What is the Hippocratic Oath?

The Hippocratic Oath is the traditional oath taken by doctors as they enter the profession. It is a form of ethical promise to practice medicine responsibly. Contrary to popular belief, it does not include the phrase “first, do no harm.” Although the oath is not binding, it establishes an international standard of ethical medicine. Many countries employ localized versions of the oath, or modern translations of the oath, which dates back to the 5th-Century, B.C., physician Hippocrates.

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