HIPPOCRATIC OATH Flashcards
Who are the entities mentioned in the oath to be called as witnesses for keeping the promise?
Apollo the Healer, Aesculapius, Health, all the powers of healing, and all the Gods and Goddesses.
How should a physician regard their master in the science?
With the same respect as their parents, sharing life with them and paying all debts.
To whom should a physician teach the science?
To their sons, the sons of their master, and duly appointed and sworn pupils without fee or contract.
What is the duty of a physician towards younger generations?
To teach them their knowledge and skills for the betterment of the patient, not for personal ego.
What should a physician do if a case is beyond their ability?
Refer the case to a more capable doctor.
What must a physician abstain from doing to others?
Harming or wrong-doing any man.
What is the stance on euthanasia and abortion in the Philippines according to the oath?
Both euthanasia and abortion are considered unacceptable and unethical.
What must a physician’s life and practice reflect?
Chastity and religiosity.
What should a physician do if a patient needs a procedure outside their specialty?
Refer the patient to a practitioner of that craft and respect the different specialties.
What is the intention of a physician when entering a patient’s home?
To help the sick and never to do harm or injury.
What is the rule regarding sexual contact with patients?
It is forbidden to indulge in sexual contact with patients, regardless of their status.
What is the proper way to perform physical examinations according to the oath?
Only touch the patient when and where necessary, ensure appropriate dressing, and have a company present if possible.
What must a physician do with information seen or heard professionally or privately?
Keep it secret and divulge it to no one.
What will happen if the oath is observed faithfully?
The physician may prosper in life and profession, earning good repute.
What will happen if the oath is violated?
The physician’s lot will be otherwise.
What is the primary objective of the practice of medicine?
Service to mankind irrespective of race, age, disease, disability, gender, sexual orientation, social standing, creed, or political affiliation.
What should be subordinate to the objective of service in medical practice?
Reward or financial gain.
What obligation does a physician assume upon entering the profession?
Maintaining the honorable tradition of being a ‘friend of mankind.’
How should physicians conduct themselves according to the General Principles?
In accordance with the Code of Ethics and the International Code of Medical Ethics.
What civic duty must physicians fulfill?
Conform to laws, cooperate with authorities, and apply medical knowledge for the common welfare.
How should physicians interact with each other?
Work together in harmony and mutual respect.
Give examples of unethical practices among physicians.
Persuading a patient to visit their clinic instead of a colleague’s, giving compensation for referrals, or posting billboards claiming to be the ‘best doctor in town.’
What is a physician’s duty towards paramedical and other health professionals?
Cooperate with and safeguard their interests, reputation, and dignity.
What personal qualities should physicians maintain?
Uprightness, diligence, sobriety, modesty, and competence in the science and art of medicine.
What should be prioritized in medical practice?
The health of patients over the benefits of physicians or health product industries.
What is the duty of physicians to their patients under Section 1 of Article II?
Provide competent medical care with skill, compassion, independence, and respect for human dignity.
What must a physician do in an emergency if their safety is not at risk?
Administer first aid and refer the patient to a primary physician or more competent health provider.
Is a physician obligated to treat a patient they pass on the street?
No, if doing so endangers their life; however, they are ethically obligated to provide first aid when safe.
What should a physician do in serious or difficult cases?
Seek the assistance of an appropriate specialist.
What should a physician prioritize when discussing a diagnosis, prognosis, or treatment?
Good faith, honesty, and respect for the patient’s right to refuse treatment.
What is the rule for informed consent in unconscious or mentally incapacitated patients?
Consent may be given by a spouse, immediate relatives, or an authorized party.
What is a physician’s responsibility regarding patient confidentiality?
Keep patient information sacred and confidential even after death, except when required for justice, safety, or public health.
What factors determine professional fees for physicians?
Services rendered, patient’s financial status, case nature, time spent, and the physician’s professional standing.
What is unethical regarding professional fees?
Increasing fees solely based on a patient’s higher financial status.
What should a physician do during times of epidemic or public calamity?
Attend to victims, alert the public and authorities, and enforce prevention measures unless personal safety is at risk.
What is the physician’s duty in assisting justice?
