Throughout the history of medicine there has always been a need for shared commitment to ideals of moral, ethical and humane practice. The Hippocratic Oath, created by a compilation of works largely based on Hippocrates, has always stood as guidelines for the conduct of physicians. The Classical oath has and continues to serve well in preserving the sanctity of the medical profession while developing a basis for the respectful treatment of patients.
However, this out-dated oath is not equipped to handle the modern trials and tribulations faced by physicians and health care in general. Many of its principles are simply unrealistic and inapplicable in today’s society. For this reason a revised version of the oath was written. As I will argue, this modern oath is necessary in defending the sacredness of a physician’s title in today’s ever changing world. This is a job the classical oath can no longer rightfully fulfill.
In the original oath written by Hippocrates, a basis for commitment is set by beginning the document with solemnly promise to the Greek gods and goddesses of healing. In comparison to the modern oath, where no promises to a higher being are mentioned, many may find this religious vow necessary in constituting a shared moral code. However, the pagan beliefs of Hippocrates and the ancient Greeks stand irrelevant in today’s mass of monotheistic dominated cultures such as Christians, Jews and Muslims.
It may also be warned that the removal of religion from the oath will degrade its purpose to little more than a tradition. The need for a higher promise to distinguish a physician as a trustworthy and honorable person may be viewed as problem itself though as it undermines the professional and educated standard of physicians alike. Furthermore, it may be qualified as unethical by many modern day standards for a physician in a country such as the United States, which was founded upon religious freedoms, to make decisions of life and death based on their own religious ideals.
As stated in the modern oath, the delicate morality code for making these decisions and the framework of the oath itself must be upheld by judgment not religion. By rewriting the oath to phrase ‘best of my ability and judgment’ the responsibility of physicians is transferred from a supernatural level to a personal one implying the use of well-informed and knowledgeable skills acquired in their extensive training. Despite today’s intense educational and screening requirements for medicine, many still rightfully question a doctor’s ability to practice good judgment.
In Hippocrates original oath the title of physician was protected by the creation of a cult based on lineages of those already practicing medicine. Additionally, it pledges entrance of member’s future generations into the cult with exclusion of outsiders. The formation of such a cult in almost any situation is sure to stifle individuality, generate wide-spread beliefs and discourage debate. In the absence of these qualities in the realm of medicine the world would have missed out on vast discoveries and advancements.
The encouragement and openness for participation in scientific and medical research growing over the past decades may be credited for many technological, pharmaceutical and diagnostic tools that make it possible to sustain the worlds enormous and growing populations need for health care today. . Furthermore, the use of a cult as seen in the original oath would deplete the motivation seen so strongly in today’s generations willing to practicing medicine.
If the essential drive and determination of those competing to join the medical profession was replaced with a sense of entitlement, it may be speculated there would be a drastic decline in the quality of healthcare. The modern oath focuses on preservation of the professions good judgment in much more realistic system. First, the revised version roots judgment in science with a deep respect for all intellectuals involved in past and present research in the art of medicine. Moreover, it balances this factual framework with an essential message of humanity.
With the statement, “warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug” physicians are given the responsibility to step down from their systematic ways of scientific thinking and make decisions on the level of human kind. The modern oath also provides for the necessary address of issues in liability in relation with a physicians judgment. This is predominately done by promoting the uniting of colleagues and defending a physicians right to be unsure in a world of so many unknowns.
This acceptance and appreciation is essential for fostering a comradely among physicians that challenges each to think independently, dispute their own peers and still be conducive of making advancements. In consideration of procedures deemed acceptable and unacceptable for physicians to perform the original oath of Hippocatates is largely out dated to what may be considered unrealistic for present day medicine. One of the major discrepancies lies in Hippocrates belief in non-invasive procedures which forbids against the “use of a knife”.
Hippocrates timid approach to healing is quite understandable and applicable in an ancient civilization. In addition to cultivating the profession of a physician it was also Hippocrates responsibility to introduce it to society as a respectful and reputable practice. This is hardly the case in today’s society where medicine is so advanced the focus seems have shifted from the basic preservation of life to the expectation of improving life. The modern oath makes no strong mention against surgery but rather provides a weary general warning to, “read with care in matters of life and death”.
The classical oath also bluntly states against abortion and euthanasia as the duty of a physician. It can be argued that Hippocrates was not condemning these acts in general but rather stating them to not be a physician’s job. Today, the specialization of medicine into smaller specific studies allows for the capability and opportunities for physicians to perform these tasks in what many consider to be safe or human procedures. Again, the modern oath makes no specific mention against them.
The revised oath does however calls upon a decision based with broader perspectives in mind such as family and society. In a world that is progressively moving towards a more conservative state, in resources and life, the freedom to independently decide participation in these procedures is crucial. In conclusion, the Hippocratic Oath is just as important in today’s world as it ever will be. Making a public commitment to a set of shared responsibilities is fundamental in making the transition from a student of medicine to a practioner in it.
However, it is the revised oath that will provide standards to promote our vastly growing knowledge and skills for the greater benefit of modern society as a whole. It is this oath that fosters present and future physician’s inspiration, determination, comradery and moral beliefs. It is also here that we grant the hard earned prestigious titles of physicians with personal judgment, trust in humanity, and much needed protection. All of these are vital in a profession facing so many ethical issues.
The need for change is unavoidable, especially in medicine. As a man of science himself, I’m sure Hippocrates would agree.
References Bell, Julie. “When Did Medical Students Begin Taking the Hippocratic Oath? | History News Network. ” History News Network. Baltimore Sunday, 17 May 2004. Porter, Roy. The Greatest Benefit to Mankind: A Medical History of Humanity. New York: W. W. Norton, 1999. Print. Tyson, Peter. “The Hippocratic Oath Today. ” PBS. PBS, 27 Mar. 2001. Web. 29 Jan. 2013.