Medical Oath

Guess what? While rummaging through my stuff to make sure I had not left out anything important (I pack until dunno what else to pack ade - ideas anyone please?), I found the paper on the Medical Student Oath which we all took while starting medical school.

Can't believe I still have it. Anyway, am gonna post it here so I can throw the paper away refer to it when I want to haha.

It is a pretty solemn yet inspiring piece compiled and edited by Ericson - my guess is that he compiled it from many thoughtful pieces on the medical profession - so here it is!

As I enter the medical profession

I will remember that I am a member of a larger community

With responsibilities to the sick and well

I will respect and be ever grateful to my teachers who have planted the seeds of knowledge

Which I shall nurture forever

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not"

And to ask for assistance when the skills of another are needed

My colleagues will be my brothers and sisters

And I will not permit consideration of religion, nationality, race, politics or social standing to

intervene in my duty and interaction with patient and colleagues

I will respect the privacy of my patients

For their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know

I will remember that medicine is a multifaceted discipline

Combining art and science, with the aim of preventing disease when possible, treating when necessary, and above all, expressing genuine warmth, compassion, empathy and understanding to patients and families

I will maintain the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession

And strive to be a person of goodwill, high moral character and impeccable conduct

I will remember that in order to properly care for my patients

I must also take care of myself, both body and spirit

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art

Respected while I live, and remembered with affection hereafter

I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honor

Here am I, ready for my vocation, and now I turn onto my calling

Inspiring, isn't it?

Medicine is really not merely an occupation, it is a vocation.

I pray that I'll be ever humble and ready to learn and hopefully, will be a competent and caring doctor in the years to come.