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Table of Contents

Think

Assess

 Patient: Autonomy

 Practitioner: Beneficence & Nonmaleficence

 Public Policy: Justice

Conclude

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F. The Declaration Of Geneva

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As a member of the medical profession, I will respect the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died.

~ Declaration of Geneva

Abstract

The Declaration of Geneva is a pledge taken by medical professionals at many medical school graduations. It emphasizes the importance of serving humanity, putting the patient’s health and well-being first, respecting patient autonomy and dignity, maintaining respect for human life, and maintaining professional confidentiality. The Declaration also requires practitioners to maintain good medical practice, respect colleagues and students, share medical knowledge, and not violate human rights and civil liberties. The pledge is made freely and solemnly on the medical professional’s honor.

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Preamble

[F:1] The Declaration of Geneva, or a modified version, is used at some medical school graduations. Like the Hippocratic Oath, the Declaration attempts to exemplify the importance of being a clinical preceptor, and a life-long learner, along with being respectful of professional boundaries, confidentiality, and the moral principles of beneficence (do good), nonmaleficence (do no harm), and justice (be fair). In addition, the Declaration adds the principle of autonomy (informed consent) so as not to be paternalistic. It also avoids some archaic and controversial topics found in the Oath.  

[F:2] 

AS A MEMBER OF THE
MEDICAL PROFESSION:

[1] I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity;

[2] THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration;

[3] I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient;

[4] I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life;

[5] I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed,
ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation,
race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor
to intervene between my duty and my patient;

[6] I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me,
even after the patient has died;

[7] I WILL PRACTICE my profession with conscience and dignity
and in accordance with good medical practice;

[8] I WILL FOSTER the honor and noble traditions of the medical profession;

[9] I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect
and gratitude that is their due;

[10] I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient
and the advancement of healthcare;

[11] I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order
to provide care of the highest standard;

[12] I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and
civil liberties, even under threat;

[13] I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.

Amended by the 68th WMA General Assembly, Chicago, United States, October 2017

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[F:3] 

DECLARATION OF GENEVA

Adopted by the 2nd General Assembly of the World Medical Association, Geneva, Switzerland, September 1948 and amended by the 22nd World Medical Assembly, Sydney, Australia, August 1968 and the 35th World Medical Assembly, Venice, Italy, October 1983 and the 46th WMA General Assembly, Stockholm, Sweden, September 1994 and editorially revised by the 170th WMA Council Session, Divonne-les-Bains, France, May 2005 and the 173rd WMA Council Session, Divonne-les-Bains, France, May 2006 and amended by the 68th WMA General Assembly, Chicago, United States, October 2017.

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F. Review Questions

1. The Declaration Of Geneva states: [2] THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?

2. The Declaration Of Geneva states: [3] I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?

3. The Declaration Of Geneva states: [4] I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?

4. The Declaration Of Geneva states: [6] I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?

5. The Declaration Of Geneva states: [12] I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat. Which of the four principles of biomedical ethics is best reflected in this statement?

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