RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The CMA Code of Ethics: more room for reflection
JF Canadian Medical Association Journal
JO CMAJ
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP 1063
OP 1065
VO 155
IS 8
A1 N. P. Kenny
YR 1996
UL http://www.cmaj.ca/content/155/8/1063.abstract
AB Codes of ethics stand as a promise to society about the integrity of a profession in return for the power and authority given to that profession by society. The revised CMA Code of Ethics (see pages 1176A to 1176B) is timely and significant and should be applauded and supported by all physicians. It speaks clearly to competence, high standards of practice and communication, and the importance of informed patient choice. Nonetheless, the code provides no systematic justification for the principles it asserts. Although these principles are helpful tools, they are insufficient to resolve major ethical dilemmas. The code provides no means of ordering ethical priorities and fails to address issues such as peer review and conflict of interest. It is deafeningly silent on both abortion and euthanasia. In view of these limitations, the code must be seen as an important but unfinished reflection on the essence of being a good physician.