The Hippocratic Oath and More ...
First let me preface by saying the <i>Hippocratic Oath</i> is a code of ethics taken by all those about to begin medical practice.
I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine over the weekend about the practice of medicine. He is the type of person that does not believe in taking medication, even over-the-counter medication like Advil for the common headache. He feels that what is to be, is to be when it comes to the human body and that physicians should not try to play GOD and alter what is destined to be our future.
Well, I come from a family of doctors, so I have a distinctly different opinion. I believe in medicine, but I do not believe that doctors are "playing GOD". I believe that GOD blessed certain souls with the gift and knowledge of healing. I truly believe that, because I see first hand in my own family the things that they go through.
I want to interject and add this section of the modern day <i>Hippocratic Oath</i>:<blockquote><i>"Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at GOD.</i>"</blockquote>
When I look back through the history of time, we see the evolution on modern medicine. Let's look at vaccinations of diseases that in just a meer 80 years ago could have killed us. My friend said he does believe in giving blood and placing casts on broken bones, but he has to draw the line on transplants and artificial insemination and procedures of that nature. I asked his opinion on treatment of cancer and other potentially terminal diseases and he said that doctors should not intervene. I happen to disagree.
Personally, I disagree with cloning and test tube babies, but there's really no other procedures that I object to. But I do know if I am suffering from allergies or cramps, I'll be the first one in line to take some kind of medication. And I'll be damned if one day I give birth without an epidural.
The <i>Hippocratic Oath</i> in it's entirety: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/doctors/oath_modern.html" target="_blank"><i>Hippocratic Oath</i></a>
I'm curious to hear your opinions on the topic at hand ...
First let me preface by saying the <i>Hippocratic Oath</i> is a code of ethics taken by all those about to begin medical practice.
I had an interesting conversation with a friend of mine over the weekend about the practice of medicine. He is the type of person that does not believe in taking medication, even over-the-counter medication like Advil for the common headache. He feels that what is to be, is to be when it comes to the human body and that physicians should not try to play GOD and alter what is destined to be our future.
Well, I come from a family of doctors, so I have a distinctly different opinion. I believe in medicine, but I do not believe that doctors are "playing GOD". I believe that GOD blessed certain souls with the gift and knowledge of healing. I truly believe that, because I see first hand in my own family the things that they go through.
I want to interject and add this section of the modern day <i>Hippocratic Oath</i>:<blockquote><i>"Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at GOD.</i>"</blockquote>
When I look back through the history of time, we see the evolution on modern medicine. Let's look at vaccinations of diseases that in just a meer 80 years ago could have killed us. My friend said he does believe in giving blood and placing casts on broken bones, but he has to draw the line on transplants and artificial insemination and procedures of that nature. I asked his opinion on treatment of cancer and other potentially terminal diseases and he said that doctors should not intervene. I happen to disagree.
Personally, I disagree with cloning and test tube babies, but there's really no other procedures that I object to. But I do know if I am suffering from allergies or cramps, I'll be the first one in line to take some kind of medication. And I'll be damned if one day I give birth without an epidural.
The <i>Hippocratic Oath</i> in it's entirety: <a href="http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/doctors/oath_modern.html" target="_blank"><i>Hippocratic Oath</i></a>
I'm curious to hear your opinions on the topic at hand ...