2 - Bioethics in the Practice of Medicine

Abstract

It commonly is argued that the bioethical dilemmas physicians face today result primarily from modern advances in medical technology. In reality, however, concerns about ethical issues are as old as the practice of medicine itself. The Hippocratic Oath, composed sometime around 400 bc, attests to the need even of ancient Greek physicians for advice on how to address the many bioethical dilemmas that they confronted. Technology may make these issues more common and change the context in which they arise, but many, if not most, bioethical issues that physicians regularly confront are timeless. Indeed, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic (Chapter 336) has further highlighted the central role of medical ethics in medical practice. A multitude of bioethical dilemmas arise in medical practice each year, including issues of genetics, conscientious objection by providers, and termination of care. In clinical practice, the most common issues revolve around informed consent, termination of life-sustaining treatments, euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide, allocation of resources, and conflicts of interest.