ethical principles in medicine

Ethical principles in medicine guide healthcare professionals to act responsibly and honor patients' well-being. Core principles include respect for patient autonomy, meaning patients have the right to make their own health decisions; beneficence, which requires acting in the patient's best interest; non-maleficence, or "do no harm"; and justice, ensuring fair and equitable treatment for all. These principles help healthcare providers balance scientific knowledge with moral responsibility, fostering trust and ensuring that patient care is respectful, honest, and compassionate.