Review Article

Ethical Diversity and the Role of Conscience in Clinical Medicine

Table 2

Excerpts from the Canadian Medical Association [101] and World Medical Association [102] Code of ethics.

(i) Consider first the well-being of the patient (CMA # 1)(i) A physician shall always exercise his/her independent professional judgment and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct (WMA # 1.1)
(ii) Practise the art and science of medicine competently, with integrity and without impairment (CMA # 5)(ii) A physician shall be dedicated to providing competent medical service in full professional and moral independence, with compassion and respect for human dignity (WMA # 1.4)
(iii) Resist any influence that could undermine your professional integrity (CMA # 7)(iii) A physician shall respect the right and preferences of patients, colleagues, and other health professionals (WMA # 1.7)
(iv) Refuse to participate in or support practices that violate basic human rights (CMA # 9)(iv) A physician shall act in the patient’s best interest when providing medical care (WMA # 2.2)
(v) Inform your patient when your personal values would influence the recommendation or practice of any medical procedure that the patient needs or wants (CMA # 12)(v) A physician shall give emergency care as a humanitarian duty unless he/she is assured that others are willing and able to give such care (WMA # 2.5)
(vi) In providing medical service, do not discriminate against any patient on such grounds as age, gender, marital status, medical conditions, national or ethical origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status (CMA # 17)