A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical service with compassion
and respect for human dignity.
A physician shall deal honestly with patients and with colleagues, and strive to expose
those physicians deficient in character or competence, or who engage in fraud or
deception.
A physician shall respect the law and also recognize a responsibility to seek change in
those requirements which are contrary to the best interests of the patient.
A physician shall respect the rights of patients, of colleagues, and of other health
professionals, and shall safeguard patient confidence within the constraints of the law.
A physician shall continue to study, apply and advance scientific knowledge, make
relevant information available to patients, colleagues, and the public, obtain
consultation, and use the talents of other health care professionals when indicated.
A physician shall, in the provision of appropriate patient care, except in emergencies,
be free to choose whom to serve, with whom to associate, and the environment in which to
provide medical services.
A physician shall recognize a responsibility to participate in activities contributing
to an improved community.
The medical professional 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 not
only to patients, but also to society, to other health professionals, and to self. The
following Principles adopted by the American Medical Association are not laws, but
standards of conduct which define the essentials of honorable behaviour for the physician.