Taking the Christian Oath today after graduation

Every year, Medical students graduate and put an MD behind their name. It is hard to believe. I knew many when they were first year students. It has been wonderful to see them grow as Physicians. Our Medical group sponsors a Christian Oath ceremony just after graduation for those who want to blend their faith and their profession. It is a great way to end four years and then to start their three years of residency. Yes, it is a 7 year program unless you specialize. It has been a pleasure getting to know them. Two docs - Dr. MacKinney and Dr. Woodman gave the charge and administered the oath respectively. Dr. MacKinney reminded the graduates of their dual commission - to heal and to preach the gospel. That is the whole physician.

Here is a copy of the oath that these students took.

Christian Physician’s Oath

With gratitude to God, faith in Christ Jesus, and dependence on the Holy Spirit, I publicly profess my intent to practice medicine for the glory of God.

With humility, I will seek to increase my skills. I will respect those who teach me and who broaden my knowledge. In turn, I will freely impart my knowledge and wisdom to others.

With God’s help, I will love those who come to me for healing and comfort. I will honor and care for each patient as a person made in the image of God, putting aside selfish interests.

With God’s guidance, I will endeavor to be a good steward of my skills and of society’s resources. I will convey God’s love in my relationships with family, friends, and community. I will aspire to reflect God’s mercy in caring for the lonely, the poor, the suffering, and the dying.

With God’s blessing, I will respect the sanctity of human life. I will care for all my patients, rejecting those interventions which either intentionally destroy
or actively end the lives of the unborn, the infirm, and the terminally ill.

With God’s grace, I will live according to this profession.