Understanding medical relationships through a covenantal ethical perspective

Relationships between different parties form the core of medical practice. Increasing attention has focused on the possible merits of understanding such relationships as covenantal in nature. Some advocates of a covenant ethic have focused on promise and fidelity as the defining features of this relationship. However, historical and/or metaphysical justification for prescribing a covenantal model varies, with some appealing to the ancient Greek medical tradition while others claim authority in the biblical revelation of covenant initially established by God with humankind.