What is the definition of ethics in a medical context?

In a medical context, ethics refers to the moral principles that govern an individual's behavior and decision-making in healthcare. These principles guide medical professionals in their practice, helping them to navigate complex situations and make choices that prioritize patient welfare, respect for autonomy, justice, and non-maleficence. Ethics encompasses a range of considerations, from honesty and integrity in patient interactions to the ethical dilemmas that may arise in clinical practice, research, and public health.

While regulations, laws, and standards of care are all important aspects of the medical profession, they typically derive from or are influenced by ethical considerations. Regulations and laws may provide a framework for acceptable practice, but they do not fully encompass the moral obligations healthcare professionals have towards their patients and society. Ethics serves as a foundational element that supports and informs these other aspects by encouraging practitioners to reflect on the moral implications of their actions and to strive for the highest standards of care.