The Millennium Health Oath

I SWEAR by Health, and by the global human community, and by Earth our planet that, according to my ability and judgment, I will keep this Oath and will reckon those who benefit from the Art of Medicine dear to me. I will teach them this Art, if they shall wish to learn it. And by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart knowledge of Health to them.

In whatever I say or do I will follow the course that, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of their health, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will deal with people truthfully and without deception, not overreaching the scope of my expertise.

I will seek always to improve my wisdom, knowledge, and expertise, learning from Science, from other physicians, from nurses, from patients, and from others, in order to deliver the highest quality and most up-to-date care. I will provide also the means for people to evaluate that which I recommend and the means to make their own health decisions with the benefit of my expertise and thoughtful counsel.

Into whatever homes I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the people’s health. I will practice my art with purity, and make clear any competing benefit, claim, or hindrance that might influence what I say or do. I will abstain from sexual misconduct and from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further from misleading anyone or seeking hidden financial gain.

Whatever, in connection with my professional practice or not, I see or hear in the lives of people that ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret. Whatever health-related personal information I collect I will safeguard it, and use it only for purposes agreed to by the person or demanded by conscience.

While I continue to keep this Oath unviolated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all people, in all times! But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot!