Ethics
04.09.2024
Symposium «Governing by Values»: Medical-ethical guidelines in transition
Read more CloseTogether with the University of Bern, the SAMS organized a symposium on 3 September 2024 on the significance, legitimacy and further development of the guidelines. Various presentations from the conference are available online.
The symposium was based on the SNSF project «Governing by Values». It examined the history of the SAMS guidelines from a historical and legal perspective. In addition to questions relating to the legal framework, the symposium reflected on the current relevance and utility of the guidelines. Some of the presentations (in German and French) can be found on our website. The SAMS will publish a report on the relevance of the guidelines. The results of the SNSF project will be published by the researchers in due course.
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Publications
27.08.2024
Clinical research: the CPCR at a crossroads
Read more CloseThe national Coordination Platform Clinical Research (CPCR) is intended to strengthen the dialogue between the public actors of clinical research in Switzerland in the broader sense, to better harmonise their objectives and to clarify responsibilities. The focus of the current SAMS Bulletin shows how far this initiative has progressed, what challenges there are and what role the CPCR could play in the future.
You can also look forward to an interview with Franziska Sprecher on the legal status of the SAMS medical-ethical guidelines and find out how the Swiss Personalised Health Network (SPHN) is moving into the consolidation phase. In addition, there is news from our Senate and about our funding programs and prizes.
Bulletin 3/2024, French version (PDF)
Projects
21.08.2024
SAMS podcast on the Federal Health Act
Read more CloseIn its statement of May 2024, the SAMS proposed anchoring health in a constitutional article and drafting a Federal Health Act on this basis. In the «Morgen:Rapport» podcast, Daniel Scheidegger, former President of the SAMS, talks about this idea, its purpose and the urgency of rethinking health issues.
An article on health in the Federal Constitution would have to take into account the «One Health» approach, at the interface between humans, animals and the environment and promote the concept of «Health in all Policies». A Federal Health Act should strengthen prevention and health promotion, as well as guaranteeing care and effective governance. Daniel Scheidegger explains how this will improve the Swiss healthcare system with some surprising comparisons with other sectors. Visit the Morgen:Rapport to listen to the podcast in German.
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Ethics
13.08.2024
SAMS guidelines: relevant to practice, not legally binding
Read more CloseFor more than 50 years, the SAMS medical-ethical guidelines have been providing practical advice to health professionals. They reinforce values such as patient autonomy, justice and the principle of non-harm. Many guidelines concern topics that affect fundamental rights. The fact that such ethical standards are drawn up by a foundation under private law raises questions about the legal framework and their legitimacy. The SAMS commissioned a legal opinion to examine these issues. The results are now available.
The legal opinion, written by Prof. Franziska Sprecher, University of Bern, provides a comprehensive overview of the complex legal framework in which the SAMS medical-ethical guidelines operate. As the SAMS has no legal mandate to draw up guidelines, they have no direct binding legal effect. However, their practical and conceptual importance is expressly recognised, both by health professionals and legal and political bodies. Download below the full version of the legal opinion (in German) or visit our website for a summary in German or French.
Legal opinion, in German (PDF)
Funding
09.07.2024
Magdalena Filipowicz Sinnreich winner of the Stern-Gattiker Award 2024
Read more CloseA lack of role models can slow down professional careers. This also applies to academic medicine and especially to women. Yet female role models do exist, and the Stern-Gattiker Award is dedicated to them. This year's prize, which is endowed with CHF 15’000, is awarded to Prof. Magdalena Filipowicz Sinnreich.
The Jury was particularly impressed by Prof. Filipowicz Sinnreich’s career path, which combines cutting-edge clinical medicine with outstanding basic research. The award winner also acts as a mentor for the next generation of scientists. Despite her demanding professional commitments, she sets an remarkable example in balancing family life and career. Find out more about the reasons for this choice and Prof. Filipowicz Sinnreich’s career path in our press release.
Press release, French version (PDF)
Funding
08.07.2024
Study on the national MD-PhD program: Career paths in focus
Read more CloseSince 1992, individual MD-PhD grants have supported young physicians to equip them with the skills necessary to bridge experimental research, patient-oriented research and clinical practice. The SAMS is convinced that these profiles are essential in view of the growing complexity of medicine. A study published in Swiss Medical Weekly shows how successfully the careers of grantees have actually developed since the program was launched.
The data collected for this study confirms that the National MD-PhD Program remarkably promotes promising physicians who remain active in both research and clinical practice in the long term. Eight years or more after completing the MD-PhD – when most have a stable position – 55% are working in a paid research position, 64% continue their scientific activity in a university hospital and 25% hold a professorship. The complete study and two complementary «Viewpoints» can be found online on Swiss Medical Weekly (Volume 154, No. 7).
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Projects
01.07.2024
smarter medicine: 40'000 francs to promote research
Read more CloseThe association «smarter medicine – Choosing Wisely Switzerland», of which the SAMS is a member, is committed to optimising healthcare in Switzerland. In order to support quality-enhancing research projects, the association is once again offering a grant. Applications can be submitted until 30 September 2024.
Research projects that focus on medical overuse and misuse or on the extent of this phenomenon are still rare in Switzerland. This is why «smarter medicine» is investing up to CHF 40’000 to support research projects that investigate the problem and/or identify solutions. The call for proposals is open from 1 July to 30 September 2024. Further information on the call for proposals and the composition of the jury can be found on the website (in French or German).
Further information
Publications
26.06.2024
Developing the healthcare system: our SAMS Bulletin presents ideas
Read more CloseThe DIPEx database enables patients to document their individual experiences and thus make their voices heard within the healthcare system. The current Bulletin of the SAMS, available in French or German, will enable you to discover what additional benefits these resources bring to research, training and a learning health system.
In Bulletin 2/2024, you will also find an interview with Katrin Crameri and Thomas Geiger on the future of the Swiss Personalized Health Network, and our proposal for a new article in the Constitution and a Federal Health Act. As usual, you will find the latest news from our General Secretariat and our Departments Ethics and Promotion as well. We hope you enjoy reading it.
Bulletin 2/2024, French version (PDF)