Serve as an expert witness and receive fair remuneration as per the law.
What is the physician’s responsibility towards unlicensed practitioners and charlatans?
Expose and report them to proper authorities and never condone or connive with them.
Why is it unethical for agents to solicit patients for specific doctors?
Because such practices involve ‘finder’s fees’ and compromise ethical medical referrals.
What are the acceptable means of promoting a medical practice?
Professional cards, classified ads, publications, directories, internet, and signboards of limited size (1x2 meters).
What details can appear on a physician’s signboard or website?
Name, field of specialty, office hours, and office or residential addresses.
What should not be included in a physician’s advertisements or taglines?
Statements like ‘best physician in town,’ ‘heart for the masses,’ or ‘heart for the children.’
Where can a physician post information about their qualifications?
Within their clinic or residence, and on internet websites to inform patients about their capabilities and qualifications.
What must a physician avoid when appearing in multimedia?
Making a specific diagnosis, therapy, or projection for individual cases.
What are the guidelines for articles written by physicians?
They must be evidence-based and disclose connections with pharmaceutical or health product companies.
What is prohibited for physicians regarding endorsements?
Commercially endorsing medical or health products.
Who is exempt from paying professional fees to a physician?
Colleagues, their financially dependent spouses, children, and parents.
What must a physician do if an appropriate specialist is needed?
Seek consultation from the specialist.
What is the protocol for referrals between physicians?
The referring physician must forward a clinical abstract and specify whether the referral is for opinion, co-management, or transfer of service.
What is the responsibility of a substitute physician during a temporary absence?
Treat the patient with the same dedication and return the patient to the primary physician as soon as possible.
Is it ethical for a physician to comment on a patient under another doctor’s care?
No, it is unethical unless an emergency arises.
What should be done in cases of irreconcilable differences between physicians about patient management?
Refer the matter to the Philippine Medical Association or the relevant specialty society.
What is required for editorial board members of medical journals?
They must possess adequate qualifications.
What should be disclosed in medical articles and scientific presentations?
Full disclosure of pharmaceutical support and independence from commercial influence.
What is prohibited regarding commissions for referrals?
Physicians should not receive commissions for referring patients to colleagues, third parties, or institutions.
What gifts are acceptable for physicians to receive?
Nominal gifts such as birthday cakes or flowers.
What should physicians report to the Philippine Medical Association?
Corrupt or dishonest conduct by members of the profession.
What is the purpose of Continuing Medical Education (CME) conferences?
To improve and optimize patient care or address educational needs of the medical audience.
Can funds from commercial sources be accepted?
Yes, but only for the benefit of associations or societies, not for personal use.
Are subsidies for CME events allowed?
Yes, as long as they are reasonable and support the physician’s participation.
Can physicians accept honoraria from industries?
Yes, for reasonable transportation, lodging, and meal expenses during conferences.
What are the guidelines for scholarships for physicians and medical students?
Scholarships are permissible as long as selection is made by organizers or academic institutions.
What name should be used in CME activities?
Generic names of drugs or health products.
What are the restrictions on commercial exhibits at CME events?
They must not influence the planning or interfere with CME activities and should only include relevant product information.
What is prohibited between physicians and allied health workers?
Paying or receiving commissions for patient referrals.
What material gain is prohibited from product samples?
Physicians should not derive any form of material gain from product samples.
What conditions must be met for physicians participating in post-marketing activities?
Patients must be properly informed, give consent, and results should be shared with authorities.
What kind of gifts may be accepted by physicians from health product companies?
Only gifts of reasonable value that benefit patient care or are related to the physician’s work.
When can physicians request donations?
For charitable purposes that do not benefit the physician personally.
What are the ethical requirements for research activities by physicians?
They must be ethically defensible, socially responsible, scientifically valid, and remuneration should not be an enticement.
What guidelines must research trials adhere to?
National or institutional guidelines for the protection of human subjects.
Who can amend or repeal the code of ethics?
The Board of Governors of the Philippine Medical Association upon recommendation of the Commission on Ethics.
What is required for amendments to the code of ethics to take effect?
Approval by a 2/3 vote of the Board and ratification by the General Assembly.
