The Role and Importance of Autopsy – a Practical and Ethical Approach

Abstract

This article’s aim is to raise a “red flag” regarding the risk that autopsy, as a medical practice might remain just a “legend” of medical science history. Many authors that studied the subject and express their concern for the dramatic continuous drop in autopsy rate worldwide highlight this aspect. Autopsies allow us to confirm, clarify, or correct clinical diagnoses established ante mortem, this way enabling physicians to improve their own medical knowledge. Analysis of autopsy results is normally used to teach and better prepare medical students and medical staff, contributing to increasing the quality of medical healthcare.