Appropriate Dress and Conduct
MEDICINE 5475 ‐ Clinical Clerkship
- Learning in a teaching hospital means presenting yourself in both dress and behaviour in a way that meets the expectations of the patients and staff encountered at the hospital.
- Being ill and hospitalized is a major episode for a patient. It is essential that all team members be perceived as trustworthy and credible by the patient.
- Jewellery, hair style, style of dress, or overall attitude that appears out of place or unusual to patients (most of whom will be older than you) will only add to the distress they are already feeling.
- Patients requiring hospitalization are often elderly and the youthful appearance of a medical student may be unsettling to some.
- A medical professional must extend courtesy and consideration for the feelings of the patient population. Not only is this a sign of maturity, it is the mark of a good doctor.
- The use of Blackberries, iPhones, and other similar personal electronic devices is strongly discouraged during patient contact.
- Attending physicians and surgeons bear full responsibility for their patients’ welfare. As such, they have the right to deny student access to their patients if they feel that the student’s manner of dress or conduct is inappropriate.
revised September 26, 2012
