A codificação moral da medicina: Avanços e desafios na formação dos médicos

Abstract

The aim of this article is to discuss how the moral code for medicine is produced and to demonstrate the need for technical training to be expanded to include humanitarian features. To this end, it first addresses medicine as a science and as an art founded on moral principles. Then, it reviews the historical context of the production of the moral codes for medicine, with a specific focus on Brazil. Finally, it discusses the prevailing medical code, pointing out the importance of not regarding it as a strictly punitive tool, but as a set of guidelines for the promotion of the well-being of patients and the improvement of society in general. It concludes by indicating the need for medical schools to go beyond technical training and provide on-going preparation for dealing with humanitarian issues, thereby developing the sense of morality among the students and future doctors.