Hippocratic Oath

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this oath:

I will respect the scientific achievements gained through the hard work of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and I will gladly share such knowledge, as if it were my own, with those who follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the sick, all measures that are required, avoiding every trap of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is an art of medicine, as well as its science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding can be worth more than the surgeon's scalpel or the pharmacist's medicine.

I will not be ashamed to say “I do not know,” nor will I hesitate to call on my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

I will respect the privacy of patients, so that the world does not learn of the problems they have entrusted to me. I will act especially carefully when it comes to life or death. If I am given the opportunity to save a life; thank you. But it may be within my power to take someone's life; this fearful responsibility must be faced with humility and awareness of my weakness. Above all, I must not play the role of God.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, or a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect the person's family and economic stability. My responsibility also 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 human beings as my brothers; those healthy in body and mind, as well as the sick.

If I do not break this oath, may I enjoy life and the art of medicine, respected while I live and remembered with compassion afterwards. May I always act in this way, in order to preserve the best traditions of my profession and to experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.

Written in 1964 by Louis Lasagna, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Tufts University, Boston, USA
Translated into Albanian by Prof. Dr. Xheladin Draçini