Declaration of Geneva

Declaration of Geneva of the World Medical Association

At the time of being admitted as a Member of the medical profession:

I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity;

I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is their due;

I will practise my profession with conscience and dignity;

The health and life of my patient will be my first consideration;

I will respect the secrets which are confided in me;

I will maintain by all means in my power, the honour and the noble traditions of the medical profession;

My colleagues will be my brothers;

I will not permit considerations of religion, nationality, race, party politics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;

I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from the time of its conception;

Even under threat, I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity;

I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honour.


Adopted by the 2nd General Assembly of the World Medical Association, Geneva, Switzerland, September 1948.