Hippocratic oath is somehow common among other declaration before uphold a medical profession. Although not compulsory, many have practiced before they are given an official medical title.
It was written in Greek by Hippocrates, yet the current translated version was revised many time already. Below is one of the translated version:
Apollo Physician and Asclepius and Hygieia and Panacea and all the gods and goddesses, making them my witnesses, that I will fulfill according to my ability and judgment this oath and this covenant: To hold him who has taught me this art as equal to my parents and to live my life in partnership with him, and if he is in need of money to give him a share of mine, and to regard his offspring as equal to my brothers in male lineage and to teach them this art - if they desire to learn it - without fee and covenant; to give a share of precepts and oral instruction and all the other learning to my sons and to the sons of him who has instructed me and to pupils who have signed the covenant and have taken an oath according to the medical law, but to no one else. I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice. I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly I will not give to a woman an abortive remedy. In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art. I will not use the knife, not even on sufferers from stone, but will withdraw in favor of such men as are engaged in this work. Whatever houses I may visit, I will come for the benefit of the sick, remaining free of all intentional injustice, of all mischief and in particular of sexual relations with both female and male persons, be they free or slaves. What I may see or hear in the course of the treatment or even outside of the treatment in regard to the life of men, which on no account one must spread abroad, I will keep to myself holding such things shameful to be spoken about. If I fulfill this path and do not violate it, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and art, being honored with fame among all men for all time to come; if I transgress it and swear falsely. may the opposite of all this be my lot.
Even though being popular in Cambodia, it might be uncommon in other countries since they opt for Declaration of Geneva, as below:
AT THE TIME OF BEING ADMITTED AS A
MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
• I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;
• I WILL GIVE to my teachers the respect and gratitude that is their due;
• I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity;
• THE HEALTH OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;
• I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;
• I WILL MAINTAIN by all the means in my power, the honour and the noble traditions of the medical profession;
• MY COLLEAGUES will be my sisters and brothers;
• 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;
• I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;
• I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;
• I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely and upon my honour.
Similar to Hippocratic Oath, Declaration of Geneva was also undergone revision.
So, which one is better according to your view?
LAY Sovannvathana
