Physicians are expected to uphold professional standards of conduct not only in their relationships with patients, but also in their relationships with other health care professionals.

Professional working relationships

Even when they fulfill roles that do not involve directly providing care for patients in clinical settings, physicians are seen by patients and the public, as well as their colleagues and coworkers as professionals who have committed themselves to the values and norms of medicine.

Code of Medical Ethics Opinions: Professional working relationships

• Ethics guidance for physicians in nonclinical roles: Opinion E-10.1
• Ethical obligations of medical directors: Opinion E-10.1.1
• Physician employment by a nonphysician supervisee: Opinion E-10.2
• Peers as patients: Opinion E-10.3
• Nurses: Opinion E-10.4
• Allied health professionals: Opinion E-10.5
• Industry representatives in clinical settings: Opinion E-10.6
• Ethics committees in health care institutions: Opinion E-10.7
• Ethics consultations: Opinion E-10.7.1
• Collaborative care: Opinion E-10.8

Code of Medical Ethics Opinions: Chapter 10 (PDF)

AMA Code of Medical Ethics

Visit the Code of Medical Ethics page to access additional Opinions, the Principles of Medical Ethics and a list of CME courses that are available.

These Opinions are offered as ethics guidance for physicians and are not intended to establish standards of clinical practice or rules of law.