In this time of change, it seems appropriate to take a step back and reflect upon the oath we took when we graduated from medical school. Here’s the version we use at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine from the World Medical Association Declaration of Geneva-2017, which is in use at many medical schools around the country:

I solemnly pledge to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;

The health and well-being of my patient will be my first consideration;

I will respect the autonomy and dignity of my patient;

I will maintain the utmost respect for human life;

I will not permit considerations of age, disease, or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;

I will respect the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;

I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;

I will foster the honour and noble traditions of the medical profession;

I will give to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;

I will share my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;

I will attend to my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;

I will not use my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;

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I make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honour.

Why is this oath so important, especially today?

As we know, being a physician does not stop once we leave the clinic or the hospital. I recall the time a patient stopped me in the grocery store and proceeded to provide me with an update on her bowels. Certainly, many of you have had such experiences too. Our identity is wrapped up in this cloak of physicianhood, and with it comes responsibility.

Anytime there is a threat that may impede our ability to abide by our oath, we have a responsibility to respond. Many may view the federal actions ongoing at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), one of the country’s crown jewels, as foundational threats. Similarly, the communication delays and interference at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may also be viewed as threats, interfering with the care of our patients. Many committed to global health and caring for impoverished communities have been stunned by the disruptions at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and view the recent actions as threats. And we also know that not all physicians are on the same page regarding these issues.

That said, ACP has spoken out. In addition, our international colleagues at The Lancet have spoken out.

All of this is why we come back to our oath and principles, such as the values espoused by the ACP. They can guide us and inspire us to do the right thing.

How each of us responds and what we do will be personal. Some will choose to hunker down and adhere to the tasks at hand. For some, it may involve joining professional societies to advocate for policies more effectively, or it may mean advocating within one’s professional societies. It may mean working steadily to stay abreast of the news. It may mean taking a break from the news. It may mean calling congressional offices. It may be writing op-ed pieces or speaking with the media. It may be learning how to communicate scientific information more effectively with the lay public, including our patients. It may mean being an ally to our public health and biomedical research colleagues. It may mean providing moral support to each other. It may mean connecting with like-minded colleagues on social media. It may mean voting in such a way as to uphold our sacred oath. And most likely, it will be some combination of these things.

We each have been given unique talents and gifts. Our life and professional journey demand that we use our talents and gifts to uphold our oath, which is always the next right thing to do.

Janet A. Jokela, MD, MPH, ACP’s Treasurer 2022-2025, served as the Regional Dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Urbana, and currently serves as Professor and Senior Associate Dean of Engagement at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, Urbana, IL. 

The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States, boasting members in over 145 countries worldwide. ACP’s membership encompasses 161,000 internal medicine physicians, related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who utilize scientific knowledge and clinical expertise for diagnosing, treating, and providing compassionate care to adults, spanning from those in good health to individuals with complex illnesses. Stay connected with ACP on X @ACPIMPhysicians, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram @acpimphysicians.