This poem is a parody of the “Hippocratic Oath,” an early version of medical ethics best known for its precept of “do no harm.” Of course, American health care is a minefield of doing harm, adept at both undertreatment and overtreatment. Such harm is an inescapable side effect of for-profit health care, mostly sick care. In the wild west of American health care, providers are free to sow their wiled oaths with deathly impunity.
The Hypocrites Oath
Above awe
Due know harm
In tending to sterling prophets
As bringing to heel
In cant of prevention
Doctoring
In patience
Dressed as nothing
But
Get
Well
That stiff price
