The Oath of Louis Lasagna

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgement, this covenant:

 

I will respect the hard-won scientific gain of those physicians in whose steps I walk, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who are to follow.

 

I will apply for the benefit of the sick all measures which are required, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

 

I will remmeber that there is art to medicine as well as science and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon’s knife or the chemist’s drug.

 

I will not be ashamed to say, " I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleague when thte skills of another are needed for a patient’s recovery.

 

I will repect that privacy of my patients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death.

 

If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life: this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. Above all, I must not play at God.

 

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart or a cancerous growth, but a sick human being, whose illness may affect both famiy and economic stability. My responsibility includes those related problems if I am to care adequately for the sick. I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

 

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all, those sound of mind and body, as well as the infirm.

 

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter. May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.