The Principles of Medical Ethics: Easy as A, B, C, D, E and F. Physicians deal with many ethical issues on a daily basis. Fundamental ethical principles assist us in understanding, negotiating and navigating these issues. Ethical dilemmas arise when two or more ethical principles apply in a particular case and would lead to different outcomes.
In these situations, physicians must balance these principles to arrive at the best course of action. There are other approaches to bioethics in which other principles may apply. However, in caring for patients, it is important for physicians to understand the following fundamental ethical principles that form the basis of bioethics: A: Autonomy- Self-rule- Physicians must respect a patient's right to make decisions regarding his medical care. Competent, informed patients have the right to choose among treatment options and refuse any unwanted…
