[Thesis for induction into the Venezuelan Society for the History of Medicine: Medical deontology in Venezuela].

After a brief reference to his predecessor, the author presents a review on deontological principles put to use in the Venezuelan medicine, from the discovery to this century, after some considerations on the roles played by the state, the universities and the society. Finally, the importance of the moral compromise of the medical doctor as a professional who must have a faultless behaviour is highlighted.