The History of Medical Ethics

Medical ethics are the moral guidelines and ethical laws that help to prioritize a medical professional's work responsibilities. The code of medical ethics outlines the proper conduct between medical professionals and their patients, communities, and colleagues. Each country has a different code of medical ethics, though most contain the same basic principles, and all share the same history of evolution, according to the World Medical Association.

Hippocratic Oath

• The first basic guideline for medical ethics was introduced during the life of Hippocrates, a classical Greek physician who lived between 460 and 377 BC. Hippocrates' three-word phrase created the first ethical law in the field of medicine. The phrase, now known as the Hippocratic Oath, began as the simple phrase, "Do no harm," and evolved into the 181-word vow recited at modern medical school graduation ceremonies.

Ancient Medical Texts

• A century after the time of Hippocrates, the cultures of India and China had established a groundwork of of morals and virtues to be exemplified by medical practitioners. These first guidelines established models of physician humility, concern, and compassion for patients. Religions of this time influenced the creation of this code of behavior by establishing a basic understanding of the sacred relationship between medical practitioners and their patients.

The Enlightenment

• During the intellectual revolution of the eighteenth century, numerous medical advances took place in the West, including the publishing of the first book discussing medical ethics. Thomas Percival, a British physician, published his book "Code of Medical Ethics," in the year 1803. At nearly the same time, medical students attending the University of Pennsylvania, began to be lectured by physician Benjamin Rush regarding the importance of medical ethics.

Nineteenth Century

• In 1847, the American Medical Association was formed in order to establish a definite code of medical ethics because no government laws established medical regulations. The first code of ethics established the line between modern medical practitioners and homeopathic and faith-based healers, in addition to further defining proper medical conduct and relationships between medical professionals and their patients.

Modern Codes

• Modern codes of medical ethics are revised and replaced when ethical issues arise and create concern. Because medical ethics are an important area of study for medical professionals, more than 25 universities across Canada and the United States provide graduate degree programs in the field of medical ethics. Modern codes are published yearly with later editions including the most current guidelines. The books are written and revised by the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association.