Physician's Oath
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This article duplicates, in whole or part, the scope of other article(s) or section(s). |
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It has been suggested that this article be merged into Declaration of Geneva. (Discuss) Proposed since December 2012. |
The Physician's Oath was codified in the Declaration of Geneva (1948) by the World Medical Association.[1]
It was adopted by the General Assembly of the World Medical Association, Geneva, Switzerland, September 1948 and amended by the 22nd World Medical Assembly, Sydney, Australia, August 1968.[2]
Purpose of the Physician's Oath (1948) [edit]
This oath seems to be a response to the atrocities committed by the physicians in Nazi Germany.[3] Notably, this oath requires the physician to "not use [his or her] medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity."[4] This document was adopted by the World Medical Association only three months before the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) which provides for the security of the person.[3]
Upon a physician's retirement, the "Physician's Oath on Retirement" is being proposed "to address the moral, psychological, social, and cultural responsibilities that a physician assumes when voluntarily relinquishing the responsibilities of active medical practice."[5]
The Physician's Oath [edit]
At the time of being admitted as a member of the medical profession:
- I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
- I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;
- I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity;
- The health of my patients will be my number one consideration;
- I will respect the secrets that are confided in me, even after my patient has died;
- I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honor and the noble traditions of the medical profession;
- My colleagues will be my brothers and sisters;
- I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, gender, politics, socioeconomic standing, or sexual orientation to intervene between my duty and my patient;
- I will maintain the utmost respect for human life; even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;
- I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.[6]
References [edit]
- ^ "The Declaration of Geneva (1948)". Cirp.org. 2002-06-06. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
- ^ "The Amending of the Physician's Oath". Cirp.org. 2002-06-06. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
- ^ a b "The Oath". Cirp.org. 2002-06-06. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
- ^ The Oath (University of Washington)
- ^ "A Physician's Oath on Retirement". Pubmedcentral.nih.gov. 2011-10-03. Retrieved 2011-11-23.
- ^ Declaration of Geneva
