What is the number one rule of medicine? Unpacking 'First, Do No Harm' in Modern Practice
•
3 min read
According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in every 10 patients is harmed in health care, underscoring the critical importance of the ancient principle: "First, do no harm". While often cited as the number one rule of medicine, the application of this axiom in modern practice, especially in the context of medications and pharmacology, is far more complex and nuanced than the simple phrase suggests. This foundational concept, known as *primum non nocere*, serves as the cornerstone for all ethical medical decisions.
