Prof. Dr. İbrahim Ortaş writes: Happy March 14 Medicine Day to the physicians who provide healing to humanity

Today is March 14 Medicine Day. I sincerely congratulate all our healthcare workers and doctors on March 14 Medicine Day. People who practice this profession, which is of great importance like health and where ethical/deontological values must be kept at the forefront, are beyond all appreciation for their superior effort, sacrifice, and attitudes that disregard their own lives for the sake of others during difficult processes such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the earthquake we experienced.

In general, physicians who graduate from medical schools around the world begin their profession by taking the Hippocratic Oath. This is not just a simple oath; it carries great importance in terms of reminding physicians of their professional responsibilities and keeping in mind that they should act with the consciousness of serving humanity. The oath is a very important human rights advocacy principle written in the ancient Greek period, containing the ethical principles and moral values that physicians practicing the medical profession must adhere to while performing their duties.

Basic Principles of the Hippocratic Oath:

Primarily not to harm the patient, patient rights due to the nature of the profession, and keeping patient information confidential, not discriminating between patients; it requires physicians to serve all patients equally regardless of factors such as race, religion, gender, or social status.

It sets forth an ethic such as 'Not Misusing Professional Knowledge' and 'Respecting Teachers and Colleagues'.

The importance of the Hippocratic Oath is actually valued more today, when wars, internal conflicts, and interest-based relationships are at their peak. Many factors experienced today suggest approaching the patient as a patient and as a human being, especially within the axis of the Hippocratic Oath, patient rights, scientific developments, and universal human values.

I see the Hippocratic Oath as a philosophical principle that stands for a construction that I care about very much. It is not only addressed to doctors, but also serves as a serious lesson for all people, suggesting that we reject interest and discrimination over human health and that we should be principled.

Physicians are not only the greatest healing medicine and hope for our recovery and holding onto life, touching all of our lives in the process of physical, but also emotional and spiritual healing. Medicine is not just a profession, but also an art and a means of serving humanity. For this reason, medicine/physicianship/doctoring was also seen as a craft that provides a remedy.

RESPECT FOR THE PROFESSION IS IMPORTANT

Medicine and being a physician is a sublime profession. State officials who attach importance to the subject have always kept the profession at the forefront. In this regard, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's expression, 'Entrust me to Turkish physicians,' is a great source of pride for the medical community. With this thought, he expressed his trust and respect for physicians. On the other hand, his emphasis on the superior qualities of physicians and healthcare workers in terms of knowledge, skills, and service to humanity is the most important value he placed on the profession and physicians.

I once again sincerely celebrate the day of these devoted members of the profession who prioritize life and health, and who serve humanity without regard for any color, gender, religion, language, or opinion, and without seeking profit. With deep sincerity, I once again offer my thanks to the healthcare workers who always have a special place and value in people's hearts. I am glad you exist!

News Source: 12punto