Professional Autonomy

Abstract

The term, "Professional Autonomy", has been ubiquitous since the World Medical Association Declaration of Madrid on Professional Autonomy and Self-Regulation. The word profession originally means swear to God, declare to the public, and fulfill one's duty in the occupation one chooses. Furthermore, the origin of the word "Autonomy" goes back to the philosophy of Immanuel Kant who stated that the human will, when working autonomically, transforms into conscience and good will. Profes sional Autonomy means that physicians as professionals discipline themselves autonomically, and engage in medical care for their patients with the spirit of positive freedom. We now would like to reaffirm the significance of this philosophy.