This is a section from Hippocratic Oath; a modern translation 1995 version originally written in the fifth century by a Greek physician, recognizes one God. Found in Care-Nurse Dot Com, a article called Medical Creed.
"I will follow that method of treatment which according to my ability and judgment, I consider for the benefit of my patient and abstain from whatever is harmful or mischievous. I will neither prescribe nor administer a lethal dose of medicine to any patient even if asked nor counsel any such thing nor perform act or omission with direct intent deliberately to end a human life from fertilization to natural death and reject abortion that deliberately takes a unique human life."
Medicine is the science and art of preserving health and treating illness. Medicine is a science because it is based on knowledge gained through careful study and experimentation. It is an art because of the skill that medical professionals use when they apply their knowledge with patients.
The goals of medicine are saving lives, relieving suffering, and maintaining the dignity of sick people. Medical care has three main elements: 1) prevention, 2) diagnosis and 3) treatment.
Prevention
Doctors provide many treatments that help avoid illness, such as vaccinations against disease. They also educate patients about medical issues. Physicians also encourage patients to make healthy choices, such as eating healthy and avoiding smoking and excess drinking. Most importantly they recommend that everyone have regular checkups.
Diagnosis
In this process, doctors identify the condition or illness that is making the patient uncomfortable. To make a diagnosis, doctors first gather a medical history and perform a physical examination. If these two procedures do not provide enough information advance tests are run. They may include MRI and or chemical analysis or microscopic examination of blood, other body fluids and tissues.
Treatment
When a diagnosis is correct it can lead to successful treatments. The number of treatments available grows constantly as the medical profession advances.
The most heart breaking and emotionally draining experience is having the doctor complete the three goals of medicine, while a person's health does not improve and the likely hood of improvement is very slight. This feeling is what leads patients and family members of patients to the point of wanting to end suffering. When there is no proof that there is any measure that will improve their health. The desire to die or let die with dignity becomes very strong.