As medical professionals, we subscribe to a body of ethical standards. This is primarily for the benefit of our patients. We also recognize responsibilities to society, other health professionals, and ourselves. Following are our standards of conduct, adapted from the AMA Code of Ethics, which defines the essentials of honorable behavior for a physician.
- A physician must be dedicated to providing competent medical services with compassion and respect for human dignity. If a physician encounters a problem outside his or her limits of competence, he will refer the patient appropriately.
- A physician will deal honestly with patients and colleagues, and strive to expose those physicians deficient in character or competence, or who engage in fraud or deception. We will not tolerate racial discrimination or sexual harassment of patients or their family members.
- A physician shall respect the laws and recognize a responsibility to seek changes in those requirements that are contrary to the best interests of their patients.
- A physician shall respect the rights of patients, of colleagues, and of other health professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidences within the constraints of the law. Information shared with a physician shall remain confidential unless the patient gives written permission for its release or is in danger to self or others. A judge may also compel disclosure of confidential information.
- A physician will continue to study, apply an advanced scientific knowledge, make relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, and obtain consultation from colleagues and the use of the talents of other health care professionals when indicated.
- A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in an emergency, be free whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to provide medical services.
- Physicians shall recognize their responsibilities to participate in activities contributing to an improved community.