[Physicians and professionalism. Patients and information].
In the present time, the advances in sciences brought by technology are worshiped. This contributes to dehumanize human relationships. Medical profession is a commitment to oneself, society and social justice. Scientific and humanist formation must coexist during the training of new physicians. The main objective of medical profession is the relationship with patients. Patients have acquired increasing autonomy and a deliberative relationship is the closest to the ideal medical action. The relationship must be based in autonomy, beneficence, lack of maleficence and justice. The patient must receive all the information about his ailment and the diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives in a clear and intelligible language. This will allow to obtain a fully conscious informed consent from the patient. Asking for this consent, gives the patient the opportunity to practice his responsibility and to decide the best for him in a friendly and confident environment. In the middle of science and technology, a close contact with ethics and humanism will allow a better understanding of the integrity of subjects, specially when they are ill.
Carvallo
Aurelio
A
Servicio de Medicina, Departamento de Reumatología, Hospital San Juan de Dios, Santiago, Chile.
D004501:Education, Medical; D006808:Humanism; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations