Ethics and Professionalism-ASSH Presidential Address 2009, Steven Z. Glickel

ASSH Presidential Address 2009, Steven Z. Glickel

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In this document, Dr. Steven Z. Glickel discusses the impact of socioeconomic pressures on medicine and the changing relationships between physicians, patients, researchers, regulatory bodies, and device companies. He notes the negative public perception of medicine, influenced by media coverage of ethical lapses and the close relationships between physicians and medical device companies. Dr. Glickel emphasizes the importance of ethics and professionalism in the practice of medicine, drawing from his own experiences and the historical context of medical ethics. He highlights the need for physicians to reverse the skepticism surrounding the medical profession and to prioritize patient care over expediency. Dr. Glickel also addresses the issue of physician-industry relationships, citing codes of ethics established by medical organizations and associations of device and pharmaceutical companies. He discusses the potential ethical concerns arising from these relationships and the need for adherence to guidelines regarding consulting arrangements and compensation. Furthermore, Dr. Glickel explores the challenges faced by physicians in the current healthcare landscape, particularly in managing increased patient volume and balancing economic pressures. He suggests that physicians should work to restore trust between themselves and their patients, and encourages medical societies to formalize and publicize their standards of ethics and professionalism. Dr. Glickel concludes by advocating for a collaborative approach among physicians, patients, and industry partners that is focused on improving patient care and restoring public trust in the medical profession.

Keywords

socioeconomic pressures

physicians

patients

ethical lapses

medical ethics

physician-industry relationships

healthcare landscape

trust

medical societies

improving patient care