ETICA MEDICA Y JURAMENTO HIPOCRATICO 2

Introduction to Medical Ethics and Bioethics

Welcome and Course Overview

• Dr. Karina Castelana Raga introduces herself as a pediatrician and welcomes participants to the preparatory course for medical studies.

• The course will cover five modules focusing on ethics, bioethics, and fundamental bioethical principles.

Historical Context of Medical Symbols

• Asclepio, the Greek god of medicine, is introduced; he was educated by Chiron and known for his healing abilities.

• The symbol of Asclepio—a staff with a serpent—represents renewal and healing, still used in modern medicine today.

Transition from Magical to Rational Medicine

Influence of Asclepio on Modern Medicine

• Asclepio's temples were early hospitals where significant medical practices developed; his legacy influences contemporary medical ethics.

• Esculapio is the Roman counterpart of Asclepio, also associated with healing rituals in various sanctuaries.

Symbolism in Medicine

• The staff of Esculapio symbolizes healing; it features one snake wrapped around it.

• A legend states that Esculapio used a snake for healing, reinforcing its association with health.

Legal Foundations of Medical Practice

Early Medical Codes

• The Code of Hammurabi (circa 1750 BC) is highlighted as one of the first legal frameworks regulating medical practice.

• It established fees based on patient status and treatment complexity while outlining professional responsibilities and penalties for malpractice.

Impact on Modern Ethics

• This code laid foundational principles for current medical ethics, emphasizing accountability in healthcare practices.

The Hippocratic Oath: A Milestone in Medical Ethics

Origins and Significance

• Hippocrates' contributions include observational practices leading to a scientific approach to medicine distinct from magical beliefs.

Core Principles

• The Hippocratic Oath emphasizes beneficence (helping patients), non-maleficence (avoiding harm), confidentiality, respect for teachers, and rejection of harmful practices like abortion or euthanasia.

Historical Relevance

• Throughout the Middle Ages and Renaissance, the oath remained integral to medical training in European universities.

The Legacy of Hippocrates and the Foundations of Medical Ethics

The Corpus Hippocraticum

• The Corpus Hippocraticum consists of around 60 medical works from ancient Greece, closely associated with Hippocrates and his teachings.

• It encompasses various aspects of medicine, including diagnostic practices and ethical approaches to treatment, emphasizing a holistic view of health.

Key Principles in the Hippocratic Oath

• The Hippocratic Oath serves as a cornerstone for modern bioethics, introducing principles such as beneficence (commitment to help patients recover) and non-maleficence (the famous phrase "primum non nocere," or "first do no harm").

• Confidentiality remains a crucial aspect of medical practice today, alongside values like justice, honesty, respect for life, and gratitude towards mentors.

Fundamental Concepts in Hippocratic Medicine

• Hippocrates believed that diseases stemmed from an imbalance among four bodily humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.

• Health was viewed as a perfect balance between these humors; treatments aimed to restore this equilibrium through diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.

Revolutionary Impact on Medicine

• This approach marked a significant departure from supernatural explanations for illness and laid the groundwork for scientific medicine by promoting systematic patient observation.

• Prevention was emphasized equally with treatment; this perspective shifted away from mystical beliefs towards establishing scientific foundations in medicine.

Evolution of the Hippocratic Oath

• Over time, the Hippocratic corpus has undergone modifications; one notable update occurred post World War II with the Geneva Declaration by the World Medical Association.

• This modern version removed religious references and universalized commitments to dignity and respect while incorporating patient autonomy regardless of race or economic status.

Understanding Bioethics: Origins and Principles

Definition and Scope of Bioethics

• Bioethics is defined as the systematic study of moral issues arising in life sciences and healthcare using ethical principles to guide human conduct.

• It addresses dilemmas related to human research ethics, healthcare delivery, environmental concerns, and technology's impact on life.

Historical Context

• Emerging in response to advancements in biomedicine during the late 1960s to early 1970s; although discussions existed prior to this period.

UNESCO's Role in Bioethics

• UNESCO has played a normative role in bioethics by formulating fundamental principles through documents like the Universal Declaration on Human Genome and Human Rights adopted unanimously in 1997.

Bioethics and Its Impact on Modern Practice

The Role of UNESCO in Bioethics

• The United Nations adopted a declaration on human genetic data in 1998, emphasizing the ethical considerations surrounding scientific advancements.

• UNESCO is uniquely positioned to address bioethical issues due to its focus on social and human sciences, rooted in diverse cultural, philosophical, and religious backgrounds.

Importance of Bioethics Today

• Bioethics addresses complex ethical dilemmas related to life, health, and the environment, driven by scientific and technological progress.

• Key areas of focus include human experimentation, genetics, artificial intelligence in medicine, and equitable access to healthcare.

Historical Context: The Hippocratic Oath

• The Hippocratic Oath has significantly influenced modern medical practice despite being over 2,000 years old; it emphasizes ethics and patient commitment.

• Reflection on the relevance of the Hippocratic Oath today invites consideration of its principles in contemporary medical ethics.

Core Principles of Bioethics

• Four fundamental principles guide bioethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice.

Autonomy

• Autonomy refers to individuals' rights to make informed decisions about their lives and bodies while respecting those unable to decide for themselves.

Beneficence

• Beneficence involves the obligation to promote others' well-being by maximizing benefits while minimizing risks in healthcare settings.

Non-Maleficence

• This principle focuses on avoiding harm or injury; it requires healthcare professionals not to inflict unnecessary pain or administer unjustified treatments.

Justice

• Justice pertains to fair distribution of resources and opportunities within healthcare systems while ensuring access for vulnerable populations.