Additional information

AMA Code of Medical Ethics
Code of Medical Ethics overview
A page from the AMA Code of Medical Ethics
Code of Medical Ethics Preface & Preamble
Page zoomed in on the word ethics, being underlined by a red-inked pen
Why does the medical profession need a code of ethics?
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2 MIN READ

Political Communications

Physicians should refrain from initiating political conversations during the clinical encounter.

Ethics
2 MIN READ

Informing Families of a Patient’s Death

Physicians should give foremost attention to the family’s emotional needs and the integrity of the patient-physician relationship.

Ethics
3 MIN READ

Professionalism in the Use of Social Media

Physicians and trainees have an ethical responsibility to weigh a number of considerations when maintaining a presence online.

Ethics
2 MIN READ

Electronic Communication With Patients

When physicians engage in electronic communication they hold the same ethical responsibilities to patients as they do during other clinical encounters.

Ethics
4 MIN READ

Genetic Testing of Children

Genetic testing of children implicates important concerns about the minor patient’s present and future autonomy and best interests.

Ethics
3 MIN READ

Treatment Decisions for Seriously Ill Newborns

When an intervention no longer helps to achieve the goals of care or promote the quality of life, it is ethically appropriate to withdraw it.

Ethics
2 MIN READ

Mandatory Parental Consent to Abortion

Physicians should ascertain the law in their state on parental involvement to ensure that their practices are consistent with their legal obligations.

Ethics
4 MIN READ

Pediatric Decision Making

Physicians have a responsibility to engage minor patients in making decisions about their own care to the greatest extent possible.

Ethics
1 MIN READ

Substitution of Surgeon

Patients are entitled to choose their own physicians, which includes being permitted to accept or refuse having an intervention performed by a substitute.

Ethics