The New Gaian Front

[Pel]

The Celestial Hippocratic Oath

I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability and judgment, this covenant:

I will respect the hard-won scientific gains of those Doctors in whose steps I follow, and gladly share such knowledge as is mine with those who follow me.

I will apply, for the benefit of the Universe, all measures required of me, avoiding those twin traps of overtreatment and therapeutic nihilism.

I will remember that there is art to medicine as well as science, and that warmth, sympathy, and understanding may outweigh the surgeon's knife or the chemist's drug in the deterrence of the Parasite.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of another are needed to remedy what ails Gaia.

I will respect the Silence of Gaia, for her problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. They shall know in Her time.

Most especially must I tread with care in matters of life and death. If it is given me to save a life, all thanks. But it may also be within my power to take a life; this awesome responsibility must be faced with great humbleness and awareness of my own frailty. We risk all in the service of Gaia!

Above all, I must not presume to know Her thoughts. I, too, am a Parasite.

I will remember that I do not treat a fever chart, a cancerous growth, but a sick Celestial Being, whose illness may affect the sector's structure and stability. My responsibility includes the related problems of shelter and sustenance, if I am to care adequately for the sick.

I will prevent disease whenever I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a Parasite, not above my species, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the infirm.

If I do not violate this oath, may I enjoy life and art, respected while I live and remembered with affection thereafter.

May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help (as well as those who do not).

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