The classical Hippocratic Oath

Of a once sacred profession, "to do no harm".

Photo by Anne Nygård on Unsplash

I swear by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius the surgeon, likewise Hygieia and Panacea, and call all the gods and goddesses to witness, that I will observe and keep this underwritten oath, to the utmost of my power and judgment.

I will reverence my master who taught me the art. Equally with my parents, will I allow him things necessary for his support, and will consider his sons as brothers. I will teach them my art without reward or agreement; and I will impart all my acquirement, instructions, and whatever I know, to my master’s children, as to my own; and likewise to all my pupils, who shall bind and tie themselves by a professional oath, but to none else.

With regard to healing the sick, I will devise and order for them the best diet, according to my judgement and means; and I will take care that they suffer no hurt or damage.

Nor shall any man’s entreaty prevail upon me to administer poison to anyone; neither will I counsel any man to do so.

Moreover, I will give no sort of medicine to any pregnant women, with a view to destroy the child.

Further, I will comport myself and use my knowledge in a godly manner.

I will not cut for the stone, but will commit that affair entirely to the surgeons.

Whatsoever house I may enter, my visit shall be for the convenience and advantage of the patient; and I will willingly refrain from doing any injury or wrong from falsehood, and from acts of an amorous nature, whatever may be the rank of those who it may be my duty to cure, whether mistress or servant, bond or free.

Whatever, in the course of my practice, I may see or hear, whatever I may happen to obtain knowledge of, if it be not proper to repeat it, I will keep sacred and secret within my own breast.

If I faithfully observe this oath, may I thrive and prosper in my fortune and profession, and live in the estimation of posterity; or on breach thereof, may the reverse be my fate!

Remnant | MD

This version of the Greek classical Hippocratic oath, an oath taken by physicians in ancient Greece, illustrates the serious and sacred nature surrounding the healing professions.

It is an oath sworn to the gods and goddesses of health and healing.

It speaks of teaching and passing on knowledge, experience, and wisdom to pupils.

One of the first things is “devising and ordering the best diet”. Nutrition is the foundation of health!

It speaks of conflict of interest, “nor shall any man’s entreaty prevail upon me to administer poison to anyone.”

It speaks of treating patients fairly, whether mistress or servant and not causing injury or harm from falsehoods.

It includes a statement of patient-doctor confidentiality.

In these modern times, the Hippocratic oath has been slowly eroded away, with the hi-jacking of our medical schools, veterinary medical schools, research institutions, professional journals, and editorial boards by corporate interests.

Untested medications and treatments are flowing from pharmaceutical companies, right past the FDA who work for them, and into the bodies of our dogs and cats causing significant injury, harm, suffering and death.

It used to be illegal for a business entity to own a veterinary hospital. Now it is difficult to find an independently owned clinic that is owned and operated by a licensed veterinarian.

We need to get back to the basics and reclaim our profession, for the sake of the animals we are trying to help.

Thank you,

Remnant MD

, for your inspiration to share this most vital information to the veterinary medical community and pet parents.