---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Doctors are supposed to first do no harm…"
description: "\"“Doctors are supposed to first do no harm, but when it comes to fat bodies, most doctors seem fundamentally incapable of heeding their oath.”\" — Roxane..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33d/roxane-gay-520_doctor_doctors-are-supposed-to-first-do-no-harm_1283015.png"
---

#  Doctors are supposed to first do no harm, but when it…

![“Doctors are supposed to first do no harm, but when it comes to fat bodies, most doctors seem fundamentally incapable of heeding their oath.” quote by Roxane Gay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33d/roxane-gay-520_doctor_doctors-are-supposed-to-first-do-no-harm_1283015.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33d/roxane-gay-520_doctor_doctors-are-supposed-to-first-do-no-harm_1283015.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/33d/roxane-gay-520_doctor_doctors-are-supposed-to-first-do-no-harm_1283015.png)

> ““Doctors are supposed to first do no harm, but when it comes to fat bodies, most doctors seem fundamentally incapable of heeding their oath.””

[Roxane Gay](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/roxane-gay/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Physicians often fail to uphold “do no harm” for patients with obesity, reflecting bias and systemic issues.

**In simple terms:** Doctors may neglect obese patients due to bias.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for unbiased, compassionate care.

Themes

medicine ethics body image

Mood

empathetic critical

Type

ethical social

When to use this quote

- clinical practice
- medical education
- public health policy

Key Concepts

healthcare bias patient rights

Questions to Reflect On

- How can medical training reduce weight bias?
- What responsibilities do doctors have toward all patients?

A Different Perspective

Changing deep‑seated attitudes is difficult.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

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