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.
Whatever roles physicians may play in the system of health care delivery, when they use the knowledge and values they gained through medical training and practice in roles that affect the care and well-being of individual patients or groups of patients, they are functioning within the sphere of their profession.
When physicians take on roles that require them to use their medical knowledge on behalf of third parties, physicians must uphold their core obligation to promote patients’ best interests.