PURPOSE / SCOPE:
Provide expectations for student doctor professionalism
DEFINITIONS:
- PAR Committee: Professionalism and Academic Review Committee
POLICY:
Professionalism is a core academic competency that is continually assessed throughout the undergraduate medical education. Undergraduate medical student doctors, as junior colleagues and members of the medical profession are expected to adhere to the same professional standards as medical professionals and will be held accountable for their behavior and conduct. The objective of this policy is to set the expectation of professional behavior. The procedure for the early identification of student doctors who may need guidance in their professional development and support in implementing appropriate strategies to enhance positive behaviors is outlined in the Professionalism for Student Procedure.
All ICOM employees are role models of professionalism for ICOM student doctors. Each has the responsibility of identifying both outstanding and deficient professionalism displayed by ICOM student doctors.
Teachable Moments: If an incident observed seems to be a momentary lapse in judgment or unintended word or action by the student doctor, consider if it can be a teachable moment. Teachable moments may be handled by the ICOM employee or in consultation with the Chair of the PAR Committee. Record of the details and conversation with the student doctor should be submitted to the Chair of the PAR Committee and will be confidentially filed. Should further incidents occur, the history of professionalism concerns may be considered if the student doctor is remanded to the PAR Committee.
Circumstances that Require a PAR Committee Appearance: If the incident observed is harmful to others, is repetitive, damages property, or is in some other way egregious, then it must be reported. The Professional Formation Observation Form is to be completed by the ICOM employee or another student doctor and submitted to the Chair of the PAR Committee. Throughout the process of reporting, investigation, and adjudication by the PAR Committee, confidentiality of the student doctor’s circumstance is expected to be upheld as much as possible.
Professionalism Rubric: When adjudicating a professionalism concern, the PAR Committee follows a rubric that promotes objectivity and limits bias, while allowing for flexibility. The rubric applies to unprofessional behaviors that adhere to the severe and pervasive standard and are informed by consideration of the following guiding principles:
- Magnitude of impact to self, others, to ICOM and to the community
- Pervasiveness of the misconduct (i.e., prevalent engagement in offensive, unwelcome behavior that escalates to hostility and/or intimidation)
- Repetitiveness of the misconduct (i.e., repeated behavior)
- Criminality (civil vs. criminal)
Examples of Violations of Professional Standards
Minor infraction- academic or professional misconduct that is minor in nature, or unintentional, with minimal impact to self, others, or community; and is a first-time offense. Many minor offenses of unprofessionalism result from misunderstanding or lack of familiarity of expected standards. Examples of minor offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Using language in email, assignment or other communication that may be perceived as overly casual, inappropriate, or disrespectful
- Receiving or responding to feedback inappropriately
- Presenting an appearance that does not follow the ICOM Dress Code.
- Untimely response to emails and/or form requests
Moderate infraction-academic or professional misconduct that is moderate in nature, with overtly negative impact to others, or community; or is a minor infraction that is pervasive or repetitive in nature. Moderate infractions are generally intentional, but do not rise to criminality. Examples of moderate offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Pattern of using disrespectful communication
- Inappropriate or offensive communication, whether verbal, written, or on social media
- Uncooperative behavior or refusal to comply with known and expected standards
- Pattern of disruptive behaviors (e.g., tardiness, absenteeism, interruptions, etc.)
Major infraction- academic or professional misconduct that is serious in nature, with significant impact to others or community; or is a minor/moderate infraction that is pervasive or repetitive in nature. Major infractions are often intentional or criminal but may rise to criminality (e.g., misdemeanor). Examples of major offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Lying or misrepresenting himself/herself, including plagiarism, cheating, or falsifying information
- Engagement in inappropriate behavior that is known to be unwelcome
- Exhibiting uncontrolled anger or hostility toward others
- Intimidation of peers by pervasive behavior that is unwelcome
- Pre-meditated cheating or plagiarism
- Theft or intended damage to property
Critical infraction- academic or professional misconduct that has significant and direct harmful consequences to others and/or community; or is an egregious breach of recognized standards; or is a major infraction that is pervasive or repetitive in nature; or is criminal in nature. Examples of critical offenses include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Physical or sexual assault
- Sexual inappropriateness with a patient
- Felony conviction
- Unauthorized release of confidential information
- Unauthorized release of cadaveric images or content
- Retaliation of any kind
PRIMARY POLICY OWNER:
Senior Associate Dean for Learner Outcomes and Assessment
APPROVAL:
Effective: 9/2/21
Last Reviewed: 511/23
Review Requirement: 5 Years