Foundations of Medical Ethics

This unit introduces core ethical principles and moral reasoning used in clinical settings, the fundamentals of a professional provider–patient relationship, and the practical systems that support ethical practice. It builds on foundational healthcare concepts and prepares students for deeper, case-based ethical decision-making and quality-improvement activities in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze core medical ethics principles (autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and confidentiality) and apply them to clinical scenarios
• Evaluate moral dilemmas using established ethical frameworks and relevant legal considerations to justify recommended courses of action
• Demonstrate communication and professional behaviors that establish trust in the provider–patient relationship, including informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and confidentiality
• Apply office policies and documentation practices for running an ethical medical practice, including steps for timely, transparent disclosure and reporting of medical errors