Ethics is defined as the moral principles that govern a person’s behavior, or how a profession conducts itself.
1. Respect for Dignity and Autonomy:
- Principle: Uphold the dignity and autonomy of all individuals.
- Guidelines:
- Treat everyone with respect, regardless of background or condition.
- Encourage open dialogue and informed decision-making.
- Respect patient privacy and confidentiality at all times.
2. Integrity and Honesty:
- Principle: Foster a culture of honesty, integrity, and transparency.
- Guidelines:
- Discourage plagiarism and academic dishonesty among students and faculty.
- Provide accurate and unbiased information in educational materials and interactions.
- Acknowledge and rectify errors openly and promptly.
3. Professionalism:
- Principle: Instill high standards of professionalism.
- Guidelines:
- Emphasize empathy, compassion, and cultural competence in patient care and interactions.
- Encourage self-reflection and continuous development of interpersonal skills.
- Uphold professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest.
4. Academic Freedom:
- Principle: Safeguard academic freedom responsibly.
- Guidelines:
- Support freedom of inquiry and research, ensuring ethical guidelines are followed.
- Ensure responsible use of resources and promote ethical research practices.
- Encourage students and educators to engage in critical thinking and intellectual exploration.
5. Equity and Inclusivity:
- Principle: Promote equal opportunities and inclusivity.
- Guidelines:
- Foster a diverse, bias-free learning environment, actively addressing discrimination and bias.
- Address healthcare disparities through inclusive curricula and community engagement.
- Advocate for policies that ensure equitable access to education, healthcare, and opportunities for all.
6. Patient Welfare:
- Principle: Prioritize patient welfare and safety.
- Guidelines:
- Emphasize evidence-based, patient-centered care in the curriculum.
- Promote a culture of safety, encouraging reporting and learning from errors.
- Encourage teamwork and effective communication among healthcare professionals to enhance patient outcomes.
7. Social Responsibility:
- Principle: Engage in socially responsible practices.
- Guidelines:
- Promote community outreach and public health education to address local health needs.
- Encourage students and educators to actively participate in initiatives addressing global health disparities, emergencies, and social determinants of health.
- Advocate for healthcare policies that prioritize the well-being of society, especially vulnerable populations.
