May is the month most American medical students finally see four years of grueling work bear fruit. Most U.S. medical schools hold commencement exercises in May, conferring “doctor of medicine” degrees in elaborate ceremonies. During these ceremonies, graduates recite oaths inspired by the 5th-century B.C. oath of Hippocrates of Kos, the “father of medicine.” In the mid-20th century, medical
The controversial oaths of American doctors: Prioritizing ethics over patients? originally appeared in KevinMD.com.
