The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) has defined and outlined six Core Competencies that they identified as the cornerstones for practicing residence physicians. They are:
- Medical and Scientific Knowledge
- Patient Care and Prevention
- Professionalism and Self-Awareness
- Practiced-based and Life-Long Learning
- Systems-based and Interprofessional Practice
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills
The Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine uses these six Core Competencies to assess student performance by a program of assessment that is integrated across the curriculum beyond any one subject or course. We are highlighting professionalism and self-awareness in a separate section because all medical professionals are expected to treat all people with respect, compassion, and dignity.
Embarking on a career in medicine means accepting the responsibilities and unique privileges of these professions beginning of the first day of medical school. These include:
- Self-awareness, self-monitoring, and self-governance
- Treating all people with respect, compassion, and dignity
- Acknowledging the honor and privilege of studying and working in medicine
- Upholding the highest standards of ethical and compassionate behavior when:
- Learning
- Caring for others
- Performing research
- Participating in co-curricular activities
- Any activity in which you are representing the college
- Upholding the College of Medicine Medical Student Professional Code of Conduct for yourself and others during medical school and throughout your career
Abiding by the College of Medicine Medical Student Professional Code of Conduct is a communal responsibility. Each student is expected to abide by the tenets in the Professionalism Honor Oath throughout their medical education:
“I pledge to conduct myself with integrity, in spirit and action, advance on individual merit, and respect my peers, patients, colleagues and all members of the educational, clinical and research communities. I will uphold the professional and ethical values essential to the practice of medicine and remain committed to the health and well-being of my patients and those in need.”
To be recognized as a premiere medical school requires exceptional and committed individuals. A working and learning culture that is based upon our articulated core values and guiding principles is a key element in realizing our mission and vision. Moreover, it is critical to attracting, retaining, and nurturing the members of the college community. all members of the college community are committed to fostering and embodying professionalism by adherence to our core values and guiding principles.
Honesty and Confidentiality
- I will maintain the highest standards of honesty.
- If engaged in research, I will conduct these activities in an unbiased manner, report the results truthfully, and credit ideas developed and worked on by others.
- I will never misrepresent or falsify information and/or actions.
- I will regard confidentiality as a central obligation of patient care.
- I will be truthful with college faculty, staff, and other affiliates.
Responsibility
- I will recognize my own limitations and will seek help when my level of experience or physical or mental health is inadequate to handle a situation on my own.
- I will conduct myself professionally—in my demeanor, use of language, and appearance—in the presence of patients, in the classroom, in health care settings, or in other domains in my role as a medical student or representing the WSU College of Medicine.
- I will not use alcohol or drugs in any way that could interfere with my clinical or educational responsibilities.
- I will not use my professional position to engage in romantic or sexual relationships with patients or members of their families.
- I will complete tasks and educational responsibilities in a timely fashion (papers, reports, appointments).
- I will be appropriately available for professional responsibilities and obligations in representing the WSU College of Medicine.
Integrity
- I will never misuse my professional position for personal gain.
- I will take responsibility for what I say and do.
- I will recognize my own limitations and will seek help when appropriate.
- I will accept and incorporate feedback in a non‐resistant and non‐defensive manner.
- I will accept responsibility for failure or errors.
- I will interact with all members of the health care team in a considerate and cooperative manner.
- I will uphold an educational atmosphere conducive to learning.
- I will limit discussions of patients to members of the health care team, in settings removed from the public ear (e.g. not in elevators, hallways, cafeterias, social media, etc.).
Respect
- I will respect the dignity of others, by treating them with civility and understanding.
- I will contribute to creating a positive atmosphere for teaching and learning.
- I will regard privacy and confidentiality as core obligations.
- I will not tolerate unlawful discrimination, violence, or sexual assault and will not engage in these types of behaviors.
- I will judge my colleagues fairly and attempt to resolve conflicts in a manner that respects the dignity of every person involved.