Medical Ethics: Understanding, Teaching and Practice

Abstract

Ethics is a word derived from the Greek ‘ethikos’ which
means a study of the principles of living. Ethics now
has become to mean ‘a set of rules or standards
governing the conduct of a person or the members of a
profession’. Medical Ethics deals with the moral
principles that medics should follow in their
professional life. The scope of medical ethics is wide
and inclusive of developing codes and guidelines,
promoting ethical practices and preventing ethical
breaches. It also includes the physicians’ relationship
with patients, colleagues, members of the related
industry, and at large, the society and the nation or the
state. Ethical environment pays in terms of good
standards, fine practices and special care by
physicians. Essential elements of this environment are
professional competence, good collegial and patient
relationship along with compliance of other
professional and ethical obligations.
Fast-moving societal and technological changes in the
21st century are restructuring the Health profession.
These drifts will have a particular impact on the
preparation of health care professionals, especially
physicians. The volume of medical knowledge is
increasing. The range and complexity of treatment
options are widening. At the same time, community
requirements and expectations from physicians have
been amplified. To meet these rising demands, health
care professionals must learn the skills to critically
analyze new developments, keep abreast with the
developments of their field, practice on the basis of the
best evidence available and be able to explain and
justify their advice to patients. Apart from acquiring
knowledge and skills, proper morals, dedication,
altruism, and sympathy without discrimination are
crucial components of a medic’s life.