Ethics For Prospective Medical Students

Ethics is, in short, the branch of knowledge that deals with moral principles. More specifically the term applies to how moral principles govern a person`s behaviour or the conducting of an activity. Therefore naturally, ethics is an essential part of medicine.

Ethics is involved in any choice that we make. In medicine, there are many situations in which a choice must be made, some simple, others harder. The underlying principle is that a doctor, like any other healthcare professional, has a duty of care towards society as whole and more specifically, towards their patient and as such, should always look to act in the best interests of these parties.

So with this in mind, how can a doctor look to resolve ethical dilemmas? A simple three point plan can simplify most problems.

1) To look at the consequences of the different potential courses of action. This includes both the potential benefits and harms.

2) To look at your duties and obligations. And if there is a conflict of duties that is causing the dilemma ie. between society and the patient, then look to the best way to resolve said dilemma

3) To consider categorical imperatives i.e. respect for autonomy.

It is important for doctors to know and keep on top of changes in GMC guidelines on ethics, whilst appreciated that they are signposts, very useful ones at that, but they are not rules to be followed blindly in all situations as every situation is different and there may be exceptions.