25/06/2023 | Writer: Selma Koçak
The dean censored the “sexual orientation” part of the Physician’s Pledge at the graduation ceremony of Çapa Faculty of Medicine, however the students didn’t give passage to censorship and read the pledge in full.
The graduation ceremony of the İstanbul University Çapa Faculty of Medicine was held today (June 21). The dean censored the “sexual orientation” part of the oath, while the Physician’s Pledge was being read.
However the students of Faculty of Medicine didn’t allow censorship and read the pledge in full.
Broadcasting the video of the censorship attempt, Turkish Medical Association Medical Students Branch (TTB-TÖK) said “Any change to physician’s pledge that may lead to discrimination is an ethical violation and a crime!”
The full text of the Physician’s Pledge, which was attempted to be censored by the dean, is as follows:
As a member of the medical profession:
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;
I make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honour.”
What is Physician’s Pledge?
Physician’s Pledge was first adopted by the 2nd General Assembly of the World Medical Association in Geneva-Switzerland in September 1948; and amended by the 22nd World Medical Assembly in Sydney-Australia, in August 1968, and 35th World Medical Assembly in Venice-Italy in October 1983, and the 46th World Medical Association (WMA) General Assembly Stockholm-Sweden in September 1994; and editorially revised by the 170th WMA Council Session in Divonne-les-Bains-France in May 2005, and the 173rd WMA Council Session in Divonne-les-Bains-France; and amended by the 68th WMA General Assembly in Chicago-United States, in May 2006.
Tags: human rights, education, labour, health
