Moral and ethical standards of medical students.

Introduction: In addition to competence, a model medical doctor is a conscientious individual whose personality is endowed with traits such as general manners, altruism, empathy, and above all, high moral and ethical standards. Such qualities are attained in the course of an entire lifespan; however, it is in medical school, that one’s character has the highest potential to acquire these traits along with the necessary medical skills. Aims: This study investigates the impact of medical ethics and deontology on the development of moral and ethical standards of medical students, and also provides guidelines in identifying a model medical professional. The study also proposes concrete solutions and suggestions that can be applied toward advancing this important aspect of the medical education. Materials and Methods: This project covers review over four individual case studies pertaining to four important aspects of a medical student’s daily interactions involving various ethical dilemmas. The first case study entails the exchanges between the student and the patient, whereas the second study elaborates on the interaction among the student, the patient and the medical doctor. The third and fourth case study relate to the relationship between the student and his/her superior (the Assistant/Professor), and to the interactions between the student and his/her peers respectively. Results: Each of the four case studies includes: a detailed description, discussion topics that deal with popular dilemmas, and a conclusion along with a suggested protocol. The conclusions and findings presented at the end of each case study should be regarded as a framework to deal with various types of situations, ranging from simple to very sophisticated and complicated. Conclusion: We should constantly work on improving the system of education governing the development of the medical student as a competent and skilled medical doctor as well as a responsible, and conscientious individual with high moral and ethical standards.