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AMA Code of Medical Ethics

Code of Medical Ethics overview
A page from the AMA Code of Medical Ethics

Code of Medical Ethics Preface & Preamble
Page zoomed in on the word ethics, being underlined by a red-inked pen

Why does the medical profession need a code of ethics?
Health care worker holding a patient's hand

AMA Ethics Pearls in Practice Series
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2 Min Read

Physician Responsibilities to Colleagues with Illness, Disability or Impairment

Physicians who are impaired are deserving of thoughtful, compassionate care.

Ethics
3 Min Read

Discrimination and Disruptive Behavior by Patients

Trust can be established and maintained only when there is mutual respect.

Ethics
2 Min Read

Patient Rights

Physicians can best contribute to a mutually respectful alliance with patients by serving as their patients’ advocates and by respecting patients’ rights.

Ethics
2 Min Read

Physician Responsibilities for Safe Patient Discharge

The physicians’ primary ethical obligation to promote the well-being of individual patients involves a discharge plan that is safe for the patient.

Ethics
2 Min Read

Physician Competence, Self-Assessment and Self-Awareness

Ethical responsibility competence requires physicians to understand that in the care of actual patients, competence is fluid and dependent on context.

Ethics
4 Min Read

Frequently asked questions on ethics

The AMA is ready to answer your questions on medical ethics. Find out how to file a complaint against a doctor, how to look up AMA ethical rulings and more.

Publications & Newsletters
2 Min Read

Code of Medical Ethics: Research & innovation

Physicians performing clinical research have responsibilities to their patients. Find out how to protect the rights and safety of research participants.

Ethics
2 Min Read

Code of Medical Ethics: Privacy, confidentiality & medical records

Respecting patients’ privacy is crucial. Find out how patient confidentiality ethics build trust, foster thoughtful decision making and improve care.

Ethics
2 Min Read

Code of Medical Ethics: Physicians & the health of the community

A doctor's job doesn't stop at individual care. Find out how caring for the health of the community can also lead to better health for individual patients.

Ethics