Vol. V BALTIMORE, Md., APRIL 15, 1909 No. 2
THE ETHICS OF THE GENERAL PRACTITIONER.
An Address delivered Before the University of
Maryland Medical Association,
March 16, 1909,
By Guy Steele, M. D.
Of Cambridge, Md.
A celebrated divine once said that the most difficult part of a sermon was the selection of a proper text. I must thank the President of this society for saving me this trouble. When, however, Webster's is consulted for a proper definition of the word "Ethics," and it is found to mean "The science of human duty," it would seem that he has chosen a text almost too comprehensive for the limits of a short paper, even when restricted to the "ethics of the medical profession." It may not be out of place to thank him for the honor he has conferred upon me by deeming one whose student days are scarce twelve years behind him worthy of presenting this subject to you, for a paper on this topic is almost of itself a sermon, and we naturally look up to those, whose many years of experience and works have brought them prominence, for instruction in morals and duty. Still, I take it, whether young or old, all of us like to preach on fitting occasions, and not the least part of the inspiration to effort is the character of the audience. My invitation was to read a paper before the Clinical Society, and incidentally I was told that some of the students had expressed a desire to be present. Little, however, did I anticipate such a flattering attendance from them when examination time so nearly approached, and it is evidence of a most commendable spirit when they can bring themselves to take even an hour of their most valuable time from study to devote to a consideration of the moral duties and responsibilities which shall be theirs when they shall have passed through the April ordeal. Much that I have to say tonight will be directed especially to them, and if they or their elders in the profession may in the years to come look back upon this night with the recollection that I have more forcibly brought to mind some of the old and half-forgotten maxims and axioms that make for a better and purer professional life, I will have been more than repaid for the time I have expended in the preparation of this paper.
In discussing the ethics of the general practitioner towards his patient, I would have you remember that your first and most important duty is to give to those who trust you the very best that is in you.