Essay On The Principles Of Medical Ethics

As students works towards their Ph.D., they are often reminded of the things that are expected from them as they enter the workforce. One expectation that the future physicians in the United States of America are to know, is the Principles of Medical Ethics, a list of ethics adopted by the American Medical Association in June of 1957 and most recently revised in June 2001. In addition to the ethics adopted by the American Medical Association, an upcoming physician should also be aware of the World Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics. Combining both codes of ethics results in an honest and moral physician, whereas breaking the law results in serious consequences.
The American Medical Association’s Principles of Medical Ethics begins with a preamble that generally states that the principles have been developed for the patient’s benefit and as a physician, one must acknowledge the responsibility to the patients, society, other health professionals, and to oneself. The preamble then goes onto state that the Principles of Medical Ethics are not laws; however, they are standards that define the behavior of an honorable physician. Following the preamble is a list of nine principles of medical ethics. The principles are stated in order: physicians