First do no harm. -Hippocrates Second, do some good. -Anne…
““First do no harm. -Hippocrates Second, do some good. -Anne M. Lipton, M.D., Ph.D.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Medical ethics: first avoid harm, then actively do good, echoing Hippocratic oath and modern care.
In simple terms: First do no harm, then help.
Key Takeaway
Practice ethical care.
Themes
medicine
ethics
care
responsibility
professionalism
Mood
cautious
compassionate
Type
ethical
professional
When to use this quote
- clinical practice
- public health policy
- medical education
Key Concepts
medical philosophy
bioethics
patient welfare
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you prioritize patient safety vs. benefit?
- What does “do some good” look like in practice?
A Different Perspective
Balancing harm avoidance with proactive aid can be complex.