The Hippocratic Oath: Revisited

Abstract

Traditionally, the model of the physician-patient relationship was rooted in the Hippocratic Oath that condoned paternalism. The current emphasis on autonomy and distributive justice has changed the relationship to such extent that one might argue that the Oath has become irrelevant. This article will discuss whether the obligations dictated by the Oath are specifically Western or not, what has changed in the current medical environment and what should replace this traditional Oath?