LETTER TO YÖK
Turkish Medical Association: The Physician’s Pledge cannot be changed
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The Turkish Medical Association (TTB) has addressed a letter to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) in the wake of an incident at the Sakarya University Faculty of Medicine, where the graduates were made to read out the Physician's Pledge by omitting the part "I will not permit considerations of ... ethnic origin, gender ... sexual orientation ... or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patients."
In its letter to the YÖK, the TTB has defined it as unacceptable that the Physician's Pledge, which was set by the World Medical Association (WMA), be changed or not read. Saying that the WMA Declaration of Geneva is "binding for all physicians," the TTB has noted that "no definition in the physician-patient relationship can be a reason for privilege or discrimination."
The TTB has requested that an investigation be carried out against the related officials and the results of the investigation be notified to the TTB. The Association has also demanded that a list of the graduates not made to read out the Physician's Pledge be shared with the TTB so that their graduation from the Faculty of Medicine can be ensured.
The Physician's PledgeAS A MEMBER OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION: I SOLEMNLY PLEDGE to dedicate my life to the service of humanity; THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF MY PATIENT will be my first consideration; I WILL RESPECT the autonomy and dignity of my patient; I WILL MAINTAIN the utmost respect for human life; I WILL NOT PERMIT considerations of age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin, gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor to intervene between my duty and my patient; I WILL RESPECT the secrets that are confided in me, even after the patient has died; I WILL PRACTISE my profession with conscience and dignity and in accordance with good medical practice; I WILL FOSTER the honour and noble traditions of the medical profession; I WILL GIVE to my teachers, colleagues, and students the respect and gratitude that is their due; I WILL SHARE my medical knowledge for the benefit of the patient and the advancement of healthcare; I WILL ATTEND TO my own health, well-being, and abilities in order to provide care of the highest standard; I WILL NOT USE my medical knowledge to violate human rights and civil liberties, even under threat; I MAKE THESE PROMISES solemnly, freely, and upon my honour. |
(RT/SD)
