I like the thought already expressed by one doctor "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." That really gets to the heart of the matter and addresses the fact that there will always be a difference of opinion as to the "sanctity" of human life. As a society we should accommodate both points of view, acknowledging that individuals have a right to determine whether they wish to live or die, and that doctors who share that belief be allowed to meet their needs without social or legal penalty.

Much of the dialogue on abortion, euthanasia and patient/doctor rights seems driven by quasi-religious considerations and a mindset that places humankind at the pinnacle of evolution. However, I believe we are gradually moving towards a more balanced perspective and reluctantly waking up to the need to conserve resources and make radical adjustments if we are to avoid gross overpopulation and global suffering.

Throw out the cant and hypocrisy of the old oath and even the erudite "modern version." I vote for "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!"

Michael Jones

From my perspective as a student of history, some elements of the medical profession appear to be evolving in directions that compromise the original spirit and intent of the Hippocratic Oath. Rather than see that happen, and see doctors increasingly under pressure to compromise one set of values for another, I would make this proposition:

We need a separate career field whose emphasis is not on the preservation of life but rather the humane assistance of its closure, whether that be naturally occurring or artificially induced. These would be individuals not under the Hippocratic Oath but under a totally different oath, equally committed to the sanctity of humanity and the diversity of religious belief.

Just as there is a fine separation between doctors who prescribe medication and those pharmacists who dispense it, there needs to be separate practice in which the professional would not be under pressure to compromise his or her commitment to the preservation of health and well-being. Individuals involved with hospice already do this to some degree; they just need to be given more professional jurisdiction. All doctors know when they have reached the limit of their specialty, and when the time comes to make a referral to another specialty. Let's stop forcing our doctors to do something they were never intended to do.

Robert Williams
Southern Oregon University

I saw your Web site feature in regards to the Hippocratic Oath. However, you failed to mention the Osteopathic Oath. Do you not know that we are full physicians who do surgery, prescribe drugs, and exist in all specialties? M.D.'s are not the only physicians in America. Enclosed I have copied the Oath. Perhaps you will see fit to incorporate us into your feature. Please do not neglect us. We have a long and proud history.

The Osteopathic Physician's Oath
I do hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter. I will be mindful always of my great responsibility to preserve the health and the life of my patients, to retain their confidence and respect both as a physician and a friend who will guard their secrets with scrupulous honor and fidelity, to perform faithfully my professional duties, to employ only those recognized methods of treatment consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability, keeping in mind always nature's laws and the body's inherent capacity for recovery.

I will be ever vigilant in aiding the general welfare of the community, sustaining its laws and institutions, not engaging in those practices which will in any way bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession. I will give no drugs for deadly purposes to any person, though it be asked of me.

I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive cooperation, and never by word or by act cast imputations upon them or their rightful practices.

I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art. To my college I will be loyal and strive always for its best interests and for the interests of the students who will come after me. I will be ever alert to further the application of basic biologic truths to the healing arts and to develop the principles of osteopathy which were first enunciated by Andrew Taylor Still.

Thank you for your time.

Anonymous