. And so, the murder mystery of Dr. Aesculapius served as a somber lesson in the power and significance of the Hippocratic Oath in the world of medicine.
Abstract
The Hippocratic Oath is an early statement on medical ethics believed to have originated and developed between the 6th century BCE to 1st century CE. It emphasizes the responsibilities of a physician, including respect for professional boundaries, confidentiality, and moral principles. The Oath requires a physician to prioritize the well-being of their patients and to maintain their knowledge and skills throughout their career. It also calls for the physician to uphold certain ethical standards, such as avoiding harm, injustice, and impropriety, and to keep patient information confidential. The original Oath is not widely used today as it is considered outdated and controversial, but it remains an important historical document and symbol of traditional medical ethics.
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Preamble
[E:1] The Hippocratic Oath is one of the earliest and most important statements on medical ethics. Assumed to have been written by Hippocrates, the Oath exemplifies only the Pythagorean school rather than Greek thought. Estimates of its actual date of origin vary from the sixth century B.C.E. to the first century A.C.E.
[E:2] The Hippocratic Oath exemplifies the importance of being a clinical preceptor, and a life-long learner, along with being respectful of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and the moral principles of beneficence (do good), nonmaleficence (do no harm), and justice (be fair). Yet contrary to popular belief, few medical schools use the original Hippocratic Oath for graduation as it is considered archaic, paternalistic, and controversial.
[E:3]
HIPPOCRATIC OATH
[1] I swear by Apollo the physician, and Asclepius, and Hygieia and Panacea and all the gods and goddesses as my witnesses, that, according to my ability and judgement, I will keep this Oath and this contract:
[2] To hold him who taught me this art equally dear to me as my parents, to be a partner in life with him, and to fulfill his needs when required; to look upon his offspring as equals to my own siblings, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or contract; and that by the set rules, lectures, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to students bound by this contract and having sworn this Oath to the law of medicine, but to no others.
[3] I will use those dietary regimens which will benefit my patients according to my greatest ability and judgement, and I will do no harm or injustice to them.
[4] I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan; and similarly I will not give a woman a pessary to cause an abortion. In purity and according to divine law will I carry out my life and my art.
[5] I will not use the knife, even upon those suffering from stones, but I will leave this to those who are trained in this craft.
[6] Into whatever homes I go, I will enter them for the benefit of the sick, avoiding any voluntary act of impropriety or corruption, including the seduction of women or men, whether they are free men or slaves.
[7] Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be private.
[8] So long as I maintain this Oath faithfully and without corruption, may it be granted to me to partake of life fully and the practice of my art, gaining the respect of all men for all time. However, should I transgress this Oath and violate it, may the opposite be my fate.
Translated by Michael North, National Library of Medicine, 2002
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E. Review Questions
1. The Hippocratic Oath states: [3] I will do no harm … to them. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?1. [1] I swear … that, according to my ability and judgement, I will keep this Oath and this contract.
2. The Hippocratic Oath states: [3] I will do no … injustice to them. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?
3. The Hippocratic Oath states: [4] I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?
4. The Hippocratic Oath states: [6] Into whatever homes I go, I will enter them for the benefit of the sick. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement? no … injustice to them.
5. The Hippocratic Oath states: [7] Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be private. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?
Wrong 😕
Explanation: The Hippocratic Oath's statement "I will do no harm" is best reflected in the principle of Nonmaleficence, which is one of the four principles of biomedical ethics. Nonmaleficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm or injury to their patients. This principle is at the heart of the Hippocratic Oath, which is a set of ethical guidelines for physicians and has been considered the foundation of medical ethics for centuries. By pledging to do no harm, healthcare professionals are committing to prioritize the well-being and safety of their patients above all else, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice.
CORRECT! 🙂
Explanation: The Hippocratic Oath's statement "I will do no harm" is best reflected in the principle of Nonmaleficence, which is one of the four principles of biomedical ethics. Nonmaleficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm or injury to their patients. This principle is at the heart of the Hippocratic Oath, which is a set of ethical guidelines for physicians and has been considered the foundation of medical ethics for centuries. By pledging to do no harm, healthcare professionals are committing to prioritize the well-being and safety of their patients above all else, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice.
CORRECT! 🙂
Explanation: The statement "I will do no injustice to them" in the Hippocratic Oath is best reflected in the principle of Justice, which is one of the four principles of biomedical ethics. Justice refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to distribute benefits and burdens fairly among their patients. This principle is reflected in the Hippocratic Oath, which requires physicians to be fair in their treatment of patients and to avoid engaging in any behavior that could be considered unjust or unfair. By pledging to do no injustice, healthcare professionals are committing to treat all patients equally and impartially, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice. The principle of justice is a crucial component of biomedical ethics, as it helps ensure that patients receive the care and treatment they deserve, regardless of their social status or background.
