Question

Hippocrates, who admonished physicians to “first, do no harm,” also stated, “in abundance, there is lack.” Interpret the latter in regard to American health care.

Answer 1

Hippocrates

Hippocrates : An ancient Greek physician lived in 5th century BC. He is considered as the father of Medicine. Hippocratic Oath is an oath originated and written in Greek and this oath is historically taking by Physicians.

Hippocratic oath contains one of the main promise that " first do no harm". It emphasise that a physician should never harm a patient or not to do anything to patient in the intention of harming them. He also warned that " in abundance , there is lack......."

"In abundance, there is lack" may refers to knowledge misuse. Many degrees and many specialization but when there is more knowledge, there are chances to misuse it. It also refers to the level of quality in terms of quantity.

American healthcare setting is consist of numerous private sector business firms and government services for the health of the people in the country. Hippocrats' statement" In abundance, there is lack" can be applied in todays American health care . While considering the number of healthcare settings are very big in number but in terms of quality, it is doubtful, it is not upto the quantity. Abundance of hospitals and clinics but lack of quality . Another view is regarding knowledge. Number of physicians and specialists are too many , people has to go and consult to the specific specialists,. Their knowledge will be limited to the certain area. The knowledge status have to be updated by Physician to fill the gap or lack of knowledge. A physician should have the humbleness to ask with other experienced professional or to refer the case, that they dont know to handle. No one should think that their knowledge level is high and no need of further learning and to be over confident. There will be some 'lack' of knowledge. Another area is the 'lack' of trust or reliance between healthCare team. If pieces of knowledge correctly used and resources from different team properly implemented, then the patient care will upto the standard.