School of Medicine Statement of Ethics

The Catholic Church has always been a major provider of healthcare and medical training. Healthcare has an intrinsic link to ethics and, throughout history, medical practitioners have been required to take ethical issues seriously. Indeed, General Medical Council guidance requires that medical practitioners act with honesty and integrity at all times, that their patients are their first concern and that they act with compassion. We intend to make these values a reality in our teaching, student care and formation. This is inspired by St. John Henry Newman’s idea of a university which is built on inter-disciplinary education, Catholic virtues and values and a strong focus on the particular needs of each student. We will also draw on our existing expertise in bio-ethics. This approach is the cornerstone of St Mary’s University and will be reflected in the School of Medicine.