Healer Hippocrates Smethwyck

Hippocrates Smethwyck is a skilled Healer at St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. He serves as the Healer-in-Charge of the 'Dai Llewellyn Ward: Serious Bites' and is best known for treating Arthur Weasley after he was attacked by Nagini in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

Healer Smethwyck's primary role in the series occurs during the winter of 1995. After Arthur Weasley is brutally attacked by Lord Voldemort's snake, Nagini, at the Ministry of Magic, he is brought to St. Mungo's and placed under Smethwyck's care. Smethwyck demonstrates considerable expertise, informing Molly Weasley and Ginny Weasley that while Arthur will make a full recovery, his wounds are unusual. He notes that the venom from the bites is magical in nature and keeps dissolving any magical attempts to close the wounds. In a moment that highlights his open-mindedness, he comments that Muggle “stitchers” have had more success because the venom cannot dissolve the thread. He is the Healer-in-Charge of the ward where Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and the Weasley family later visit not only Arthur but also their former Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Gilderoy Lockhart, and encounter Neville Longbottom visiting his parents, Frank and Alice Longbottom.

Smethwyck's physical appearance is not described in the novels. His personality is that of a competent and dedicated medical professional. He is knowledgeable in his field, particularly concerning magical bites and venoms. He displays a reassuring and calm demeanor when speaking to the Weasley family about Arthur's condition. His willingness to acknowledge the effectiveness of Muggle methods like stitches shows a practical and unprejudiced approach to healing.

As a qualified Healer at a major magical hospital, Smethwyck is presumed to be highly proficient in Healing magic.

• Expertise in Magical Bites: His position as the Healer-in-Charge of the Serious Bites ward indicates a specialization in treating injuries inflicted by magical creatures and dark curses. He immediately recognized that Nagini's venom was preventing magical healing.
• Diagnostic Skills: He was able to accurately diagnose the complex nature of Arthur's wounds and determine the best course of treatment, even if it involved unconventional, non-magical methods.

No specific possessions belonging to Healer Smethwyck are mentioned in the books.

Smethwyck's relationships are primarily professional. His most significant interaction is with the Weasley family, particularly Arthur Weasley (as his patient) and Molly Weasley (as the patient's next-of-kin). He provides them with medical information and reassurance during a difficult time.

• Hippocrates: This is a direct and fitting reference to Hippocrates of Kos (c. 460 – c. 370 BC), an ancient Greek physician who is widely regarded as the “Father of Medicine.” The Hippocratic Oath, an oath of ethics historically taken by physicians, is named after him, underscoring Smethwyck's role as a dedicated and ethical Healer.
• Smethwyck: This is an English surname, likely of locational origin, deriving from a place name in England. It does not appear to have a specific magical connotation.

Healer Smethwyck is a minor character who appears only in the novel Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. He is not featured or named in the film adaptation of the book.