9 - Student Conduct

Honor Code

"The act of detachment, the virtue of method, the quality of thoroughness, and the grace of humility."  -Sir William Osler

As a UCLA medical student, I recognize that it is a great privilege and responsibility to study medicine. When I entered this school, I undertook the task of maintaining a certain standard of conduct not only as a student, but also as a future professional.

Each student should strive to develop and maintain personal honor and integrity as well as compassionate and ethical behavior. It is the responsibility and duty of each student to achieve these ideals. Rather than an inclusive listing, the honor code outlines the behavior and ideals that we medical students believe to be important; student should strive to progress beyond these guidelines.

Academic Honesty

• I will maintain the highest standards of academic and personal honesty.
• I will neither give nor receive unpermitted aid in examinations or assignments
• I will conduct research in an unbiased manner, report results truthfully, and credit ideas developed and work done by others.
• I will uphold a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.
• I will not undertake any activity that will impart me with an unfair and unpermitted advantage over others.

Confidentiality

• I will regard confidentiality as a central obligation of patient care.
• I will limit discussions of patients to members of the health care team in settings removed from the public (e.g. not in elevators, hallways, cafeterias).

Respect for Others

• I will treat patients and their families with respect and dignity, both in their presence and in discussions with other members of the health care team.
• I will interact with patients in a way that respects their privacy and modesty.
• I will interact with all members of the health care team in a considerate and cooperative manner.
• I will not discriminate nor will I tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, disease state, or socioeconomic status.
• I will attempt to resolve conflicts in a manner that preserves the dignity of every person involved.
• I will be truthful with patients and will report accurately historical and physical findings, test results, and other information pertinent to the care of the patient.
• I will be sensitive to the religious and cultural beliefs of patients.

Responsibility

• I will set patient care and well-being as the highest priorities in the clinical setting.
• I will recognize my own limitations and will seek help when my level of experience is inadequate to handle a situation of my own.
• I will conduct myself professionally-in my demeanor, use of language and appearance-in the presence of patients, in the classroom, and in the professional setting.
• I will not use alcohol or drugs in a way that could potentially interfere with my professional responsibilities.
• I will not use my professional position to engage in romantic or sexual relationships with patients or members of their families.
• I will not permit access to controlled substances unless medically warranted, nor will I allow others to permit such access.
• I will not tolerate violations of the Honor Code in others.

Integrity

• I will endeavor to work harmoniously with my colleagues and do my share when teamwork is required.
• As their representative, I will uphold the reputations of my school and my profession.
• I will uphold the policies, regulations, rules of the University, the School of Medicine, and its Hospitals.

I will endeavor to uphold these principles in both letter and spirit.

Please note that in addition to all of the School of Medicine Policies, the UCLA Student Conduct Code also applies to all students enrolled in the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
Please go here for more information: http://www.deanofstudents.ucla.edu/Student-Conduct-Code