LAUSR

First, educate students on the Hippocratic Oath’s rich history, authors, and historical context; provide information on how it has changed over the years and how it intersects with contemporary medical and societal issues. For example, social justice and attempts to reform to ameliorate health disparities are increasingly prevalent themes in contemporary medical school curricula. What parallels might there be between these movements and the original Oath’s origins as espousing a view of medical ethics that was not widely shared at the time, that described modes of practice distinct from the then-current standards? This education should also allow for an open conversation about the difficult components of the original Oath and how they differ from contemporary versions. The ability to dissent could provide, for those who feel that they cannot swear the Oath, a rich opportunity for discovering and exploring how the Hippocratic view of medicine both informs and potentially complicates contemporary challenges.