WHY THE DOCTORS NEED ETHICS

Dr.T.V.Rao MD
With the progress of science and effluence, the society is going to ethical crisis and in spite needs of
the men continue to be same since centuries however the greed is encroaching in every aspect of
life, We talk of conflict of interest which is taking the front seat in every walk of life, however to
survive in the medical profession continues to be difficult, never underestimate the power of ethical
behaviour if you wish to continue with human consciousness. When most people think of ethics (or
morals), they think of rules for distinguishing between right from wrong, such as the Golden Rule
("Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" this is the quote I remember when my
selfish interest overrules by duty This sentence of Bhagavad Gita teaches everything to man to walk
the journey of life with peace and happiness ) A code of professional conduct like the Hippocratic
Oath ("First of all, do no harm"), a religious creed like the Ten Commandments ("Thou Shalt not
kill..."), or a wise aphorisms like the sayings of Confucius. This is the most common way of defining
"ethics": norms for conduct that distinguish between acceptable and unacceptable behaviour. The
acceptable behaviour is that we all Doctors should consider our patients life is as important as ours,
and never forget our importance to our family and means the same to our patients. The great words
of Dr Bhatt on his life time achievement at SVIMS Tirupathi ( a renowned Urologist from CMC
Vellore), still awakens me that you Doctors should realise all the time in life we are not Doctors one
day we all become patients, imagine to be patients think what you wish from your treating
physician. Most people learn ethical norms at home, at school, in church, or in other social settings.
Although most people acquire their sense of right and wrong during childhood, moral development
occurs throughout life and human beings pass through different stages of growth as they mature.
Ethical norms are so ubiquitous that one might be tempted to regard them as simple common sense.
For example, a "medical ethicist" is someone who studies ethical standards in medicine. One may
also define ethics as a method, procedure, or perspective for deciding how to act and for analysing
complex problems and issues. In the working environment we find our well known friends are
becoming popular with publishing fake research just to attain few more comforts. There are several
reasons why it is important to adhere to ethical norms in research. First, norms promote the aims of
research, such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error. For example, prohibitions against
fabricating, falsifying, or misrepresenting research data promote the truth and avoid error. Second,
since research often involves a great deal of cooperation and coordination among many different
people in different disciplines and institutions, ethical standards promote the values that are
essential to collaborative work, such as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness. The great
problem with fake publications can certainly misguide the facts as many look at you a guide in
treating patients. The great moral misconduct which is just growing in many private and public
institutions, rarely the students get benefit from them, never forget, students rarely care you or
remember you. I have seen the phenomenon is growing with expansion of Medical colleges in India.
In spite many idealistic thinking it is certainly difficult to survive in the changing world where people
are counted by wealth and money they have and least talents and ethical behaviour, however still I
think honesty still continue to be best policy, Strive for honesty in all scientific communications.
Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status.* Do not fabricate,
falsify, or misrepresent data. Do not deceive colleagues, granting agencies, or the public. We talk
about religion and worship the God in many forms, and I am always inspired by Hindu teachings as
its purpose being to eliminate such mental impurities as greed, falsification of facts, and egoism, for
the ultimate attainment of the highest good. Why Hindu ethics stresses the subjective or personal
value of action and reaction in form of Dharma and Karma it is certain what we give will receive with
the time we live. Objective ethics, which deals with social welfare, has also been considered by
Hindu thinkers. It is based upon the Hindu conception of Dharma, or duty, related to a mans
position in society and his stage in life. Objective ethics, according to the Hindu view, is a means to
an end, its purpose being to help the members of society to rid themselves of self-centredness,
cruelty, greed, and other vices, and thus to create an environment helpful to the pursuit of the
highest good, which transcends society. Hinduism further speaks of certain universal ethical
principles which apply to all human beings irrespective of their position in society or stage in life.
Never forget we are always not powerful as we think and need the help from the many ethical
people in time of Crisis, Never forget after all life is retribution.
Ref what is Ethics in Research & Why is it Important? By David B. Resnik, J.D., Ph.D. wish to read one
of the best article on Morality and ethics and research
Dr.T.V.Rao MD Professor of Microbiology Freelance writer