Have modern day doctors betrayed the Hippocratic Oath?

In a world of constantly evolving guidelines and unrealistic patient demands, medical practitioners are under increased pressure to diagnose and treat diseases in record time.

But according to two Australian clinicians, Professors Ian Harris and Rachelle Buchbinder, this “eagerness to intervene” means doctors are failing to uphold their sacred ‘do no harm’ pledge.

In an opinion piece for the BMJ, the pair lament the forgotten art of knowing when to avoid unnecessary treatments in “well enough” patients.