April 7 : World Health Day & Hippocrates

On World Health Day we remember Hippocrates, the father of medicine, a title that he earned for his remarkable achievements in the field of medical science and ethics. Hippocrates was born around 460 BC on the island of Kos, Greece, and belonged to a family of physicians. He learned medicine from his father and grandfather, and also studied philosophy with Democritus and Gorgias, and traveled extensively throughout the Greek world, teaching and practicing medicine. He founded a medical school on Kos, where he trained many students, including his two sons and his son-in-law, and died around 370 BC in Larissa, Thessaly.

Achievements

Hippocrates is credited with moving the subject of medicine away from the supernatural and religious approach, which had been closely linked to the Greek god of healing Asclepius, towards a rational and empirical approach, based on observation, classification, causes and effects, and so on. He revolutionized ancient Greek medicine, establishing it as a discipline distinct from other fields with which it had traditionally been associated, such as theurgy and philosophy, thus establishing medicine as a profession.

Hippocrates made significant advancements in medical knowledge and observation. He meticulously documented various diseases and their symptoms, laying a foundation for diagnosis and treatment methods that are still relevant today. He also developed a system of diagnostic criteria, based on the four humors (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile), which he believed were the basic substances of the human body and determined its health and temperament. Hippocrates also recognized the importance of environmental factors, such as diet, climate, and lifestyle, in influencing the health of individuals and populations. He advocated for a holistic approach to medicine, which aimed at restoring the balance of the humors and the harmony of the body and the soul. He also emphasized the role of prevention and hygiene, and prescribed natural remedies, such as herbs, diet, exercise, and massage, rather than invasive or harmful procedures, such as bloodletting or surgery.

The Hippocratic Oath

Hippocrates is also famous for his ethical standards in medical practice, which are embodied in the Hippocratic Oath, a code of conduct for physicians that is still in use today. It reflects his principles and values, such as respect for human life, confidentiality, beneficence, non-maleficence, and professional integrity. The oath also expresses the duty of the physician to teach and learn from others, and to uphold the honor and dignity of the medical profession. The oath is one of the oldest and most influential documents in the history of medicine and ethics, and has inspired many other codes and declarations in various fields and times.

Legacy

Hippocrates’ legacy is immense and enduring. He is widely recognized as one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine and science, and his name is synonymous with excellence and professionalism. His work has influenced many generations of physicians and scholars, both in the ancient and the modern world, and have been translated and studied in many languages and cultures. He has also inspired many artistic and literary works, such as paintings, sculptures, poems, and novels, that celebrate his life and achievements. Honored as a hero and a saint by various groups and institutions, such as the World Health Organization, the International Hippocratic Foundation, and the Orthodox Church, Hippocrates is also commemorated by many statues, monuments, museums, and awards, such as the Hippocratic Prize, the Hippocrates Medal, and the Hippocratic Lecture.

In conclusion, Hippocrates is a remarkable figure in the history of medicine and humanity, who made significant contributions to the advancement of medical science and ethics. He is rightly regarded as the father of medicine, and his legacy is still alive and relevant today. Hippocrates is a source of inspiration and admiration for many people, who respect and honor his achievements and values. He is a true legend, who deserves to be remembered and celebrated. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of physicians and medical professionals.

Hippocrates is featured in our book: Meet the Greek Pioneers.