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Appendix D: University of Connecticut School of Medicine Code of Professionalism Conduct
I. Code of Professionalism
The Code of Professionalism (“the Code”) is a guide for appropriate and acceptable behavior and a model
to uphold the standards of the healthcare professions. While this code cannot fully address every
situation that may develop, it shall serve as a model to invoke appropriate behavior in all areas of
professional conduct as well as to outline the expected student competencies in professionalism. The
codes and policies listed in the Honor Code (Appendix A) provide additional guidance.
The concept of medical professionalism is both an acknowledgement of virtuous values expected in one’s
role as physician and the implementation of appropriate behavior that embodies these values. These values
can be categorized as follows:
Integrity:
• Display honesty and integrity with patients, families, the healthcare team, community
members, faculty, and others
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and avoid exploitation of patients for any
sexual advantage, personal financial gain, or other private purposes
• Be able to identify potential conflict of interest arising from the influence of marketing and
advertising, as well as financial and organizational arrangements
Respect:
• Show respect for others, including appropriate grooming, punctuality, courtesy, nonderogatory
backroom discussions, inclusiveness, and use of acceptable language and humor
• Recognize and be sensitive to culture, race, disabilities, age, and other differences in order
to prevent health care discrimination
Altruism:
• Demonstrate altruism and advocacy by a commitment to promote health care needs of
patients and society
• Improve quality and access to care and a just distribution of finite resources
• Display compassion and empathy in words and deeds when dealing with patients, families,
peers, the healthcare team, community members, faculty, and others
Duty / Responsibility:
• Avoid engaging in patient care responsibilities if emotionally or physically impaired
• Complete duties in a timely fashion
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Accept responsibility for errors and evaluate failures in education and patient care