New challenges for humanism in medical practice

: This work is a review of the philosophical analysis surrounding the concept of "humanism" and what it means to be a human being, in relationship to daily life, education and medicine. The authors establish a direct relationship between humanism and bioethics as they relate to the new trends acquired through the development of institutional medicine and the increasing application of technological innovations in the health field. Both of these conditions tend to depersonalize the practice of medicine, and transform an ill person into a clinical file. Reflections are made about current topics, such as the knowledge and manipulation of human genome, assisted reproduction, abortion, survival of premature infants, organ transplants, technological innovation, euthanasia and disthanasia. Concepts and ideas are reviewed in relation to medical institutions and the sick, the physician and the community, and the physician and the government.