What are medical ethics?

Many professions have their own sets of ethics for those employed in the field. This includes medical ethics, which guides professionals working within the field of health care. As the American Medical Association states in their Code of Medical Ethics, “The medical profession has long subscribed to a body of ethical statements developed primarily for the benefit of the patient. As a member of this profession, a physician must recognize responsibility to patients first and foremost, as well as to society, to other health professionals, and to self.”

Ethics is an essential part of the medical profession because the relationship between a patient and a health care professional is built on trust. Patients must trust that the professionals treating them will allow the patients to make their own decisions, act in the best interest of the patients, do no harm to the patients, and provide competent medical care in a way that is fair and equitable among all patients.

Without trust, communication between the patient and the health care professional suffers, and health care becomes less effective. Conversely, when trust is present, the patient can feel confident that the health care professional is acting in a way that is in accordance with the long-standing ethical standards established within the medical profession.

The principles of medical ethics are foundational to the practice of medicine. They provide a framework for ensuring that patient care is conducted with integrity, compassion, and respect for individual autonomy.

The principles of medical ethics form the ethical foundation of the medical profession and guide healthcare professionals in their interactions with patients, colleagues, and society as a whole. By upholding these principles, healthcare providers can foster trust, promote effective communication, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.