Ethical Codes and Declarations

Abstract

From Hippocrates and Chinese and Islamic healers to modern times, ethical codes and declarations are an essential component of medical education and conduct. Even after many centuries, the early documents on medical ethics are outstanding examples of clear, precise, and timeless formulations. In recent decades, dramatic changes to the practice of medicine have led to an enormous increase in the volume of ethical declarations and documents. Nevertheless, these documents lag behind the rapid new developments in medical research and practice and cannot offer advice in situations in which some ethical costs are inevitable and in which a compromise has to be made.