/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies-local.json

/Institutions/University-of-Texas-Rio-Grande-Valley/json/som/policies.json

EAA016 Medical Student Standards of Conduct Policy

Policy Number: EAA016
Policy Title: Medical Student Standards of Conduct Policy

A. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidelines for medical student standards of conduct.

B. Persons Affected

This policy will cover the students participating in the UTRGV SOM curriculum.

C. Implementation Date

This policy is effective with the UTRGV SOM inaugural class, the Class of 2020, and will remain in effect for future classes unless otherwise amended.

D. Policy

Medical students must adhere to the principles of conduct and ethics as established by the UTRGV SOM and are expected to adhere to the principles from the American Medical Association's Principles of Medical Ethics, 2001, which are described as "standards of conduct that define the essentials of honorable behavior for the physician."¹

Preamble

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine requires that medical students live honestly, advance on individual merit, and demonstrate respect for others. UTRGV SOM subscribes to the highest Code of Professional Conduct. Our aim is professional behavior beyond reproach. In particular, we subscribe to the following points of conduct.

A. I will promote and maintain an honest and effective learning environment. I will:

• Do my part to ensure that the environment promotes acquisition of knowledge and mastery of skills;
• Not tolerate harassment, flagrant disruption of learning process, demeaning language or visual aids, disrespectful behavior, or lack of respect for life and living things;
• Exhibit the highest Code of Professional Conduct, honesty, and professionalism;
• Identify and report those who exhibit academic or professional misconduct; and,
• Appreciate each individual as a person of value and help maintain dignity during the learning process.

B. I will place primary emphasis on the health and welfare of patients. I will:

• Attain and maintain the most current knowledge in the healing arts and the skill to apply that knowledge;
• Display respect and compassion for each patient;
• Foster and preserve the trust that exists between professional and patient;
• Respect and maintain the confidentiality of the patient; and,
• Let no patient in whose care I participate suffer physically or emotionally as a consequence of unprofessional behavior by myself or others.

C. I will conduct myself at all times in a professional manner. I will:

• Exhibit honesty, openness, and evenhandedness in dealing with others;
• Maintain my personal hygiene and appearance in such a way that it does not interfere with my ability to communicate with patients, colleagues, or community,
• Not engage in language or behavior which is disrespectful, abusive, or insulting,
• Take responsibility for my actions, acknowledge my limitations, and ask for assistance when needed;
• Assure the welfare of others is not compromised as a result of my inadequacy or impairment;
• Not be deceitful or self -serving;
• Achieve satisfactory balance in personal, community, and professional activities;
• Not allow personal conflicts to interfere with objectivity in relationships with colleagues or patients;
• Accommodate a fellow professional's request for my knowledge and expertise;
• Refrain from the manifestation of bias, including sexual, marital, racial, ethnic, or cultural harassment;
• Support my fellow professionals if they should falter; and,
• Identify colleagues whose ability to provide care is impaired, support them as they seek rehabilitation, and help them to reintegrate into the medical community.