Tag: Hippocratic oath

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.

Although widely attributed to the Hippocratic Oath, the famous phrase 'First, do no harm' is actually from a different work by Hippocrates, challenging the common perception of what is the first rule of being a doctor. This misconception points to a deeper reality: a doctor's ethical obligations are far more complex and foundational than a single phrase suggests.

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?.

While the phrase is popularly attributed to the Hippocratic Oath, the bedrock ethical concept of *primum non nocere*, or 'first, do no harm,' actually has a more complex history in medicine. This article explores the nuanced answer to what is the first rule for doctors, examining its ancient roots and its evolution into the modern practice of medicine.

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.