Veterinarian Oath

(Adopted by the House of Delegates, July 1969, amended by the Executive Board, November 1999)

Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine,

I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge

and skills for the benefit of society

through the protection of animal health,

the relief of animal suffering,

the conservation of livestock resources,

the promotion of public health

and the advancement of medical knowledge.

I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity

and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics.

I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement

of my professional knowledge and competence.

 

"We have many effective and potent drugs available in our armamentarium. As the activity and potency of drugs increased, so has the risk of serious adverse effects. Rational use of drugs includes a consideration for the potential adverse effects, especially serious toxicity, and the ability to recognize adverse effects.
Do not dismiss an unexplained disorder in a patient until a drug-induced cause has been ruled out.
The Greek physician Hippocrates ( BC) provided an ethical basis for the practice of therapeutics. He recognized that a physician sometimes does more harm than good. (This applies to veterinarians as well.)
The advice of Hippocrates, "primum non nocre" (translated: above all, do no harm) reminds us that it is better to administer no therapy at all than to administer therapy that might be harmful."

- Papich, Mark G. DACVCP - (Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Clinical Pharmacology)
Adverse Drug Reactions of Clinical Significance.
The Central Veterinary Conference August 23-26, 2003.

 

     
   
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