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.
Residents and fellows have dual roles as trainees and caregivers; however, residents and fellows are physicians first and foremost and should always regard the interests of patients as paramount.