international code of medical ethics - wma
TRANSCRIPT
INTERNATIONAL CODEOF
M E DIe ALE T H I C S
Adopted by the Third General Assembly of THE WORLO MEDICAL ASSOCIATIONLondon, England, October 1949
•Duties of Doctors in General
A DOCTOR MUST always maintain thehighest standards of professionalconduct •
A DOCTOR MUST practice his profession uninfluenced by motives ofprofit.
THE FOLLOWING PRACTICES are deemedunethical;
a) Any self advertisement exceptsuch as is expressly authorizedby the national code of medical ethics.
b) Collaborate in any form of medical service in which the doctor does not have professionalindependence.
c) Receiving any money in connection with services rendered toa patient other than a properprofessional fee, even withthe knowledge of the patient.
ANY ACT, OR ADVICE which could weakenphysical or mental resistanco of ahuman being may be used only on hisinterest.
A DOCTOR IS ADVISED to use great caution in divulging discoveries ornew techniques or treatment.
A DOCTOR SHOULD certify or testifyonly to that which he has personally verified.
Duties of Doctors to the Sick
A DOCTOR MUST ALWAYS bear in mind theObligation of preserving human life.
A DOCTOR OWES to his patient completeloyalty and all the resources of hisscience. Whenever an examination ortreatment is beyond his capacity heshould summon another doctor who hasthe necessary ability.
A DOCTOR SHALL preserve absolute secrecyon all he knows about his p&tient because of the confidence entru$ted inhim.
A DOCTOR HUST give emergency care as ahumanitarian duty unless he is assuredthat others are willing and able togive such care.
Duties of Doctors to Each Other
A DOCTOR OUGHT to behave to his colleagues as he would have them behaveto him.
A DOCTOR MUST NOT entice patients fromhis colleagues.
A DOCTOR MUST OBSERVE the principles of"The Declaration of Geneva" approvedby The World Medical Association.
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DECLARATION OF GENEVA
Adopted by the General Assembly of The World Medical Associationat Geneva, Switzerland, September, 1948
•
AT THE TIME OF BEING ADMITTED AS AMEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:
I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE myself to consecratemy life to the service of humanity.
I WILL GIVE to my teachers the respect and gratitude which is theirdue;
I WILL PRACTICE my profession withconscience and dignity;
THE HEALTH OF HY PATIENT will be myfirst consideration;
I WILL RESPECT the secrets which are
confided in me;
I WILL MAINTAIN by all the means in mypower, the honor and the nobletraditions of the medical profession;
MY COLLEP.GUES will be my brothers;
I WILL NOT PERHIT considerations ofreligion, nationality, race, partypolitics or social standing to intervene between my duty and my patient;
I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect forhuman life from the time of conception; even under threat, I will notuse my medical knowledge contrary tothe laws of humanity.
I MAKE THESE PROMISSES solemnly, freelyand upon my honor.
Text as correlated with other official language texts - April 1956
RESCINDED