Modern medicine isn’t based on superstition and magic, but on reason and observation. That’s all thanks to Hippocrates, the “Father of Medicine,” who is from ancient Greece. He wasn’t just interested in treating illnesses, he also believed in treating patients ethically.

Think of the famous saying, “First, do no harm. This principle, along with others like acting in the patient’s best interest and keeping their information confidential, form the core of the Hippocratic Oath. While the exact wording might not be the same as what doctors recite today, these ideas laid the groundwork for ethical considerations in medicine for centuries to come.

Fast forward a few hundred years, and we meet Galen, a Roman physician who lived from 129 to 216 CE. He was a big admirer of Hippocrates’ work and not only built upon his medical knowledge but also added his own ethical insights. Galen believed that being a good doctor wasn’t just about knowledge; it was also about having the right character. He emphasized qualities like compassion, integrity, and a commitment to learning, which further enriched the ethical landscape of medicine.

Together, Hippocrates and Galen’s work shaped how doctors approached their patients and their profession for centuries. Their emphasis on reason, patient well-being, and ethical conduct laid the foundation for professional standards and codes of ethics in medicine.

It’s important to remember that medicine has come a long way since their time. The specific ways we understand diseases and treat patients have evolved significantly. However, the core principles established by Hippocrates and Galen – principles like doing no harm, acting in the patient’s best interest, and maintaining patient confidentiality – are still highly relevant today. They serve as a constant reminder of the ethical foundation that healthcare professionals strive to uphold, ensuring trust and responsibility towards the patients they care for.

Sources:

1.  Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Galen.” https://www.britannica.com/summary/Galen.

2.  Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Hippocrates.” https://www.britannica.com/summary/Hippocrates.

3.  The Hastings Center. https://www.thehastingscenter.org/category/bioethics/.