Ethics and Professionalism-Current Concepts–Ethics and Professionalism for Hand Surgeons

Current Concepts–Ethics and Professionalism for Hand Surgeons

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In this article, the authors discuss the importance of ethics and professionalism for hand surgeons. They emphasize that the welfare of their patients should be their top priority and that they should provide care in a compassionate and respectful manner. The authors also highlight the role of professionalism in the medical field, stating that it promotes lifelong learning, collegiality, and advancement of the specialty. They mention that professionalism is being promoted at various levels of medicine, including medical education and specialty board certification.<br /><br />The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) has created a formal code of ethics and professionalism for its members. The code includes standards of conduct that define honorable behavior for hand surgeons. These include the obligation to provide competent medical care with compassion and respect, maintaining a reputation for decency and honesty, obeying the law, and managing conflicts of interest in the best interest of the patient. The code also emphasizes the importance of confidentiality, commitment to education, collegiality, reasonable compensation, and societal responsibility.<br /><br />The authors mention that the ASSH has a standing ethics and professionalism committee that provides consultation regarding breaches in the code and promotes ethical conduct among its members. They also mention that forthcoming articles in the Journal of Hand Surgery will discuss ethical and professional issues that are relevant to hand surgeons.<br /><br />Overall, the authors hope to improve the quality of care provided by hand surgeons by reminding them of the privilege and responsibility they have in caring for the sick. They encourage hand surgeons to read and adhere to the code of ethics and professionalism and welcome suggestions and concerns.

Keywords

ethics

professionalism

hand surgeons

patient welfare

compassionate care

medical field

code of ethics

collegiality

medical education

conflicts of interest