Hippocratic Oath of ECMS Members
The physicians of the Erie County Medical Society, after graduation from
medical school and before entering into practice, swore to our patients
and our profession, an oath akin to this, taken by physicians since the
time of Hippocrates (460 – 370 BC).
I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:
I will respect the scientific gains of those physicians in whose steps I
walk, and gladly share my knowledge with those who are to follow.
I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all required measures,
avoiding both overtreatment and undertreatment.
I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science,
and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh
the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug.
I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my
colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient's recovery.
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I will respect the privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. Above all, I must not play at God.
I will remember that I do not treat a fever or a cancer, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect that person's family and economic stability. My responsibility includes these related problems, if I am to care adequately for the sick.
I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.
I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as those infirm.
If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.
After that written in 1964 by Louis Lasagna, Academic Dean of the School of Medicine at Tufts University, and used in many medical schools today.