The History of the Hippocratic Oath: Outdated, Inauthentic, and Yet Still Relevant

Abstract

Nearly all medical schools incorporate some form of professional medical oath into their graduation ceremo- nies. The oldest and most popular of these oaths is the Hippocratic Oath, composed more than 2,400 years ago. In modern times, especially during the twentieth century, the Hippocratic Oath has had its content changed and its authorship challenged. This article discusses the history of the Hippocratic Oath from its traditional form to its modern adaptations. Additionally, this article seeks to explain the Hippocratic Oath’s endurance despite these challenges, based upon the historical importance of Hippocrates and the Hippocratic tradition in Western medicine.