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Primum non nocerum. (First do no harm)
Hippocrates
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of avoiding harm in any action, especially in medicine.

Hippocrates' phrase 'Primum non nocere', which translates to 'First do no harm', serves as a fundamental ethical guideline in medicine and healthcare. It underscores the responsibility of practitioners to prioritize the well-being of patients above all else, advocating for a precautionary approach in both diagnosis and treatment, thereby instilling trust in the patient-practitioner relationship.

Themes

HealthEthicsMedicineResponsibilityWellbeing

In practice

Example use cases

In a medical ethics seminar, this quote can initiate a discussion on the responsibilities of healthcare professionals.

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