OUWB Professional Code of Conduct

Authorizing Body:

Responsible Body: 

Student Performance Review Committee

Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Date Issued:

August 1, 2011

Last Update:

December 15, 2025

Rationale:

OUWB is committed to providing a learning environment that promotes mutual respect among students and faculty. In order to do this, we believe that certain principles of professionalism must be upheld. 

Scope and Applicability:

All students enrolled in the School of Medicine.

Standard Practice Guidelines:

The OUWB Professional Code of Conduct defines the expectations that govern student professionalism across the School of Medicine and frames those expectations as shared responsibilities within the learning community.

All OUWB medical students are expected to:

1. Affirm commitment to professionalism through a recurring attestation process established by the OUWB Office of Student Affairs, acknowledging that adherence to OUWB professional standards is a condition of continued enrollment.

2. Demonstrate core professional attributes in all academic, clinical, and OUWB-affiliated settings, including:

   • Altruism and compassion (empathy, respect, concern for others)

   • Professional conduct (responsible, respectful engagement with the OUWB community)

   • Accountability (ownership of actions and fulfillment of responsibilities)

   • Excellence (consistent effort toward high standards of learning and professional growth)

   • Integrity (honesty, trustworthiness, and commitment to the honor of the profession)

3. Uphold a shared responsibility for integrity and the learning environment by addressing significant professionalism concerns when observed and reporting concerns through appropriate OUWB leadership channels (e.g., Student Affairs, Preclinical Medical Education, and Undergraduate Clinical Education).

4. Accept that noncompliance may trigger institutional review, including referral to the Student Performance Review Committee (SPRC) under applicable OUWB policies and processes.

Procedures:

Student Attestation and Adherence to Professional Tenets

Attestation Requirement

1. All students are required to complete a formal attestation each semester, affirming their commitment to uphold the professional standards of conduct outlined in this procedure.

2. The attestation must be submitted by the deadline established by the Office of Student Affairs as a condition of continued enrollment.

Statement of Professional Commitment

1. Are a member of a community of professionals dedicated to the highest standards of medical practice.

2. Will conduct themselves with integrity, honesty, altruism, and compassion, and will uphold these standards among their colleagues.

3. Accept responsibility for addressing and reporting any conduct that suggests or constitutes improper behavior, recognizing that failure to do so allows such conduct to continue.

4. Understand that membership in the professional community includes shared responsibility for collective successes and the consequences of improprieties.

5. Affirm personal accountability for their own actions and for maintaining the integrity of their classmates, OUWB, and the medical profession.

Required Standards of Conduct

Students must commit to demonstrating the following professional attributes at all times:

Altruism and Compassion

• Demonstrate empathy, respect, and concern in interactions with patients, colleagues, faculty, staff, and others.

Professional Conduct

• Behave responsibly and respectfully toward all members of the academic and clinical community.
  

Accountability

• Accept responsibility for all actions and uphold duties associated with professional responsibilities and patient care.

Excellence

• Strive for excellence in all academic and professional endeavors, including the development of medical knowledge and skills.

Integrity Enforcement

• Address actions or practices by colleagues that significantly breach principles of honor and integrity.

Reporting Responsibilities

Students who believe another student's behavior violates these professional attributes are required to report their concerns.  Reports must be made to one of the following:

• Associate or Assistant Dean for Student Affairs
• Associate Dean for Preclinical Medical Education
• Associate Dean for Undergraduate Clinical Education

Compliance and Enforcement

Failure to attest to these professional standards of conduct or to abide by them may result in referral to the OUWB Student Performance Review Committee (ASPRC).

The SPRC will determine appropriate actions in accordance with established OUWB policies and procedures.

Related Policies and Forms:

Student Performance Review Committee