The AMA was founded in part to establish the first national code of medical ethics. Today the Code is widely recognized as authoritative ethics guidance for physicians through its Principles of Medical Ethics interpreted in Opinions of AMA’s Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs that address the evolving challenges of contemporary practice.
During public health emergencies, fidelity to the individual patient is counterbalanced by the need to protect the welfare of a population of patients.
Learners will recognize key features that distinguish decisions that involve pediatric patients from decisions by or for adult patients and apply best practices in order to make ethically sound decisions in situations involving pediatric patients
Learners will recognize how the different elements of your identity inform your approach to clinical decision-making and know how to maintain professional integrity while caring for the patient and managing their expectations.
Learners will recognize circumstances when a surrogate is needed and describe surrogate and physician responsibilities in making decisions for patients who lack capacity.
Learners will describe how institutional policies shape the practice environment and recognize how a physician might play a leading role in creating an ethical practice environment.
Learners will identify the leadership roles a physician might play in creating an ethical practice environment and recognize the multiple loyalties of physician leaders.
Learners will recognize when physicians need consent to disclose patient information and describe the physician's responsibilities when there has been a breach of privacy.
Learners will know how to distinguish between privacy and confidentiality, and describe the physician's role in maintaining a patient's privacy and confidentiality.
Learners will explain the risks of boundary violations with patients when communicating political opinions, soliciting charitable contributions, accepting gifts and using social media.