Wrong 😕
Explanation: The statement "I will do no injustice to them" in the Hippocratic Oath is best reflected in the principle of Justice, which is one of the four principles of biomedical ethics. Justice refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to distribute benefits and burdens fairly among their patients. This principle is reflected in the Hippocratic Oath, which requires physicians to be fair in their treatment of patients and to avoid engaging in any behavior that could be considered unjust or unfair. By pledging to do no injustice, healthcare professionals are committing to treat all patients equally and impartially, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice. The principle of justice is a crucial component of biomedical ethics, as it helps ensure that patients receive the care and treatment they deserve, regardless of their social status or background.
Wrong 😕
Explanation: The statement "I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan" in the Hippocratic Oath is best reflected in the principle of Nonmaleficence, which is one of the four principles of biomedical ethics. Nonmaleficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm or injury to their patients. This principle is emphasized in the Hippocratic Oath, which requires physicians to refrain from providing or advising on treatments that could cause harm or result in death. By pledging not to give a lethal drug, healthcare professionals are committing to prioritize the well-being and safety of their patients above all else, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice. The principle of nonmaleficence is essential to the practice of medicine, as it helps ensure that patients receive care that promotes their health and well-being, rather than causing harm or injury.
CORRECT! 🙂
Explanation: The statement "I will not give a lethal drug to anyone if I am asked, nor will I advise such a plan" in the Hippocratic Oath is best reflected in the principle of Nonmaleficence, which is one of the four principles of biomedical ethics. Nonmaleficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm or injury to their patients. This principle is emphasized in the Hippocratic Oath, which requires physicians to refrain from providing or advising on treatments that could cause harm or result in death. By pledging not to give a lethal drug, healthcare professionals are committing to prioritize the well-being and safety of their patients above all else, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice. The principle of nonmaleficence is essential to the practice of medicine, as it helps ensure that patients receive care that promotes their health and well-being, rather than causing harm or injury.
CORRECT! 🙂
Explanation: The statement "Into whatever homes I go, I will enter them for the benefit of the sick" in the Hippocratic Oath is best reflected in the principle of Beneficence, which is one of the four principles of biomedical ethics. Beneficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to promote the well-being and do good for their patients. This principle is at the forefront of the Hippocratic Oath, which requires physicians to enter the homes of the sick for the purpose of providing care and treatment that will benefit their health. By pledging to enter homes for the benefit of the sick, healthcare professionals are committing to prioritize the well-being and health of their patients, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice. The principle of beneficeneficence is essential to the practice of medicine, as it helps ensure that patients receive care that promotes their health and well-being, rather than causing harm or injury.
Wrong 😕
Explanation: The statement "Into whatever homes I go, I will enter them for the benefit of the sick" in the Hippocratic Oath is best reflected in the principle of Beneficence, which is one of the four principles of biomedical ethics. Beneficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to promote the well-being and do good for their patients. This principle is at the forefront of the Hippocratic Oath, which requires physicians to enter the homes of the sick for the purpose of providing care and treatment that will benefit their health. By pledging to enter homes for the benefit of the sick, healthcare professionals are committing to prioritize the well-being and health of their patients, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice. The principle of beneficeneficence is essential to the practice of medicine, as it helps ensure that patients receive care that promotes their health and well-being, rather than causing harm or injury.
Wrong 😕
Explanation: The statement "Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be private" in the Hippocratic Oath is best reflected in the principle of Confidentiality, which is a key aspect of the principle of Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm or injury to their patients. Confidentiality is an important aspect of this principle, as it helps ensure that patients' sensitive and personal information is protected, thereby avoiding harm or injury that could result from unauthorized disclosure. By pledging to keep secrets and consider all information to be private, healthcare professionals are committing to protect the privacy and confidentiality of their patients, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice. The principle of confidentiality is essential to the practice of medicine, as it helps build trust between healthcare professionals and their patients and ensures that patients receive care in a safe and secure environment.
CORRECT! 🙂
Practitioner: Nonmaleficence (do no harm)
Explanation: The statement "Whatever I see or hear in the lives of my patients, whether in connection with my professional practice or not, which ought not to be spoken of outside, I will keep secret, as considering all such things to be private" in the Hippocratic Oath is best reflected in the principle of Confidentiality, which is a key aspect of the principle of Nonmaleficence. Nonmaleficence refers to the obligation of healthcare professionals to avoid causing harm or injury to their patients. Confidentiality is an important aspect of this principle, as it helps ensure that patients' sensitive and personal information is protected, thereby avoiding harm or injury that could result from unauthorized disclosure. By pledging to keep secrets and consider all information to be private, healthcare professionals are committing to protect the privacy and confidentiality of their patients, which is a fundamental aspect of ethical medical practice. The principle of confidentiality is essential to the practice of medicine, as it helps build trust between healthcare professionals and their patients and ensures that patients receive care in a safe and secure environment.
