Professing the Values of Medicine: The Modernized AMA Code of Medical Ethics

The word profession is derived from the Latin word that means "to declare openly." On June 13, 2016, the first comprehensive update of the AMA Code of Medical Ethics in more than 50 years was adopted at the annual meeting of the American Medical Association (AMA). By so doing, physician delegates attending the meeting, who represent every state and nearly every specialty, publicly professed to uphold the values that are the underpinning of the ethical practice of medicine in service to patients and the public. Here, Brotherton et al describe 2016 updates to the AMA's Code of Medical Ethics.