Is the Hippocratic Oath still Relevant in our practice?

The Hippocratic Oath is one of the oldest known formulations of medical ethics. Throughout history, the practice of medicine has been guided by a code of ethics and the widely used basis for this is the Hippocratic Oath. The oath is a declaration to practice the profession of medicine justly and ethically. Medical students often recite the Oath as rite of passage as they become new doctors. However, many has criticized that the Oath has become ceremonial and non-obligatory for many. There are many changes now and advances in the practice of medicine. Some doctors argue that the Oath is outdated. Take a review of the Oath:

The Hippocratic Oath in Cross Format

HIPPOCRATIC OATH

I SWEAR by Apollo physician and Asclepius and Hygeia and Panacea, all the gods and goddesses, making them witness, that I will fulfil according to my ability and judgment this oath and this covenant.

To hold him who has taught me this art as equal to my parents and to live my life in partnership with him and if he is in need of money to give him a share of mine, and to regard his offspring as equal to my brothers in male lineage and to teach them his art --- if they desire to learn it --- without fee and covenant;

to give a share of precepts and oral instruction and all the other learning to my sons and to the sons of him who has instructed me and to pupils who have signed the covenant and have taken an oath according to the medical law, but to no one else.

I will apply dietetic measures for the benefit of the sick according to my ability and judgment; I will keep them from harm and injustice.

I will neither give a deadly drug to anybody if asked for it, nor will I make a suggestion to this effect. Similarly, I will not give a woman an abortive remedy. In purity and holiness I will guard my life and art.

I will not use the knife, not even on sufferers from stone, but I will withdraw in favor of such men as are engaged in this work.

Whatever house I may visit, I will come for the benefit of the sick, remaining free of all intentional injustice, of all mischief and in particular of sexual relations with both female and male persons, be they free or slaves

If I fulfill his oath and do not  violate it, may it be granted to me to enjoy life and art, being honored with fame among all men for all time to come; if I transgress it and swear falsely, may the opposite be my lot.

 

This oath set a very high standard of professional conduct which had become the moving spirit and ideal for those who practice the noble profession of healing since time immemorial. But note the principles on euthanasia, abortion, confidentiality, doctor-patient relationship. You look at the profession now and it seems different from what the Oath promotes. Do you think the Oath is it still relevant in our practice? Or have we deviated from the ideals of the practice of medicine?