Editing Reclaiming Medical Ethics (section)

==== Caraka’s Oath ====
The ethical practice of medicine was an important feature of the Āyurvedic curriculum, duly emphasized by ancient practitioners. Caraka’s Oath can be regarded as the summation of this tradition, and veritably, its epitome. It contains a thorough and eloquent passage detailing the dedication and principles required of a physician and places the welfare of the patient above any personal considerations or discomfort of the physician. It speaks of a protocol of conduct, demeanor and a higher standard of morality that was to be exercised by a physician – including his bearing, speech, attitude, and his interactions with patients. It also speaks of the right of privacy and confidentiality in a manner that is arguably far ahead of its time. The physician was not to refuse treatment to anyone, and not to practice medicine solely for the accumulation of wealth. Caraka also espoused quite the “progressive” attitude towards the practice of euthanasia.

Caraka’s oath of initiation for students beginning the study of medicine also prescribes rigorous rules and austerities to be practiced by medical students, in accordance with the aims of puruṣārtha which are most conducive to an effective and rigorous period of study, and in line with the eternal principles of dharma.

Most medical schools in the world also offer credits for ‘CME’ or Continuing Medical Education, so as to keep physicians up-to-date with newer developments, knowledge, and practices in their fields. In this regard, Caraka remarks that the science of medicine is limitless, and a student must, even upon graduation, pursue knowledge with the same vigor and curiosity – a sentiment that echoes the never-ending ancient Indian thirst for knowledge and truth. Clearly, Caraka incorporates all the elements that modern medical ethics espouses, and it needn’t be force-fitted onto our contemporary sensibilities, but rather, is harmoniously in line with them.