Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2012 May 15:215-217. doi: 10.1001/archfacial.2011.1643. [Epub ahead of print]
Ethical Conduct of Humanitarian Medical Missions: I. Informed Consent
"Altruistic and socially conscious physicians are dedicating a portion of their professional lives to humanitarian relief of disadvantaged populations in increasing numbers. These efforts are primarily carried out through short-term medical missions (STMMs) throughout the international community.1 There is a great deal of professional and personal reward to physicians who participate in medical missions, and their experiences as related to colleagues may serve to encourage others to participate as well. Indeed, there is an increasing interest in, and enthusiasm for, medical students to participate in international volunteer electives during medical school, particularly in developing countries. Their positive experiences often shape their future commitment to volunteerism as a physician.2
However altruistic and compassionate are the physicians' intentions, there are ethical rules of conduct that should direct their actions in these humanitarian efforts, and failure to comply with them can violate international standards of care. While the rules of conduct have their basis in the fundamental principles of medical ethics, owing to the particular circumstances under which STMMs are carried out, their ethical conduct requires articulation and review."
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