Ethics and Professionalism
Physicians are expected to uphold high standards of ethics and professionalism.
Hippocratic Oath
The Hippocratic Oath is one of the earliest ethical standards of the medical profession. The classical oath has changed over time to reflect the change in human culture. Many medical schools worldwide administer this oath when medical students graduate.
Ethics
The Canadian Medical Association has formulated a code of ethics. These ethics govern physicians’ relationships with patients, other physicians, and society. They are based on the virtues and fundamental commitments of the medical profession. The Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) also offers a guide on good practices and provides useful educational resources.
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS)
endorses the Code of Ethics and Professionalism published by the Canadian Medical Association (CMA)
Personal Health Information Act (PHIA)
The Personal Health Information Act (PHIA) governs the collection, use, disclosure, retention, disposal and destruction of personal health information.
CanMEDs
The framework outlines the seven competencies that a physician should have.
“CanMEDS is a framework that identifies and describes the abilities physicians require to effectively meet the health care needs of the people they serve.”
The CanMEDs Framework is adopted by a group of 12 Canadian healthcare organizations. While the framework has been used primarily in postgraduate education, the members are committed to using it within their organizations.
