The University of Toledo

Medical Student Pledge of Ethics

Similar to the Hippocratic and other oaths taken by those graduating from a medical school, the Medical Student Pledge of Ethics prepares students for the four years ahead of them.

 

Medical Student Pledge of Ethics

I publicly acknowledge and accept the privileges and responsibilities given to me today as a physician in training and dedicate myself to provide care to those in need. I will approach all aspects of my education with honesty and integrity, embracing opportunities to learn from patients, teachers, and colleagues. I will always maintain the highest standards of professional conduct. I will certify only that which I have personally verified, and I will neither receive nor give unauthorized assistance on examinations. I will value the knowledge and wisdom of the physicians who have preceded me. I will recognize my weaknesses and strengths and strive to develop those qualities that will earn the respect of my patients, my colleagues, my family, and myself. I will respect eh humanity, right and decisions of all patients and will attend to them with compassion and without bias. I will maintain patient confidentiality and be tactful in my words and actions. I will value the diversity of patients' experiences, cultures and beliefs because it enhances my ability to care for them and enriches my education. I will not forget that there is an art to medicine as well as a science and that warmth, sympathy and understanding are integral to patient care. I will strive to earn the trust my patients place in me and the respect that society places upon my profession. I will recognize the privileges afforded to me as a physician-in-training and promise not to abuse them. Even as a student I have a responsibility to improve the standard of health in my community, to increase access to care for the underserved and to advance medical knowledge. As I accept these new responsibilities, I will not forget the importance of my own health and well-being. I will continue to value my relations with those who have supported me in the past and those who will share in my future. Knowing my own limitations and those of medicine, I commit myself to a lifelong journey of learning how to cure, relieve and comfort with humility and compassion. I make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.

 

 

*Adapted with permission from the University of Texas-Houston Medical School "Student Ethical Pledge."