Hippocratic Oath

Hippocrates was an excellent doctor who wished for all those who followed him to adhere to the same set of values and ethics. As a result, he suggested the Hippocratic oath, which contains the guidelines that all medical professionals must adhere to. All doctors are required by their oath to do their duties honestly and without violating any patient rights. The oath begins by swearing to the gods and lays forth a set of guidelines that must be followed.

He incorporated the oath into his Hippocratic Corpus. Abortion is one instance of immoral conduct mentioned in the oath. Hippocrates also asserts that those who uphold his pledge will build a solid reputation among medical professionals. The traditional Hippocratic Oath contained a promise to practice medicine to the best of one's abilities and judgment and to submit, where required, to the knowledge of skilled surgeons. This is similar to current rules of medical ethics. The oath also contained a vow to maintain patient confidentiality, which was possibly the first one made for professional practice in writing. Now, at graduation, the majority of medical students take this pledge.