Ethical dilemmas in training tomorrow's doctors

SummaryThis article describes some of the challenges that face trainers and trainees in medical education. There are ethical issues surrounding the use of real patients – particularly children and young people. How much can a young trainee “practise” on a patient? How can they best learn practical skills or gain experience of intimate examinations?The requirements of professional behaviour of trainers towards trainees and of both towards patients are described. Patients involvement in teaching, assessment and formal examinations is discussed.