Hippocrates and Psychology’s Oaths


Independent Practitioner/Fall 2005

Practitioner Information


Hippocrates and Psychology’s Oaths


Contents

Table of Contents

Editorial and Opinion

President’s MessageJeff Barnett

President-Elect’s ColumnLillian Comas-Diaz

Editor’s Column – EBT and EVT. Can We Please Stop?Ed Lundeen

Special Editor for Practice Column– Answering AlanStanley Graham

Contributing Editor’s Column – Ocean Swells AheadPat DeLeon

In Search of An IdentityCarol Goldberg

Classic Reprints

Tort Reform Does Not Equal Malpractice ReformRon Fox

Technology Updates

Usability Review, Div 42 Members WebsiteDavid Palmiter

Browser Toolbars and EnhancmentsPauline Wallin

Division News and Notes

Convention Summary ’05Miguel Gallardo

Division Financial Report SummaryKatherine Nordal

Proposed Division Budget for 2006

President’s Annual ReportJeff Barnett

Photo Summary of APAPhotos by Alan Entin

Book Review

“How Can I Forgive You” by Janis Abram SpringPeter Skivinny

EGY Kicsi Ostobaság

Clem Helps PsychologistsMartin Williams

Relocating By the Sea RamblingsMarve Plotnik


Below is a translation from the Original Works of Hippocrates. Compare this with the oath printed below established by Ron Fox and given to students who enter the Psy.D. program at Wright State University. Perhaps a good model for all of us. (Ed.)

The Oath of Hippocrates

I swear by Apollo the physician, and Aesculapius, and Health, and All-heal, and all the gods and goddesses, that according to my ability and judgment I will keep this Oath and this stipulation — to reckon him who taught me this Art equally dear to me as my parents, to share my substance with him, and relieve his necessities if required; to look upon his offspring in the same footing as my own brothers, and to teach them this art, if they shall wish to learn it, without fee or stipulation; and that by precept, lecture, and every other mode of instruction, I will impart a knowledge of the Art to my own sons, and those of my teachers, and to disciples bound by a stipulation and oath according to the law of medicine, but to none others. I will follow that system of regimen which, according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patients, and abstain from whatever is deleterious and mischievous. I will give no deadly medicine to any one if asked, nor suggest any such counsel; and in like manner I will not give to a woman a pessary to produce abortion. With purity and with holiness I will pass my life and practice my Art. I will not cut persons laboring under the stone, but will leave this to be done by men who are practitioners of this work. Into whatever houses I enter, I will go into them for the benefit of the sick and will abstain from every voluntary act of mischief and corruption; and, further, from the seduction of femes or males, of freemen and slaves. Whatever, in connection with my professional practice, or not in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret While I continue to keep this Oath un-violated, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and the practice of the art, respected by all men, in all times! But should I trespass and violate this Oath, may the reverse be my lot!

Oath of Affirmation

I hereby affirm that I shall discharge the responsibilities of my profession in a manner consistent with respect for the dignity and worth of the individual and that I shall strive for the preservation and protection of fundamental human rights; That I shall seek to increase knowledge of human behavior, to increase self-understanding and understanding of other, and that I shall use such knowledge for the promotion of human welfare; That I shall diligently protect the welfare of those who seek my services, and that I shall use my skills only in the furtherance of human welfare and the integrity of the individual; And that I shall well and truly recognize the traditions and ethics of the profession of psychology, and that I shall subscribe to these traditions and ethics freely and upon my honor. 

Adapted from the Code of Ethics

American Psychological Association

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