The course of study

The Oath of a Communication Doctor

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

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

I will apply, for the benefit of the communities with which I work, all measures that nurture a healthy communication ecology, so that we can improve our lives by better understanding the world in which we live.

I will remember that there is science and craft to communication as well as art, and that trusted communication is at the center of healthy communities.

I will not be ashamed to say "I know not," nor will I fail to call in my colleagues when the skills of others are needed for the best solutions.

I will respect the privacy of my clients, for their problems are not disclosed to me that the world may know. If it is given me to create positive results, all thanks. But it is also within my power to make mistakes, wasting precious time and polluting the communication environment; this responsibility must be faced with humility and honesty.

I will work to prevent ignorance and intolerance however I can, for prevention is preferable to cure.

I will remember that I remain a member of society, with special obligations to all my fellow human beings, those sound of mind and body as well as the ignorant or intolerant.

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 helping those who seek my help.

Michael Josefowicz 2007

Based on the Hippocratic Oath, Written in 1964 by Louis Lasagna, Academic Dean of the School of Medicine, Tufts University.

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