The field of Medical Ethics dates back to Roman times and the development of the Hippocratic Oath, which despite being somewhat out of date, is still routinely taken by medical students throughout the world. However, modern medical ethics is now governed by uniform codes which bind practicing physicians in just about ever place in the world. "The last stage is.... death. Just in case you missed that day in medical school, that one's not treatable." ―Dr. House - All In