Patient Care Technician (PCT) AAH Practice Exam

Who is known as the Father of Medicine?

1. Avicenna

2. Hippocrates

3. Galen

4. Paracelsus

The correct answer is: Hippocrates

The title "Father of Medicine" is attributed to Hippocrates, an ancient Greek physician who lived around 460 to 370 BC. Hippocrates is renowned for establishing a systematic and observational approach to medical practice, moving away from supernatural explanations for diseases and emphasizing the importance of careful examination and clinical observation. His contributions to medicine include the Hippocratic Corpus, a collection of writings covering various medical topics and ethical standards, which greatly influenced the practice of medicine in the Western world. Hippocrates is also associated with the Hippocratic Oath, a foundational document outlining ethical standards for physicians. This oath has been adapted over centuries but still serves as a moral guide for medical practitioners today. His emphasis on patient care, ethical conduct, and the importance of physician-patient relationships are principles that form the cornerstone of modern medical practice. Other figures, such as Avicenna, Galen, and Paracelsus, made significant contributions to medicine in their own rights, but it is Hippocrates who is most often recognized as the foundational figure in the history of medicine, which is why he is referred to as the Father of Medicine.