Medical Code of Ethics for Medical Students

1. Historical Origins

• The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 36th ed. (2026), p. 40-41

2. The Four Pillars of Medical Ethics

Fig. Four Major Principles of Medical Ethics - Miller's Review of Orthopaedics, 9th ed.

🔴 1. Non-Maleficence - "First, Do No Harm"

• Avoid unnecessary investigations, treatments, or procedures that could harm
• Ensure medications prescribed do not cause avoidable adverse effects
• Consider harm not only physical but also psychological, social, and financial

🟢 2. Beneficence - "Do Good"

• Preserve life
• Cure disease
• Restore function
• Alleviate pain and suffering

🔵 3. Autonomy - "Respect Patient Choice"

• Informed consent - patients must receive adequate information before agreeing to treatment
• Truth-telling - patients have a right to truthful information about their diagnosis
• Confidentiality - patients' private information must be protected

"A physician shall respect a patient's right to confidentiality. It is ethical to disclose confidential information when the patient consents to it or when there is a real and imminent threat of harm to the patient or to others." - ICME, amended 2006

⚖️ 4. Justice - "Fair Treatment for All"

• Distributive justice - allocation of limited healthcare resources
• Compensatory justice - fair compensation for malpractice or workplace injuries
• Rights-based justice - upholding patient rights
• Legal justice - obeying the law
• Miller's Review of Orthopaedics, 9th ed., p. 961

3. The Declaration of Geneva (2017 Version) - The Physician's Pledge

AS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION:

I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;

THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;

I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;

I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;

I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient;

I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died;

I WILL PRACTISE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice;

I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;

I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due;

I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare;

I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard;

I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat;

I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.

• Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 36th ed. (2026), pp. 42-43

4. Key WMA Declarations Medical Students Should Know

5. Definitions: Ethics vs. Etiquette

6. Professional Misconduct (Infamous Conduct)

1. Improper conduct with a patient or maintaining an improper association
2. Conviction by a Court of Law for offences involving moral turpitude
3. Issuing false, misleading, or improper certificates (sickness benefits, insurance, passport, etc.)
4. Contravening provisions of the Drugs Act
5. Claiming to be a specialist without the recognized qualification
6. Performing or assisting in illegal procedures (e.g., illegal sex-selective abortion)
7. Accepting or soliciting gifts or commissions for referrals

Penal erasure - termed "the professional death sentence" - deprives the practitioner of all privileges of a registered practitioner.

7. Specific Ethical Obligations for Medical Students

1. Respect patient dignity - Treat patients with respect regardless of background, disease, or social standing
2. Maintain confidentiality - Never discuss patient information casually; protect records
3. Seek informed consent - Even as a student, explain procedures and obtain permission before clinical examinations
4. Practice within competence - Do not perform procedures you are not trained for; seek supervision
5. Be honest - About your student status, your level of knowledge, and any errors you make
6. Respect teachers and colleagues - The Declaration of Geneva explicitly requires giving teachers "the respect and gratitude that is their due"
7. Report misconduct - An obligation to report unethical behavior observed in clinical settings
8. Self-care - Maintaining your own health and abilities is an ethical obligation ("I will attend to my own health, well-being, and abilities")

8. Principles Summary: Education in Medical Ethics

• The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 36th edition (2026) - Chapters FM10.1, FM10.16, FM10.22, FM10.23
• P.C. Dikshit's Textbook of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
• Parikh's Textbook of Medical Jurisprudence, Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
• Miller's Review of Orthopaedics, 9th ed., p. 961
• AMA Code of Medical Ethics - authoritative guidance from the American Medical Association