|
|
 |
Professionalism and the Honor Code
Beyond teaching the “science” of medicine, the
School of Medicine is concerned with the development within its students of
ideal professional values, attitudes, skills and behaviors during the passage
from medical student to practicing physician. This development involves a
number of processes, beginning with the first day of medical school and
ending—at least formally—at the completion of residency. Indeed, professional
growth and development does not end with formal medical training; rather, it
continues as the physician practices medicine throughout his or her professional
life. The professional attributes that form the
core of the School of Medicine’s Professionalism Curriculum include the
following:
- Professional
Responsibility.
Sound medical practice and
good medical care of patients is the student’s and physician’s highest
priority. The student is internally
motivated at all times and in all settings to place the patient’s concerns
before his or her own. He or she always helps to
create a positive learning environment, is punctual, attends all activities at
which he or she is expected, and is reliable in completing tasks related to the
care of patients.
- Competence and
Self-Improvement.
It is the expectation that
students will be committed to learning and mastery of medical knowledge, skills,
attitudes and beliefs. The motivation for this
learning is always the optimal future care of patients. The student knows the limits
of his or her abilities, and always tries to improve.
- Respect for Others and
Professional Relationships.
Medical students always respect their patients
as individuals. Student-patient interactions are guided by the golden rule.
There is respect for the patient’s dignity, privacy, cultural values and
confidentiality. Students demonstrate sensitivity, respect, compassion,
emotional support and empathy at all times—to patients, as well as their
families, other health care team members and their peers.
- Honesty.
Medical students are committed
to honesty at all times, including their interactions with patients, their
families, other professional colleagues, and peers. This commitment extends from
the classroom or laboratory in the pre-clinical curriculum to the ward, office,
examination room or operating room in his or her clinical
courses. Absolute honesty
in written notes entered into patients’ records and in oral presentation of
findings is expected; medical findings are true, complete and
verifiable. This attribute
includes the responsibility for reporting dishonesty of others.
- Social Responsibility.
Societies place physicians in
positions of power and authority, with control over patients’ and their
families’ well-being, as well as over their
lives. We must always
conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of that trust. Medical students demonstrate concern for
and responsiveness to social ills and other factors which detract from the
medical, cultural, spiritual and emotional health of patients.
Society
expects that medical students, residents and practicing will be able to
specifically document that they act in a professional manner. The School of Medicine has specific
requirements for documentation of professional growth and behavior detailed in
the Professionalism
Document, as well as a specified policy for dealing with instances of
unprofessional behavior. The Professional Behavior Deficiency Form may be downloaded here.
|
|
