Table 1 Ethical codes of some medical associations that state what the priority is of the physician-researcher when doing research

World Medical Association [24]

Declaration of Helsinki:

3. The Declaration of Geneva of the WMA binds the physician with the words, “The health of my patient will be my first consideration,” and the International Code of Medical Ethics declares that, “A physician shall act in the patient’s best interest when providing medical care.”

4. It is the duty of the physician to promote and safeguard the health, well-being and rights of patients, including those who are involved in medical research. The physician’s knowledge and conscience are dedicated to the fulfilment of this duty.

8. While the primary purpose of medical research is to generate new knowledge, this goal can never take precedence over the rights and interests of individual research subjects.

Australian Medical Association [25]

AMA Code of Ethics:

1.2 Clinical Research

c. Recognise that considerations relating to the well-being of individual participants in research take precedence over the interests of science or society.

UK General Medical Council [26]

Good Medical Practice (Research):

71. If you are involved in designing, organising or carrying out research, you must:

a. put the protection of the participants’ interests first