This chapter sets out to define what is meant by the term ‘ethics’, briefly introduces the reader to current frameworks for ethical thinking, summarises the key ethical principles for good medical practice, and presents the codes of ethics that guide the medical profession. The chapter is intended to provide a foundation for the ethical dimensions of issues addressed in later chapters. Modern doctors are required to be cognisant of the needs and rights of the individual patient, aware of the rights of patients' relatives, carers and guardians, alert to issues such as cultural and language barriers, prudent in the use of health resources, familiar with complaints processes, and involved in maintenance of professional competence and their own health. As subsequent chapters will demonstrate, doctors who possess good communication skills, respect their patients, have a broad knowledge of ethics and the law relating to medical practice, and are willing to consult more experienced colleagues when needed will be well equipped to resolve most of the ethical dilemmas that they will encounter in the daily practice of their profession.

More detailed historical or theoretical studies of medical ethics or in-depth discussion of the application of medical ethics in specific subjects areas such as in-vitro fertilisation, human cloning, euthanasia and organ transplantation are beyond the scope of this book. A suggested reading list is provided at the end of this chapter for those seeking to commence a more detailed study of medical ethics.