Founder of the universal order of doctorsthis Belgian surgeon with 45 years of experience in medicine tried above all to remain faithful to the Hippocratic Oath. In this debriefing he presents this order that they founded with other caregivers to remain faithful to the principles of ethics and professional conduct that govern their actions.
Dr. Colignon also presents his struggle and the place he leaves for patients. It also returns to the significant influence of laboratories in hospitals, which explains the alignment of interests between hospital doctors and pharmaceutical laboratories, not always in the interests of patients.
Faced with the order to promote an experimental vaccine treatment, he preferred to resist. Common sense.
Interview with Dr. Colignon: Upholding Ethics in Medicine
Q: Dr. Colignon, you’ve had an impressive 45-year career in medicine. What motivated you to establish the Universal Order of Doctors?
A: Thank you for having me. The motivation behind founding the Universal Order of Doctors was to stay true to the principles of the Hippocratic Oath, which is fundamental to our profession. Medicine should prioritize patient care above all else, and we wanted to create an organization that reinforces ethical standards and professional conduct in healthcare settings.
Q: Can you elaborate on how the Universal Order of Doctors aims to promote these ethical practices?
A: Our order seeks to provide a platform for healthcare providers to share best practices, discuss ethical dilemmas, and support one another in adhering to these principles. By fostering a community that values integrity and patient-centered care, we can collectively uphold the standards of medical ethics that are sometimes challenged in today’s fast-paced healthcare environment.
Q: You mentioned the influence of pharmaceutical laboratories on hospital practices. Can you explain what you mean by this alignment of interests?
A: Absolutely. There is often a significant relationship between hospital doctors and pharmaceutical companies. This relationship can lead to conflicts of interest, where the priorities of the laboratories take precedence over patient welfare. It is crucial to recognize that while pharmaceuticals play an essential role in healthcare, their influence should not compromise the integrity of medical decisions or the trust of patients.
Q: You notably resisted an order to promote an experimental vaccine treatment. What led to that decision, and what message do you hope it conveys?
A: My decision was based on common sense and a commitment to individual patient welfare. Vaccines are vital for public health, but it is essential to evaluate their safety and efficacy thoroughly. My stance was a reflection of my belief in the necessity of informed consent and advocating for treatments that genuinely serve the patients’ best interests. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining professional independence amidst external pressures.
Q: What practical advice would you give to patients who feel unsure about the medications or treatments recommended by their doctors?
A: I would encourage patients to actively engage in their care. Always feel empowered to ask questions about any recommended treatment. Seeking a second opinion is also a valuable practice if there are doubts. Remember, a good healthcare provider should be open to discussions and respectful of your concerns. Healthcare is a partnership, and patients should feel they are an essential part of that process.
Q: Looking forward, what do you believe is the key challenge facing the medical community today?
A: The key challenge is maintaining ethical standards in an increasingly profit-driven healthcare system. We must not forget our primary role is to care for patients and ensure they receive safe, effective treatment. The more pressure the system places on practitioners to perform, innovate, and adhere to external agendas, the more difficult it becomes to stay committed to ethical medicine. Organizations like the Universal Order of Doctors are vital in counteracting these pressures and championing patient wellbeing.
Q: Lastly, Dr. Colignon, what do you hope to see in the future of the medical profession?
A: I hope for a renewed focus on ethical practices and patient autonomy. It’s crucial that the medical community recommits to the core values that define our profession—compassion, integrity, and respect for human life. By doing so, we can ensure that healthcare remains focused on the needs of patients, rather than the interests of external stakeholders.