The Hippocratic Oath has been around for over 2,000 years, dating back to 400-500 BCE, and is attributed to Hippocrates. However, when we examine its content, it doesn't quite match up with the values found in the other works of the Hippocratic Corpus, which were written by Hippocratic physicians.
Some scholars have suggested that the values of the Hippocratic Oath align more with those of a religious cult known as the Pythagoreans. This idea is certainly controversial, and the question of whether Hippocrates himself wrote the oath remains a subject of debate.
Despite its questionable origins, the Hippocratic Oath remains a cornerstone of medical ethics, with its emphasis on the physician's duty to do no harm and to prioritize the well-being of their patients. Whether or not Hippocrates wrote it himself, its principles have endured for centuries and continue to guide medical professionals today. #HippocraticOath #MedicalEthics #PythagoreanValues #MedicalHistory
Brian Elliott is an internal medicine chief resident and author of White Coat Ways: A History of Medical Traditions and Their Battle With Progress
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