Hippocrates was born in 460 BC on the Greek island of Cos. He was the first physician in the Western world who believed that diseases were caused by natural phenomena and not because of superstitions and angry deities. He was instrumental in separating religious elements from the field of medicine and argued that diseases were a product of environment, diet, lifestyle and genetics and not a result of the anger of gods and evil spirits.
He believed in clinical observation, prognosis based on past case studies and the categorization of diseases according to available data. He was the first physician to describe the symptoms of pneumonia and epilepsy in children. His treatment was based on patient immobilization, rest, a good diet, fresh air and cleanliness.
Hippocrates introduced ethics into the field of medicine and also was the first physician to advocate the importance of patient confidentiality. His ideas and beliefs were condensed into an oath called the ‘Hippocratic Oath’. That is a promise that all doctors have to make before they start their practice. It enshrines the code of ethics they have to follow throughout their medical careers.
For his enormous contribution to the world of medicine and his concern for the welfare of patients, Hippocrates is considered the ‘Father of Western Medicine’.
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