The American Medical Association (AMA) is widely recognized as the most comprehensive ethical guide for doctors. Its Code of Ethics is a document that has been modified over the centuries to reflect the changing challenges of contemporary practice. It provides physicians with a set of principles to guide their medical decisions and ensure they are providing the best care possible to their patients. The Code of Ethics is designed to protect both patients and doctors. It outlines the responsibilities of physicians to respect the autonomy, dignity, and rights of their patients, as well as their responsibility to society.
It also states that doctors should limit their professional income to the services they provide and should not dispose of their services under conditions that interfere with or prevent the free and complete exercise of their medical judgment and skill. When providing medical care remotely, doctors must ensure that this form of communication is medically justified and that necessary medical care is provided. The Code also states that physicians must help their medical colleagues fulfill their responsibilities set forth in this Code and take steps to protect them from undue influence, abuse, exploitation, violence, or oppression. In addition, they must provide help in the event of a medical emergency, taking into account their own safety and competence as well as other viable care options. When a patient has a considerably limited, underdeveloped, impaired, or fluctuating decision-making capacity, physicians must involve them as much as possible in medical decisions. They must also go to a consultation upon request, in doubtful or difficult cases, or whenever it seems that the quality of medical service can improve with it. The AMA's Code of Ethics is an important document for all physicians to follow in order to ensure they are providing the best care possible for their patients.
It provides guidance on how to handle difficult situations and outlines the responsibilities of doctors to both individuals and society. By following this code, physicians can ensure they are upholding the honorable ideals of the medical profession.
