Tag: Do no harm

Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine, is often wrongly credited with coining the exact phrase “first, do no harm”. While the original Hippocratic Oath does not contain this phrase, its underlying intention is best described by the ethical principle of **Nonmaleficence**, a cornerstone of modern healthcare.

Despite the popular belief that the exact phrase 'First, do no harm' originated from the Hippocratic Oath, its principle of non-maleficence is foundational to medical ethics, which ultimately informs what is the number one rule for doctors today. This core directive is not a single rule but a complex framework that governs a physician's duty to their patients.

Rooted in ancient medical traditions, the foundational ethical principle of “primum non nocere,” or "first, do no harm," is a cornerstone of healthcare practice. It serves as a moral compass for practitioners, answering the question: What is the first rule of medical practice?.

The well-known Latin aphorism, *primum non nocere* ('first, do no harm'), is widely regarded as the cornerstone of medical practice, guiding practitioners to prioritize patient well-being above all else. Exploring what is considered the first rule of medicine reveals a principle that, while ancient, continues to shape modern healthcare ethics and patient safety standards.

A central paradox in medicine is the potential for treatment to cause harm, which makes the ethical principle of avoiding harm paramount. The phrase *primum non nocere*, which is commonly misquoted as **what does primum nocere mean**, holds deep significance in medical ethics and practice, though its origins and modern application are far more complex than many believe.