Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan Institute of Medical Sciences

Hippocratic Oath

The Ethical Foundation of Medical Practice – Hippocratic Oath

Medicine is not only a field of science and knowledge, but also a profession built on responsibility, compassion, and ethical practice. For generations, the Hippocratic Oath has served as a guiding principle for doctors, reminding them of the trust placed in them by patients and society. It reflects the values that every medical professional is expected to uphold throughout their career.
At its core, the oath represents a commitment to use medical knowledge for the welfare of patients, to respect the traditions of the medical profession, and to practise medicine with integrity and humility.

Principles of the Hippocratic Oath

Doctors who take this oath commit themselves to the following principles.

To practise medicine with honesty, dedication, and sound judgement.
To respect and acknowledge the knowledge and contributions of physicians who came before, and to share that knowledge with future generations.
To use medical knowledge only for the benefit of patients, avoiding harm or unnecessary treatment.
To remember that medicine is both a science and an art, where compassion, empathy, and understanding are as important as clinical skill.
To seek the help and expertise of colleagues whenever a patient’s care requires it.
To protect the privacy and confidentiality of patients and treat all personal information with the utmost respect.
To approach matters of life and death with humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
To treat every patient as a human being, recognising that illness affects not only the individual but also their family and community.
To consider the broader needs of patients, including social and emotional challenges that may accompany illness.
To focus on prevention whenever possible, recognising that preventing disease is often better than treating it.
To remember that doctors are members of society and have responsibilities toward the wellbeing of all people.
To uphold the honour and traditions of the medical profession and continue the lifelong pursuit of healing and service.

The Hippocratic Oath continues to serve as a moral compass for medical professionals. It reminds doctors that beyond knowledge and skill, the practice of medicine requires compassion, responsibility, and respect for human life.
For students entering the medical profession, this oath represents the beginning of a lifelong commitment to ethical care, continuous learning, and service to humanity.