The First and the Last

First, do no harm. 

That is the mantra that, as doctors, we live by. 

If you are hearing that for the first time, it may look twee.

But for what it's worth, I've said it to myself every day of my working life.

Contrary to popular belief, we don't have to take oaths. There is no Hippocratic oath in the UK. There is no need for it. I suppose we must rely on principles that shouldn't require a signature. Rely on an idea of integrity that has become as ludicrously comic as it is anciently historical. And when it's present, it's never more pitiful. If it's a quality, for God's sake, never claim it. If it's challenged, for God's sake, never defend it. 

Accept it has no modern worth. 

Move on. 

Grow up.

We are not making medical schools for priggish, prickish over-rich American daddy-would-be-so-proud Harvard graduates here in the UK. We're doing the real thing. We are the real deal.

First, do no harm.

But in fact when you talk about life, death and legacy, there is a more important issue.

We are the thoughts that we leave in people's minds.

In the final analysis, we are nothing more.

So in your final reckoning, in your final legacy, in the way that you'd like to be remembered, give it some thought and take my advice.

Last, do no harm.