| Tired of Reading? Please listen to the blog  |
Blog Summary
The 1948 Declaration of Geneva, incorporating the traditional Hippocratic Oath, remains significant in medical practice worldwide. While enforceable by law in some countries, it is disregarded in others. The implementation of the new Declaration reinforces the medical community’s dedication to upholding superior patient care standards. The revised commitment reflects the evolving doctor-patient and doctor-colleague relationships, emphasizing patient autonomy, dignity, respect among medical professionals, and knowledge sharing for patient welfare. Explore further to understand the updates in the physician’s commitment and its implications on medical ethics and practice.
It’s the 21st century – and modern medical science and technology have advanced rapidly to make a poignant difference in contemporary life. With time, the Hippocratic Oath, conceptualized 2,500 years ago has also undergone remarkable changes to make it more suitable and adaptable to the 21st century.
An update to the Hippocratic Oath for physicians was approved last year by the World Medical Association (WMA). It was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. At the WMA’s Annual General Assembly in Chicago, physicians approved the revisions made to the Declaration of Geneva which was adopted by the Association in 1948.
What is the Hippocratic Oath?
The Hippocratic oath is an ethical code attributed to the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates. It was adopted as a guide to conduct by the medical fraternity. It is also used by many medical schools during their graduation ceremonies.
In the oath, physicians pledge to prescribe a treatment that is beneficial to the patient according to their abilities and judgment. The pledge refrains the physicians from causing harm or hurt the patient and to live an exemplary personal and professional life.
How has the Oath been updated?
The new declaration is called a physician’s pledge and reflects the changes that have taken place over the past decades regarding the relationship between physicians and their patients and between physicians and their colleagues. Some of the changes that the new pledge incorporates include:
- Emphasis on respecting the dignity and autonomy of the patient
- Obligation for respect among medical teachers, colleagues, and medical students
- Share knowledge with other scholars for the welfare of patients and advancement in the healthcare sector
How will the Medical world benefit by making the Declaration global?
Physicians across the globe are still using the Declaration of Geneva, 1948. Most countries implemented the old Hippocratic Oath as part of the medical professional code. In some countries, it is legally binding, whereas, in others, it is not used at all.
Implementation of the new Declaration will strengthen the determination of the medical community to maintain the best healthcare standards for all patients.
For Medical Schools, preparing young students for a career in medicine, the updated pledge will play a vital role in shaping their future. For a top medical college, it’s all about its faculty and students and how together with the community, they can work harmoniously toward the well-being of society.
How will the global implementation of the Declaration benefit the medical world? Firstly, it will create a unified set of ethical standards that all physicians can adhere to, regardless of their geographic location. This will promote consistency and accountability in healthcare practices worldwide.
Additionally, a global Declaration of Geneva will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among medical professionals from different countries. It will encourage an exchange of best practices, advancements in medical research, and the dissemination of medical knowledge for the betterment of patient care globally.
Moreover, the implementation of the Declaration on a global scale will enhance the reputation of the medical profession as a whole. Patients and society will have increased confidence in the integrity and ethical values upheld by physicians worldwide.
Overall, the global adoption of the Declaration of Geneva will strengthen the medical community’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare, promoting professionalism, and ensuring patient well-being on a global scale.
