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Principles of Ethical Conduct and Practice

One of the hallmarks of a profession is the ability to self-regulate and to define standards of conduct. (Swick, 2000) While professionalism may have many facets, the establishment of a code of ethics for the profession or specialty remains a hallmark of distinction.

One of the first actions of the American Medical Association after its founding in 1847 was to develop a Code of Medical Ethics. The Code has seen many changes in the last 171 years, and currently exists as a set of ten Principles and a more detailed Code numbering hundreds of pages which offers opinions on topics commonly held in tension in medical practice. (AMA, 2015)

Similarly, after its founding in 1951, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) developed a Code of Ethics which includes sections on Ethical foundations, Physician Conduct and Practice, Conflicts of Interest, Professional Relations, and Societal Responsibilities. While taking some inspiration from the AMA Code, ACOG’s Code also opines on problems unique to women’s health and specialists in women’s healthcare. (ACOG, 2011)

Current Context

The Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO) is now a mature society, having success through 50 years of service to women with gynecologic malignancies. What was initially a small, intimate group of gynecologic oncologists, has now grown into a large, multi-faceted organization with members who are gynecologic oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, fellows, resident physicians, advanced practice nurses, physician assistants and researchers.

Each of those groups may see professionalism through a different filter due to their scope of practice, training and association with other professional groups. It is important for SGO to have a unified set of ethical principles to which all of our diverse members can agree to uphold. This is an important marker of professionalism and will serve to reassure our patients, communities and interested parties outside of medicine that members of SGO are dedicated to our patients’ welfare.

 

CODE OF CONDUCT

CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE AND DISSOCIATION POLICY (UPDATED NOVEMBER 2023)

References

  • Swick, HM. Toward a normative definition of medical professionalism. Acad. Med. 2000;75:612-616.
  • American Medical Association Code of Medical Ethics. AMA Press, Chicago, IL. 2017.
  • Code of Professional Ethics of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG, Washington, DC. July, 2011. Accessed online 111218.

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