Unit Policy
Title
School of Medicine: Policy on Visiting Student Professionalism
Introduction
Purpose
This Policy establishes standards and norms of professionalism for medical students enrolled as visiting students in elective rotations.
Scope
This Policy applies to visiting medical students (Students) from other institutions and supervising physicians in elective rotations.
Policy
Policy Statement
Students must uphold, apply, and always encourage standards of professionalism during their elective rotation period at the School of Medicine (SOM) at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill) including, but not limited to, complying with the following requirements and principles of this Policy.
Nondiscrimination/Respect
UNC-Chapel Hill does not tolerate discrimination against patients, students, instructors, residents, or other trainees on the basis of legally protected categories, including age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. In addition to the legally prohibited behavior described above, SOM prohibits other actions that harm the learning environment, including disrespect for patients on account of their appearance, socioeconomic status or any other personal attributes. Students should recognize that they should examine their own personal attitudes, perceptions, and stereotypes, which may negatively affect their patient care or professional relationships. Students should recognize that this Policy is founded on UNC Chapel Hill’s commitment to embracing, acknowledging, and supporting all members of the medical school community to create an inclusive environment for all to work, learn, teach, research, and serve.
Learning Environment
SOM’s goal is to provide a learning environment that is welcoming to all learners, is safe to ask questions, and is inclusive. If the learning environment is not optimal, Students can submit an anonymous or confidential report at the following link: https://www.med.unc.edu/md/student-affairs/for-current-students/support/mistreatment-learning-environment-or-professionalism/ .
Honesty
At SOM honesty, respect, and personal responsibility are the cornerstones of a positive learning environment. Honesty is considered an absolute requirement in interactions with patients, peers, and hospital teams. In an effort to uphold this commitment to promoting a positive learning environment and quality patient care, Students must not lie, steal, cheat, hide parts of the truth, or assist others in doing so. Students must fully disclose their status as a medical student and ensure that their supervising physicians are aware of their actions related to patient care. They must demonstrate personal accountability for their actions and actively seek feedback, admit any errors openly, and honestly modify behavior where necessary.
It is the Student’s responsibility to wear their name badge at all times and to introduce themselves as medical students, thus representing themselves honestly.
Privacy/Confidentiality/Informed Consent
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with and apply the policies of confidentiality outlined in the University’s Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) training. They must protect patient privacy, avoid unauthorized use of intellectual property, and obtain patient consent when discussing or sharing details of a patient’s case. Students must pay attention to surroundings when discussing patient details and ensure that information is not accessible by those not directly involved in the medical treatment of that patient. Students should follow applicable institutional policies regarding informed consent and must inform patients and/or family members of their status as a medical student and the name of the supervising physician.
Evaluation
Students should understand that obtaining a letter of recommendation or being invited to interview for a residency program is not a natural consequence of completing coursework with a specific department. The purpose of a student elective is to further their medical education and advocate for patient interests above all else in any elective decisions. Assessment of student performance will be performed as described in the course syllabus. Students may be dismissed if their performance, including but not limited to failure to comply satisfactorily with SOM or UNC-Chapel Hill’s policies regarding professionalism, academic integrity and other agreements associated with the University and UNC Health Care entities. In the instance of elective termination or dismissal, the Office of Student Affairs will contact the visiting Student’s home medical school. Students are accountable for their own actions and must be able to adapt behaviors in response to feedback. The Registrar’s Office in the Office of Student Affairs will communicate with course faculty to obtain a grade of completion and summary comments about participation in this elective. In addition to this completion grade, students may or may not receive any additional evaluations from faculty. Letters of recommendation are not guaranteed and evaluations may be withheld due to Policy violations.
Professional Demeanor/Appearance/Attendance
Students are expected to comply with UNC Health dress code AND the dress code of the healthcare system in which they are working and learning.
Discrimination and Harassment
UNC-Chapel Hill prohibits discrimination and harassment. Students, including visiting, students are responsible for reviewing and being compliant with the full policies at the University and Compliance Office website.
Students may contact the Office of Student Affairs (SALeadership@listserv.med.unc.edu) for assistance if they feel they are experiencing harassment or discrimination. For complaints under the University’s Policy on Prohibited Harassment, Discrimination and Related Misconduct, Including Sex-Based Harassment, Sexual Assault, Interpersonal Violence and Stalking Students should refer to the reporting options available pursuant to that policy. UNC-Chapel Hill may take appropriate action to address violations of the above-mentioned expectations and any other University policies or procedures, including but not limited to:
- Contacting Student’s home medical school leadership
- Issuing a report to be included in Student’s formal record with UNC-Chapel Hill
- Contacting any appropriate outside organizations or authorities required to address the situation
- Terminating Student’s elective participation, resulting in no faculty evaluation and/or an “Incomplete” or Failing grade.
Clinical Supervision
Supervising physicians should model professionalism, ensure Students are aware of the expectations for their behavior, provide students with appropriate learning opportunities, ensure patients are aware that students are involved in their care, ensure Students are appropriately supervised, and ensure Students are aware of the procedures or other tasks they are permitted to perform with appropriate supervision.
Students should behave professionally with all members of the health care team, practice self-awareness, seek assistance when needed, inform patients of their medical student status, and inform their supervising physician about concerns related to the level of supervision being provided.
Definitions
Visiting Student: a student from another medical school (not UNC-CH) who takes a course at the UNC School of Medicine, including central and regional campuses and sites
Supervising Physicians: UNC faculty physicians or adjunct faculty teaching students in clinical settings.
Related Requirements
External Regulations
Contact Information
Primary Contact
Name: Alice Chuang
Email: alice_chuang@med.unc.edu