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Four Pillars to Assess a Doctor's Medical Ethics
In the medical process, patient trust in doctors is crucial. However, sometimes patients express dissatisfaction with their doctor’s treatment and question their medical ethics. So, what is medical ethics? How can we evaluate a doctor’s ethics?
Medical ethics, also known as Medical Ethics, is based on a set of values that change over time, culture, and region. The evolution of these values means that certain medical practices accepted in the past may now be viewed as unethical. The foundation of medical ethics can be traced back to the Hippocratic Oath from the 5th century BCE, which outlines the basic ethical principles for doctors. These principles include respect for patient autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice.
Respecting patient autonomy is the first principle of medical ethics. Healthcare providers should honor patients’ decisions rather than forcing them to comply with the doctor’s choices.
This principle acknowledges that patients have the right to make informed decisions about their health, standing in contrast to paternalistic approaches where doctors make decisions on behalf of patients.
In this context, doctors should discuss the pros and cons of treatments and allow patients to make the final decision.
2. Beneficence
The principle of beneficence emphasizes that all medical actions should be directed toward the patient’s best interests, highlighting that healthcare providers should offer treatments that benefit the patient.
This can be understood as the physician acting like a parent, always aiming to provide the best care for their patients.
For instance, if a patient requests a potentially unnecessary or harmful cosmetic procedure, the doctor must prioritize the patient’s well-being over merely fulfilling the patient’s request.
The principle of non-maleficence is a vital aspect of medical ethics. A doctor’s primary duty is to help patients, and if they cannot help, they must not cause harm.
This principle refers to the obligation to avoid causing harm to patients. When treatment involves significant risks, healthcare providers must weigh the potential benefits against possible harms. For example, while surgery may effectively treat a condition, it can also lead to complications. Therefore, doctors must carefully consider these risks before proceeding.
4. Justice
The principle of justice involves the fair distribution of limited medical resources. This means that doctors should treat all patients equally, regardless of their skin color, race, or religious beliefs.
This principle also faces challenges. For example, when medical resources are limited, should substantial funds be prioritized for treating one cancer patient, or should those funds be used to treat multiple patients who do not require expensive care? These questions merit deeper exploration.
By understanding and applying these four key principles of medical ethics—autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice—we can better assess a doctor’s ethical standards. As patients, this empowers us to advocate for our health and ensure that we receive not only effective treatment but also ethical care.
