The social problems surrounding doctor's certificates

Abstract

A doctor’s certificate is a statement from a doctor that attests to the results of a medical examination of a patient. It is based on the professional judgment of a doctor who has examined the state of a patient’s healthBiased doctor’s certificates, which can vary widely in their nature, would lead to the loss of the public’s trust in the medical profession. Although the Korean Medical Association has set guidelines for issuing doctor’s certificates, separate guidelines are necessary that address various issues, including, among others, the definition of doctor’s certificates, the ethical duties of doctors, the purpose and issuance of doctor’s certificates, the doctor-patient relationship, and the responsibilities of doctors and patients. Furthermore, hospitals should be required to conduct a review of the doctor’s certificates that have critical importance, such as those that impact court hearings or suspension of sentences, by a committee of doctors, to ensure the accuracy and professional integrity of such doctor’s certificates.