Doctor Quote by Richard Colgan
![“The doctor’s aim is to do good, even to our enemies, so much more to our friends, and my profession forbids us to do harm to our kindred, as it is instituted for the benefit and welfare of the human race, and God imposed on physicians the oath not to compose mortiferous remedies [1].” quote by Richard Colgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/572/richard-colgan-41042_human-race_the-doctor-s-aim-is-to-do-good-even-to-o_1735815.jpg)
““The doctor’s aim is to do good, even to our enemies, so much more to our friends, and my profession forbids us to do harm to our kindred, as it is instituted for the benefit and welfare of the human race, and God imposed on physicians the oath not to compose mortiferous remedies [1].””
About This Quote
Source Medical Ethics: Historical oath reference, 19th century medical literature
Physicians should prioritize doing good for all, especially friends, and avoid harmful actions.
In simple terms: Doctors must help and not harm.
Key Takeaway
Commit to ethical care.
Themes
ethics
medicine
humanity
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- clinical decision making
- patient counseling
- public health policy
- medical education
Key Concepts
medical oath
beneficence
nonmaleficence
Questions to Reflect On
- What dilemmas challenge this principle today?
- How can doctors balance care for enemies vs. friends?
A Different Perspective
Modern practice may face conflicts between beneficence and patient autonomy.
![“often it is not “the pill in the hand, but the hand behind the pill” that helps our patients feel better [6].” quote by Richard Colgan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/bc9/richard-colgan-41042_patience_often-it-is-not-the-pill-in-the-hand-but_192483.jpg)
