The Oath I Took

When I received my doctorate from Pacific College of Health and Science, I took an oath.

I read parts of it in today's episode of Truth in Motion, and I wanted you to have the whole thing.

There's a line I come back to often: "I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the therapist's hand or herbalist's formula." Needles and herbs matter. So does being seen and understood.

These are the promises I've made to you. If you're one of my patients, or you're thinking about becoming one, I want you to know what you can hold me to.

Practitioners' Oath

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this oath:

I will respect the scientific and energetic gains of those practitioners in whose steps I walk, and gladly share my knowledge with those who are to follow.

I will apply, for the benefit of the dis-eased, all measures that are required, avoiding those twin traps of over-treatment and therapeutic cynicism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the therapist's hand or herbalist's formula.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call on my colleagues when the skills of another are needed for a client's or patient's recovery.

I will respect the privacy of my clients or 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. This awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own limitations.

I will remember that I do not treat a chart or an illness, but a human being, whose illness may affect every aspect of the person's life. My responsibility includes these considerations, if I am to care adequately for those whom I will serve in this profession.

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 my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

Lastly, I will take care to practice the same or greater compassionate care for my own well-being as I do for others. At all times, I will remember the law of equivalent exchange in my practice so that I may routinely make choices that nurture the health of my own body, mind, spirit, and finances.

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.

With you every step of the way,

Dr. Jocelyn