The World Medical Association (WMA) is the closest thing to a "governing body" that exists to guide physician behavior throughout the world.[1] Currently comprised of medical associations of more than 80 countries representing approximately 8,000,000 physician members, the WMA has promulgated ethical positions since 1947.
The current International Code of Medical Ethics (ICME) consists of 4 sections that describe the duties of physicians in general, practices deemed to be unethical, duties of physicians to the sick, and duties of physicians to each other.
The mainstay of the ICME is the Declaration of Geneva, adopted by the WMA in 1948 and reaffirmed in 1994.[2]
It reads:
At the time of being admitted as a member of the medical profession: I solemnly pledge myself to consecrate my life to the service of humanity; I will give to my teachers the respect and gratitude that is their due; I will practice my profession with conscience and dignity; The health of my patient will be my first consideration; I will respect the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died; I will maintain by all the means in my power, the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession; My colleagues will be my sisters and brothers; I will not permit considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, race, sexual orientation, or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient; I will maintain the utmost respect for human life from its beginning even under threat and I will not use my medical knowledge contrary to the laws of humanity; I make these promises solemnly, freely and upon my honor.
That is the global test for physician behavior. That's my opinion. I'm Dr. George Lundberg, Editor of MedGenMed.
Readers are encouraged to respond for the editor's eye only or for consideration for publication via email: glundberg@webmd.net.
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References
- 1.The World Medical Association. Available at: http://www.wma.net. Accessed October 18, 2004.
- 2.World Medical Association International Code of Medical Ethics. Available at: http://www.wma.net/e/policy/c8.htm. Accessed October 18, 2004.
