Is Updating the WMA Physician's Pledge Enough?

Changes made in 2017 to the World Medical Association Physician's Pledge strive to keep in step with geopolitical trends by addressing respect for patients' dignity and autonomy and respect among colleagues. Health professions students should continue to proactively insist on patient care, research, and advocacy efforts that uphold human rights and the principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and respect for autonomy regardless of a patient's origins or locale. US students should enter clinical encounters, both domestically and abroad, with cultural humility but should hold institutions accountable for ethical violations committed or observed during immersion experiences. As part of global and cultural humility, students should also remain cognizant of their privileged position as international observers.