Statement on Professional Behavior

Medicine is a profession that requires the mastery of a large body of knowledge and the acquisition of clinical skills, as well as high standards of behavior and appropriate attitudes. In addition to fulfilling all academic requirements, students are required to display attitudes, personal characteristics, and behaviors consistent with accepted standards of professional conduct at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and further defined by other professional documents in medicine ^[1] . Students who do not will be dismissed from the College of Medicine.  The faculty believes that certain dimensions of professionalism may be amenable to remediation, in which case students would be required to complete satisfactorily additional activities/experiences specified by the appropriate site committee and approved by the College Committee on Student Promotions. Satisfactory completion of additional activities/experiences may result in a delay in the student's normal progress toward graduation. Alternately, the appropriate site administrative officer may opt to prefer disciplinary charges through the Senate Committee on Student Discipline.

The following personal characteristics and attitudes include but are not limited to those observed and evaluated throughout the medical curriculum. Students are expected to demonstrate these characteristics, both in their academic and personal pursuits.

Integrity: Displays honesty in all situations and interactions; is able to identify information that is confidential and maintain its confidentiality.

Tolerance: Demonstrates ability to accept people and situations. Acknowledges his/her biases and does not allow them to affect patient care or contribute to threatening or harassing interactions with others.

Interpersonal relationships: Provides support and is empathetic in interactions with peers, patients, and their families. Interacts effectively with "difficult individuals." Demonstrates respect for and complements the roles of other professionals. Is cooperative and earns respect.

Initiative: Independently identifies tasks to be performed and makes sure that tasks are completed satisfactorily. Performs duties promptly and efficiently. Is willing to spend additional time and to assume new responsibilities.  Recognizes when help is required and when to ask for guidance.

Dependability: Completes tasks promptly and well. Arrives on time and actively participates in clinical and didactic activities. Follows through and is reliable.

Attitudes: Is actively concerned about others. Maintains a positive outlook toward others and toward assigned tasks. Recognizes and admits mistakes. Seeks and accepts feedback and uses it to improve performance.

Function under stress: Maintains professional composure and exhibits good personal and clinical judgment in stressful situations.  Identifies unprofessional conduct while recognizing the importance of maintaining professional behavior in the clinical setting, in spite of inappropriate action on the part of others.

Appearance: Displays appropriate professional appearance and is appropriately groomed.