College of Medicine Professionalism Code

  • Responsible: Office of Educational Affairs, Senior Associate and Associate Deans
  • Audience: Students, Faculty, Staff
  • Revised by: CCIA
  • Date: 08/06/2025
  • LCME Element: 3.5
  • Purpose: The College of Medicine Professionalism Code represents the expectations of every student. It is signed by each student at orientation as a marker that they have received the form and will endeavor to abide by it throughout their time at the College.

Professionalism Code

A commitment to professionalism is an obligation of every medical student and physician. Because the care of patients is a fundamental privilege and responsibility, professional behavior is a competency that each student must demonstrate while enrolled in the College of Medicine. Professional behavior includes but is not limited to the following standards: truthfulness and integrity; respect for self and others, conscientiousness and preparation, participation, and discernment. Discernment means that one is aware of the limits to one’s knowledge, skills, and attitudes, seeks help when needed, recognizes and admits mistakes, seeks and accepts feedback and uses it to improve performance.

As a student in the University of Illinois College of Medicine:

  • I will abide by the UIC Academic Integrity standards. I pledge to observe academic honesty in all situations. I will not give or receive impermissible aid on any tests or assignments. I will not plagiarize others’ work, whether intentionally or unintentionally. (Truthfulness)
  • I will be honest and forthcoming in all of my communications and interactions with peers, faculty, residents, staff, patients and families, and members of the community at large. (Truthfulness)
  • I will protect confidential information that is shared with me regarding patients, peers and others in my role as a UI COM medical student and I will not access information to which I am not entitled. I will adhere to the Social Media Guidelines of UI COM. (Integrity)(Integrity)
  • I will demonstrate respect and empathy in my interactions with patients and patients’ families, peers, residents, staff, and other health professionals. I will never conduct myself in a threatening or harassing manner. I will abide by the UIC Sexual Misconduct Policy. (Respect for Self and Others)
  • I will respect all persons and will work to value, embrace and learn about the diversity of human characteristics and cultural contexts. I will strive to eliminate discrimination and provide equitable treatment to all peoples regardless of age, race/ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, language, country of origin, socioeconomic status and other personal characteristics. I will seek to understand my personal biases and to engage in activities to mitigate them. (Respect for Self and Others)
  • I will abide by UI COM’s Positive Learning Environment Policy and will participate in creating a positive learning environment, free of abuse and mistreatment. (Respect for Self and Others) in creating a positive learning environment, free of abuse and mistreatment. (Respect for Self and Others)
  • I will provide feedback to colleagues and teachers in a way that honors the dignity of the individual. (Respect for Self and Others)
  • I will adhere to course expectations regarding attire for the didactic and clinical environments in which I am learning, out of respect for patients and my own safety. (Respect for Self and Others)
  • I will abide by the UIC Alcohol and Other Drug Policy and will not use alcohol or drugs in any way that would interfere with patient care or clinical responsibilities. I will seek help for substance use if necessary. in any way that would interfere with patient care or clinical responsibilities. I will seek help for substance use if necessary.
  • I will show commitment and dependability in preparing for and completing assigned tasks. (Conscientiousness and preparation)
  • I will be actively involved in learning. I will arrive on time and actively participate in clinical and didactic activities. (Participation)
  • I will participate in the process of program evaluation and improvement. (Participation)
  • I will help others learn and complete tasks whenever such assistance is permissible and appropriate. (Participation)
  • I will respond promptly to communications from UI COM administration and will maintain communications whether I am actively registered or on leave. (Conscientiousness and preparation)
  • I will fulfill and keep current all compliance expectations of UI COM and its affiliate health care sites, including any mandatory testing or immunizations. (Conscientiousness and preparation)
  • I will demonstrate awareness of the limits of my knowledge, skills, and attitudes. I will seek help when needed, seek and accept feedback, use feedback to improve performance, and recognize and admit mistakes. (Discernment)
  • I will attend to my own wellness. I will seek assistance from care providers when needed, and whenever my health could hinder my ability to care for patients. (Discernment)
  • I understand that violations of this code can result in consequences including dismissal from COM and may be represented to postgraduate training programs as part of my academic record in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation and may also be presented in future licensing requests.