Hygeia Public Health 2014, 49(2): 222-224pl

Significance and dignity of human body in medical practice

Stefan Szary ^1,2/

1/ Wyższa Szkoła Edukacji i Terapii w Poznaniu
2/ Akademia Walki z Rakiem, Oddział w Poznaniu

Summary
From the existential point of view the relationship between the doctor and patient is a special type of interpersonal relationship. Therefore, ethical standards make the essence of medicine. In medical practice meeting the patient involves contact with their body or even direct interference with the human corporeality. The patient´s dignity requires the highest standards of appropriate conduct and respect of the patient´s intimacy. Treating the patient´s corporeality in lesser or greater isolation from their person is a real danger in medical professions. Paying attention to this aspect refers to the holistic concept of the human being, which plays a particularly important role, especially in medical professions.

Key words:  patient´s dignity, subjectivity in medicine, holistic concept