BIH526: Medical Deontology

The module Medical Deontology aims to introduce students to the duties of the physician and to the general rules of medical deontology. The phases of the formation of medical deontology are analysed, an initial survey of medical codes of ethics is provided, and an introduction to basic concepts and definitions is offered. Respect for human dignity is analysed as the cornerstone of many international and national deontological instruments. The exercise of medicine as a vocation is emphasised, and freedom of conscience and the physician's social conduct are indicated. Characteristic examples of improper conduct include the physician's appearance in the media and the promotion of methods not grounded in scientific medical evidence, illicit financial transactions, and the humiliating treatment of patients. Emphasis is placed on particular aspects of the medical vocation that are subject to special regulations, such as the issue of certificates and medical opinions and the place of practice. A large part of deontology concerns the physician-patient relationship, the provision of information to the latter, and the observance of the deontological and ethical principles of informed consent. A particularly sensitive issue is the consent of the partially or wholly incapacitated patient, and many aspects of this are analysed. The physician is obliged to maintain a high level of professional competence through continuing medical education as well as training in bioethics. Research has particular deontological aspects because it often bears no relation to treatment and poses certain risks for its participants. Its forms and ethical preconditions will be analysed. Finally, to the extent permitted by time constraints, the specific topics of mental health and euthanasia will be touched upon, and an introduction to international codes of specific content addressing these topics will be provided.