Sage Susruta -- @600 B.C.

Both Sages Atreya and Susruta practiced around 600 B.C., nearly 150 years before Hippocrates. Buddhist folklore indicates the existence of two great schools in India during Vedic period where medicine, astronomy, mathematics and philosophy were taught. East of the River Ganga was city Varanasi [Kasi] where Sage Susruta headed the medical department. Having learned anatomy from Sage Atreya, Susruta points out in his treatise, Susruta Samhita, the differences between his techniques and Atreya's. The treatise on surgery indicates that he was probably the first surgeon to perform a rhinoplasty and ear lobe reconstruction.

Advances in Medical Education in Ancient India

Another great contributor to the ancient medical system was Sage Charaka, a philosophr, Astronomer and physician in the second century B.C.. As the physician of King Kanishka, Charaka edited and revised the Atreya Samhita. Charaka's contributions, in 120 chapters, deals with the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the heart, chest, abdomen, genital organs and extremities. Charaka's wide range of knowledge was evident from his instructions on building hospitals, maintaining hygenic atmosphere for patients and in details like providing toys for children.

A detailed code of medical ethics was already well-evolved in India by 600 B.C. In essence, the code required medical practitioners to lead a life dedicated to caring for the sick and maintaining patient confidentiality. Cultural conducts while treating patients were also presented in detail. A physician who desires success in his practice, profit, a good name, and finally, a place in heaven, must pray daily for all living creatures.