Hippocratic Oath was written by Hippocrates and remains to be the oldest document that binds people in doing what is right particularly the physicians. Its objective is to protects the rights of the patients, by preserving their health as well as their privacy in the best way possible, and it is distinguished by words such as “I will” Hippocratic Oath is today used by graduating physicians so as to abide them by what they should do according to their profession, which is to treat people in the best ways possible by swearing to obey the obligations and conducting professionally (Graham, 2000).
The modern codes of medical ethics entail applying the moral codes by physicians in their career in medicine (Beauchamp & Childress, 2001). The modern codes of medical ethics teach on the following basic things;
Nonmaleficence that involves abstaining from inflicting harm or injuries to the patients. Besides, it objects physicians to deprive good life to other people, causing injuries or even to kill in case of euthanasia.
Respect for autonomy entails providing a room for the patient to get crucial information about the treatment, and make their decisions especially in cases to do with operations and surgery. Besides, physicians must treat the patients according to their community beliefs.
Justice entails fairness and equality in healthcare system. All physicians must treat the patient with equality and fairness, regardless of the relationship or economic status, keeping in mind that every life is equally important.
Beneficence in medical ethics is all about caring about the welfare of the patients. Physicians are obliged to caring on how to treat the patient, considering the previous medical history, give directions on right dosage of medicine, and even advising them on what to avoid and what to eat to improve their health.
In addition, the modern codes of medical ethics require physicians to use the scientific knowledge for treatment to avoid overtreatment, and to enquire knowledge from other physicians in case they are not sure about something. They also should respect and protect patient’s privacy, and most of all, treat them with humanity.
References
Beauchamp, T. L., & Childress, J. F. (2001). Principles of biomedical ethics. Oxford University Press, USA.
Graham, D. (2000). Revisiting Hippocrates. JAMA, 284(22), 2841-2842.
