Code of Ethics of the Korean Endocrine Society

Enacted on June 1, 2017
1st Amended on November 14, 2023
2nd Amendment on September 18, 2025

With the rapidly changing societal and medical landscape, the diversification of diseases, and advancements in medicine, stricter medical ethics and practices are increasingly required. To this end, the Korean Endocrine Society (KES) has established an independent Committee of Ethics. KES members must recognize their ethical responsibilities to patients, society, other healthcare professionals, and themselves. Accordingly, the Korean Endocrine Society adopts the following Code of Ethics outlining the essential attitudes and conduct expected of its members.

[Ethics of Clinical Practice]

1. Members shall provide appropriate medical services based on a philosophy that respects human dignity and human rights.
2. Members shall provide equitable medical services to all people, regardless of gender, religion, nationality, race, or financial status.
3. Members shall build trust with patients, comply with privacy and confidentiality obligations, and respect patients' dignity and autonomy.
4. Members shall respect the patient's right to know and provide sufficient information to enable participation in decision-making regarding their treatment.

[Research, academic, and publication ethics]

5. Members shall conduct research in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki, prioritize the rights, safety, and welfare of research subjects, and comply with the requirements of the institutional review board.
6. Members shall continuously strive to acquire and cultivate new medical knowledge and techniques based on established scientific and clinical knowledge.
7. Members shall endeavor to maintain up-to-date scientific knowledge, support research, and actively participate in KES and its affiliated academic societies.
8. Members shall adhere to research and publication ethics guidelines issued by domestic and international journals (e.g., ICMJE, COPE).
9. In cases of potential conflicts of interest, members shall disclose and report them transparently during academic, research, and educational activities and ensure they are properly managed and do not influence research outcomes

[Social ethics]

10. Members shall maintain professionalism and dignity and refrain from engaging in unethical medical practices.
11. Members shall respect the law and work responsibly to improve the healthcare environment and public health in their communities.
12. Members shall respect patients, colleagues, and other health professionals and collaborate in good faith to promote public health.
13. Members shall actively promote both domestic and international collaboration in the research, prevention, and treatment of endocrine diseases.

[Handling of Ethical Violations]

14. In cases where a violation of this Code of Ethics is identified, the KES Committee of Ethics shall deliberate on the matter and take appropriate action in accordance with the Society’s bylaws.