Approved by the Delegate Committee 6 May 1988
A person working as a physician has
undertaken a great and demanding task, which cannot be fulfilled
unless there is, in addition to proper knowledge, a serious desire to
meet the ethical responsibilities acknowledged by the medical
profession for thousands of years. A physician gains trust on the
basis of personality, knowledge and proficiency. In accordance with
these principles, the Delegate Committee of the Finnish Medical
Association has adopted the following code to be observed by
physicians in their profession.
I It is a physician's duty to protect human
life and alleviate suffering, with the promotion and establishment of
health as the principal aim.
II A physician shall serve his fellowmen
charitably and show himself by his behaviour and actions to be worthy
of the trust and respect that his task requires. He shall never
participate in torture, the implementation of a death sentence or any
other inhuman actions or preparation thereof.
III A physician shall treat patients as equals
and not allow race, religion, political views or social status to
have any effect on his actions towards them.
IV A physician shall not use his authority to
undermine a patient's right to make decisions concerning himself.
Even where the patient cannot convey his own will, it is incumbent
upon the physician to act in the patient's best interest.
If a physician is compelled to make
decisions concerning examinations or therapy irrespective of the
patient's will, such decisions shall always be made on medical
grounds.
V A physician shall maintain and further his
knowledge and skills, and shall recommend only those examinations and
therapy that are considered effective and purposeful on the basis of
medical knowledge and experience.
VI Should a physician wish for his patient to
participate in a clinical trial in which the examinations and therapy
deviate from the normal procedure for the disease, he shall obtain
the patient's freely-given consent without pressure, the patient
being aware of the trial and of the additional strain and risks
involved. Generally accepted declarations and instructions issued by
the authorities shall be observed during the trial.
VII A physician shall maintain medical
confidentiality and encourage his subordinates to do so.
VIII A physician may not seek unfounded tangible
interest. He shall treat patients according to their need and collect
a fee on the basis of the work carried out.
IX When issuing certificates and statements a
physician shall bear in mind that he is an impartial witness or
expert whose statement must be based on the objective findings of a
thorough examination, on their critical evaluation and on other facts
observed.
X A physician must observe strict
consideration and avoid selfemphasis when appearing in public. When
advertising, a physician shall observe instructions on the
advertising of physicians and medical services.
XI A physician shall nor become involved in
medical care in which he does not have the freedom to act according
to his duties and the principles of this code.
CODE OF MEDICAL ETHICS
Förbund
The Finnish Medical Association -
Health Care and the Medical Profession in Finland
Association
