The article gives a small reflection on the term human dignity which is sometimes used in medicine, but is not always considered what is meant by the term. Together with the development of science and health technology health care providers give more preference to physical aspects of human existence. Terms such as human dignity trail off their vocabulary. More often we meet it in codes of ethics and in different proclamations then in discussion on concrete patients. It is discussed in the text how we can understand the term from philosophical and practical perspectives and how we can use it for the benefit of our patients.

        Key words: human dignity, medical ethics, dignity in old age.