Medical ethics is based on moral principles that guide the practice of medicine. These principles include nonmaleficence (do no harm), beneficence (act in the patient's best interest), autonomy (respect patient choices), fidelity (honor promises and duties), veracity (truthfulness), and confidentiality (protect private discussions). Informed consent and justice in distributing healthcare resources are also important principles. Exceptions to confidentiality include situations involving child or elder abuse, public health dangers, or risk of harm to the patient or others.

1. Medical Ethics

2. Ethics Medical ethics is a system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of medicine It encompasses its practical application in clinical settings as well as work on its history, philosophy, theology, and sociology

3. Nonmaleficence First, Do no Harm. (primum non nocere). “ I will prescribe regimens for the good of my patients according to my ability and my judgment and never do harm to anyone”.

4. Beneficence a practitioner should act in the best interest of the patient

5. Autonomy The patient is free to choose and implement one’s own decisions, free from deceit, constraint or coercion. the patient has the right to refuse or choose their treatment (Voluntas aegroti suprema lex.)

6. Fidelity strict observance of promises, duties Conjugal faithfulness Mutual obligation between patient and physician to respect integrity and personhood. Requires persons not to be treated as things , they are of primary value

7. Veracity habitual observance of truth in speech or statement The physician needs to disclose factual information so that the patient can exercise personal autonomy.

8. Confidentiality “ whatsoever I shall see/hear in the course of my profession as well as outside my profession in my intercourse with men, if it be what should not be published abroad, I will not divulge”. is commonly applied to conversations between doctors and patients is commonly known as patient-physician privilege

9. Exceptions to Confidentiality Child custody disputes Suspicion of child/elder abuse Public health dangers (venereal/communicable diseases, gunshot wounds) Danger to self and others Adolescent patients

10. Informed Consent a person must be fully informed about and understand the potential benefits and risks of their choice of treatment a verbal agreement between doctor and patient Exceptions : Emergency exception Therapeutic privilege

11. Justice Fair and equitable distribution of scarce goods and services Physicians should not deny patients who cannot pay the chance of being interviewed, diagnosed and managed. concerns the distribution of scarce health resources, and the decision of who gets what treatment (fairness and equality)

12. Dignity patient (and the person treating the patient) have the right to dignity