Islamic Center of Southern California

The International Islamic Code for Medical and Health Ethics

CHAPTER 8

Medical Behavior and Physician Rights and Duties

Relations with Colleagues

Article Eighty-Three:

A physician should behave politely and decently towards his colleagues, and base his relations with them on reciprocal trust, constructive cooperation, and mutual respect. He should refrain from direct criticism of a colleague in front of patients. He should endeavor to teach physicians in his medical team and trainees working with him, and should be precise and honest in evaluating them, giving every member his due, without exaggerated praise and without giving the same evaluation to diligent and negligent staff members.

Article Eighty-Four:

If a physician finds that the intervention of one of his colleagues or superiors may undermine his proper medical performance, or if he fears that such an intervention may be hazardous to the patient, he should have an oral discussion of the matter with the colleague or superior concerned. When they fail to reach an agreement, the matter should be referred in writing to the proper authority for consideration and for making the proper decision.

Article Eighty-Five:

A physician should not charge any fees for examining or treating a colleague, or a member of the immediate family of a colleague (a spouse, a parent, or a child), unless it is a reimbursement for additional expenses paid by the examining or attending physician.

Article Eighty-Six:

A physician should never try to compete with a colleague in a dishonest manner in any professional undertaking.

Article Eighty-Seven:

A physician should settle amicably any differences he may have with a colleague. If no settlement is reached, the matter should be referred to the proper authority for a final decision.

Article Eighty-Eight:

When a physician substitutes for a colleague at the latter's office, he should never take advantage of the situation to serve his own interests. He should inform every patient, before examining him, that he is substituting temporarily for the office owner.

Article Eighty-Nine:

When a physician is asked to visit a patient being treated by another doctor who could not be contacted, the new physician should allow his colleague, as soon as he is back, to carry on with the treatment and inform him of the measures taken, unless the patient or his family want the new doctor to continue.

Article Ninety:

A physician should never demand any share of the fees from one of his colleagues or assistants, unless he has actually taken part in the examination or treatment.

Article Ninety-One:

A physician should respect his non-physician professional colleagues, appreciate their role in the treatment extended to the patient, and refrain from criticizing them in front of patients. He should base his relations with them on reciprocal trust and constructive cooperation to serve the patients' interest. He should endeavor to teach and train them, and make sure they abide by the principles of professional ethics.

Article Ninety-Two:

In dealing with members of the supporting medical staff, a physician should observe the following:

a. He should respect and honor them and make any professional observations to them in a friendly and proper manner;

b. give any instructions to them in writing and with no ambiguity, and make sure, as much as possible, that these instruction are carried out;

c. listen objectively and without any condescension to their observations, criticism, and reservations concerning his treatment instructions; and

d. help in and contribute to their scientific and career advancement and in the updating of their knowledge and skills.

Supporting Islamic Legal Evidence:

I. In the Glorious Quran:

1. ". . . merciful with each other. . . ." (Al-Fatth XLVIII: 29).

2. "Cooperate in charity and piety and not in sin and aggression, and fear God; God is severe in His punishment" (Al-Maaedah V: 2).

3. "When in his company on a congregational matter, they do not depart before they beg his leave" (Al-Noor XXIV: 62).

4. "And they conduct their affairs by mutual consultation" (Al-Shura XLII: 38).

II. In the Prophet's Tradition:

1. In an attributed tradition quoting Anas, "Listen and obey, even if an Abyssinian slave is made a ruler over you." (Cited by Al-Bukhari and Ahmad in his attributed collection.)

2. "In their mutual affection, mercy, and compassion, Muslims are similar to a single body."

3. "Be gentle when serving under your fellows." Islamic Center of Southern California