Chapter 2: The Ethical Concept of Medicine as a Profession: Its Origins in Modern Medical Ethics and Implications for Physicians

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Advances in Bioethics

ISSN: 1479-3709
Series editor(s): Dr Wayne Shelton

Subject Area: Health Care Management/Healthcare

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Document Information:
Title:	Chapter 2: The Ethical Concept of Medicine as a Profession: Its Origins in Modern Medical Ethics and Implications for Physicians
Author(s):	Laurence B. McCullough
Volume:	10 Editor(s): Nuala Kenny, Wayne Shelton ISBN: 978-0-76231-196-5 eISBN: 978-1-84950-339-6
Citation:	Laurence B. McCullough (2006), Chapter 2: The Ethical Concept of Medicine as a Profession: Its Origins in Modern Medical Ethics and Implications for Physicians, in Nuala Kenny, Wayne Shelton (ed.) Lost Virtue (Advances in Bioethics, Volume 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, pp.17-27
DOI:	10.1016/S1479-3709(06)10002-3 (Permanent URL)
Publisher:	Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Article type:	Chapter Item
Abstract:	Professional formation and evaluation in medical education lacks a reliable conceptual foundation. This shortcoming results from an insufficient appreciation of the history of medical ethics as the source of the concept of medicine as a profession. This chapter therefore explores the medical ethics of the Scottish physician-ethicist, John Gregory (1724–1773) and the English physician-ethicist, Thomas Percival (1740–1804), who between them invented the concept of medicine as a profession. Three components of this concept are identified: the commitment to scientific and clinical competence; the commitment to protect the patient's health-related interests; and passing on medicine as public trust, not merchant guild.