THE HIPPOCRATIC OATH IN MODERN MEDICINE: A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF ITS HISTORICAL TRAJECTORY, INTERPRETATIONS, AND APPLICABILITY

Abstract

Almost all medical schools include some type of professional medical oath in their graduation ceremonies. The Hippocratic Oath, which was written over 2,400 years ago, is the oldest and most widely known of these oaths. The Hippocratic Oath's content has altered over time, particularly in the twentieth century, and its authorship has been disputed. This article explores the history of the Hippocratic Oath, from its traditional form to its current variations. While adopting the analytical method, this article aims to explain the Hippocratic Oath's durability in the face of these obstacles, drawing on Hippocrates' historical significance and the Hippocratic tradition in Western medicine. The findings reveal that, since its inception, the Hippocratic Oath has undergone significant evolution and reinterpretation. In conclusion, the article maintains that the Hippocratic Oath remains a foundational ethical framework in modern medicine. In recommendation, medical practitioners should reflect on the Oath's principles, adapting them in order to address medical ethical challenges in our modern time.