The meaning of an oath

A day like today, twenty-one years ago, I became a doctor in Venezuela and made an oath that will mark my life forever: “Primum non noncere” (that translates to English as ‘First, do not harm’). Yesterday we celebrated Medical Doctor’s Day in my country and I have been pondering on the idea of this promise I made.

The Hippocratic Oath is a code of ethics that marks the right of passage for medical graduates in many countries and its significance goes beyond its symbolic nature to the point in which its violation may carry criminal charges and other liabilities.

This is a day to be celebrated with gratitude, humility, and compassion. I have always felt humbled to be granted an entry pass into someone’s life; with a certain ‘right’ to conduct procedures, diagnoses, and conclusions that might change the course of their life. It is such a huge responsibility.

In view of todays’ international turn boil, I wonder about all the other professions that should live by the same oath: politicians, world leaders, teachers, church representatives, and the list goes on.

Maybe, if we all do the right thing for those around us and incorporate these words in our daily goings we change the curse of times.