The CMA’s First Code of Ethics: Medical Morality or Borrowed Ideology?

Abstract

In 1868, the Canadian Medical Association adopted its inaugural Code of Ethics. The Code was borrowed almost verbatim from the American Medical Association. This discussion focuses first on the context out of which the AMA/CMA Code arose; for like the AMA, the CMA was seeking to eliminate ’irregular’ practitioners and establish not only a clear-cut monopoly in provision of medical services, but also a well-defined professional identity for its members. The Code’s content is then analyzed to highlight a variety of paternalistic and monopolistic features conducive to the profession’s collective success. Finally, the points of contrast between the AMA and CMA Codes are documented, and explanations advanced for the alterations.