Hugh M Scott
Extract
various well-meaning groups believe that something as basic as a code of ethics should be subject to the whim of members of a general meeting acting on an amendment from the floor. . . . I am sceptical of the value of hypnosis therapy for cigarette smoking and obesity, of transcendental meditation for angina pectoris and of acupuncture for all sorts of disorders. Is this because of my beliefs or because of my scientific training? If the latter, is not dedication to the scientific method a “belief”? Therefore, should we be expected to post signs in our offices declaring all our beliefs or scepticisms, and, if confronted with a patient with any of these problems, suggest consultation with a colleague who is more “liberal”? Surely we will never do better than to depend on the good sense and dedication of our colleagues. The use of a code of ethics as an issue in a current political debate is a dangerous precedent and one that I, for one, would wish abandoned forthwith.
Scott HM. (Correspondence) Code of ethics. Can Med Assoc J. 1978 Oct 07;119(7):692. Available from: