[The medicine of Hippocrates].

Abstract

In recognition of his contribution to the medical field, Hippocrates is universally known as the Father of Medicine. He transformed medicine from superstition and magic to a scientific and evidence-based system. The core focus of Hippocratic medicine is an individualistic approach based on Vis MedicatrixNaturae- the healing power of nature, which acknowledges the uniqueness of each individual, as well as the effects of lifestyle in health and disease.More significantly, Hippocrates hypothesised thehumoral theory. Furthermore, he advised on the importance of professionalism and medical ethics with respect to bedside manner, benevolence, and conduct. This led to the origin of the Hippocratic oath as we know it today. Ultimately, there is no era of medicine which is unmarked by Hippocrates. He laid the foundation of what is the essence of medical science today, including rationalism, ethics, patient care, observation skills and clinical experience. This paper focuses on the acknowledgement of Hippocrates, highlighting his contributionsin medicine to this day.