Hospital Consultations: Embracing Professionalism Even When It Hurts

The American Medical Association met in Philadelphia in 1847 and revolutionized medicine in the United States by establishing standards for professional education, training, and conduct. The world’s first national code of medical ethics has remained the authoritative guide for practicing physicians since that time. The AMA’s Code of Medical Ethics is an ever evolving entity changing as the practice of medicine and healthcare delivery change [1]. The American Academy of Dermatology has developed The Code of Medical Ethics for Dermatologists in part from the Principles of Medical Ethics and Current Opinions of the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs of the American Medical Association [2].