Excerpted
and adapted from CLEO: Objectives of the
Considerations of the Legal, Ethical and Organizational Aspects of the Practice of
Medicine.
Ethical standards reflect societies and their
values. For this reason, it is important for IMGs to become familiar with what constitutes
ethical medical practice in Canada.
Medical ethics arise from the traditions of the profession, philosophy, and our social
standards. They are expressed as principles and concepts, which lead to more specific
guidelines or codes for particular situations. Breaches of the ethical guidelines are
generally dealt with from within the profession, but may also be the concern of health
care institutions.
Canadian physicians are bound by ethical codes, both explicit and implicit, regarding the
relationships between physicians and patients, their profession, and society at large.
Some key ethical components are:
• Confidentiality
• The requirement of consent to investigate or
treat
• Truth-telling
• Seeking the best interest of the patient; do
no harm
• Scientific and honest research
• The doctor-patient relationship’s
obligations and restrictions
• Personal and professional conduct
•
Controversial and evolving issues include
abortion, euthanasia, genetic testing
For a more detailed review of ethical issues
and rationale, see:
Medical Council of Canada, CLEO: Objectives
of the Considerations of the Legal, Ethical and Organizational Aspects of the Practice of
Medicine
Canadian
Medical Association Code of Ethics
Royal College of
Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, Bioethics Curricula
Family Medicine Bioethics Curriculum
Further Resources >>
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