At the ceremony, our newest students recited their “Oath of Professionalism,” a tradition they uphold by writing their own oath, inspired by the Hippocratic Oath and the enduring principles of the medical profession. This practice—shared by only about 60 medical schools nationwide—encourages students to reflect on their responsibilities to patients, colleagues and society.
The coincidence of these two events—a quarter-millennium since our country’s founding and the recitation of a 2,500-year-old oath—invites reflection on the enduring principles that guide us. The Declaration of Independence was forged during the Age of Enlightenment, a period that championed reason, progress and individual rights. Similarly, the fields of medicine and science have continually evolved, informed by discovery and a commitment to human well-being.
The essential concepts of the original Hippocratic Oath remain relevant today:
- First, do no harm: We recognize the profound influence we have on others’ lives and the importance of humility, including the value of saying “I don’t know” as a form of insight.
- Protect privacy and confidentiality: The trust placed in us by patients and research participants is sacred and must never be violated.
- View our work as a calling: Whether in medicine, research or education, our expertise is entrusted to us to serve others’ interests and well-being, especially in times of need and across all boundaries.
A recent review in the New England Journal of Medicine noted that five physicians were signatories to the Declaration, bringing medical wisdom to the political stage. The Declaration itself affirms: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
At CWRU, our students’ oaths echo these themes. Each year, our entering class crafts their own Oath of Professionalism, reflecting on their obligations as future physicians, scientists and leaders.
Here is a sampling of CWRU School of Medicine student oaths from the past 10 years that reflect these shared values:
2016: “To treat you with compassion, listen to your concerns, respect your privacy, honor your trust and protect your autonomy.”
2019: “To respect the dignity of each human being and combat the injustices in our profession; to advocate for the health of humanity and our planet; to honor the scientific process and contribute to the advancement of medicine.”
2022: “To respect their humanity, autonomy and lived experiences; to act as responsible stewards of the information they entrust to us; to empower them to make confident, informed decisions about their care; to remain mindful of the cultures they represent; and to advocate for equitable treatment.”
2025: “Practice cultural humility to empower the voices of our patients and communities. Dismantle healthcare barriers and embody the ideals of an advocate.”
2026: “Honor your experiences and concerns and make space for your diverse backgrounds. Respect your right to privacy and autonomy, validating your courage to seek care.”
Our founders included physicians who brought their medical wisdom to the political stage, and today, we practice in their footsteps—guided by timeless principles of professionalism, discovery and service.
Thank you for all that you do to advance our mission and uphold these ideals.
Sincerely,
Stan Gerson, MD
Dean and Senior Vice President for Medical Affairs
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
