Though medical students enter our profession to help others, the first rule of medicine is to do no harm. Primum non nocere. This ought to be a guiding principle for all of us: above all else, do no harm. Although we don't intend to hurt others, we do so inadvertently. We must be mindful to minimize the harm.
But the reason I am a physician is to do good: beneficence-the other great principle of medical ethics.
In your personal code of ethics, what are the key principles? What are your greatest goals? What guides you in your relationships and how you choose to live each day?
Imagine what our world would be like if we all chose beneficence as our guiding principle.
Of course, most people seek the good, but for themselves not others.
And sometimes, the "good" that we seek isn't even good for our own well-being. Examples are as boundless as the human appetite: partying all night, getting drunk, getting high and casual sex. Sometimes we can consume all of our energies seeking to do good for ourselves.
We can spend most of our time shopping, playing games, eating and entertaining ourselves. We may choose a course of study or work just to get ahead and make a living.
Some people even see their relationships in terms of their own benefit, seeking to get more than they give. To them, friends are people who do things for them or make them feel good. Others are a means to their own ends.
But if we each just looked after ourselves and getting ahead is the goal of our lives, we will all lose out in the end because each of us will die some day and all that we may have gained will be lost.
If instead our guiding principle of life was to maximize the good we do for others, the benefits will spread beyond our individual lives and perhaps beyond our own lifetimes. We will find gratification and fulfillment in sharing what we have, using our own talents and resources to help others in need, creating works that will benefit many, and collaborating with others to make our world safer, healthier and happier.
What is the measure of your days? How do you judge the value of each day?
Why not be the good you have done for others?
Consider this day. How much good can you do in one day?
Dr. Davidicus Wong is a physician and writer. His column appears regularly in this paper. You can find his latest posts at facebook. com/davidicus.wong and davidicuswong.wordpress. com.
