PROFESSIONALISM & SELF REGULATION

Minor lapses in professionalism can be reported to the MD Program by a preceptor or course coordinator if a student demonstrates unprofessional behavior. Examples of such behavior include failure to attend any sessions other than lectures or not completing required coursework. More serious breaches of professionalism, such as cheating or plagiarism, should be reported as major lapses in professionalism.

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Medicine is a self-regulating profession, and this principle applies from the very first day of medical school. Personal circumstances can impact a student's learning and assessment, just as they can affect professional performance in clinical practice. Here, we refer to personal situations outside of legally protected grounds that may require accommodation, including personal illness or unexpected stressful life events.

It is the responsibility of the student or healthcare professional to recognize and account for any personal circumstances that might adversely affect their performance, whether academically or professionally. Just as professionals must be "fit to practice," students must ensure that they are "fit to participate" in their learning and assessments. 

When such circumstances arise, students should follow program procedures to request an excusal for the time needed to address their situations and return to full participation when they are ready. The Office of Advocacy and Wellbeing is available to assist students who have questions or concerns about professionalism and self-regulation.

Professionalism: Key Considerations

• Your appearance and behavior should meet the standards of your supervising physician and site director. Always wear your white coat and name tag while on duty in the clinic, during formal ward rounds, and at scheduled conferences.

• Make sure to introduce yourself as a student physician to the patient and their family or friends before starting an exam or procedure. Never enter a room and begin without first introducing yourself.

• Personal cell phones must be turned off during clinical responsibilities, such as rounds, the operating room, and educational conferences.

• Punctuality: It is important to arrive on time for rounds, meetings, and departmental functions. If you are unable to attend an appointment, please notify the relevant parties promptly.

During Zoom Sessions:

• Display your full name.

• To create a similar atmosphere to in-person meetings and to show respect for the presenter, it is mandatory to have your camera on.

ATTENDANCE

Medical education requires in-person, active engagement among students, patients, and faculty. All learning experiences are considered mandatory to meet the course learning objectives and the MD Program requirements. While excused absences may be granted, all learning objectives must still be achieved to pass the clerkship. For further details, please refer to the Clerkship Absence Policy.

Absences should be requested through Cally. If you experience an unexpected absence and need to be excused on short notice, it is your professional responsibility to inform your site coordinator, the Clinical Nurse Educator, the administrator (Kayanna Reff), and the course coordinator (Dr. Sanaee).

Student Academic Integrity and Conduct

The University of Alberta is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Students are expected to familiarize themselves with these standards and uphold the university's policies regarding academic honesty. We encourage students to review the Student Academic Integrity Policy and the Student Conduct Policy available on the University of Alberta Policies and Procedures Online (UAPPOL) website. It is crucial to avoid any actions that might raise suspicion of cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation of facts, or any other offenses. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation that can lead to suspension or expulsion from the university.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry's Code of Conduct offers guidance for all individuals working and learning within the Faculty. The Professional Standards for Students in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry have been established by students and endorsed by the faculty to clarify the values, expectations, and conduct required of students in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry.

EXPECTATIONS FOR AI USE

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that can enhance our learning when used wisely. In this clerkship, the only instance where AI will be utilized is during the specific preceptor-led ChatGPT case module. Outside of this module, students are expected not to use AI for any other part of the clerkship.

Our primary focus in this course is to cultivate an equitable, inclusive, and accessible learning community that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and effective problem-solving skills. While AI might streamline certain aspects of coursework, we have decided against its use for this course. To achieve the identified learning outcomes, students must engage in learning opportunities and tasks that allow them to develop and demonstrate their skills and knowledge through course-specific projects, assignments, and assessments.

To ensure a fair and consistent learning experience for all students, the use of advanced AI tools such as ChatGPT or Dall-E 2 is strictly prohibited for all academic work, including written assignments, coding, and creative projects. Each student must complete all tasks independently, without substantial assistance from others, including AI tools.

IMPORTANT: Please remember that AI use is strictly prohibited in all coursework, assignments, and assessments. Failure to follow this guideline may be considered cheating and will be treated as a violation according to the University of Alberta Code of Student Behaviour (September 2024).

EQUITY STATEMENT & INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE POLICY

The Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry is dedicated to fostering an environment of equality and respect for everyone within the university community. We strive to educate faculty, staff, and students on how to develop teaching and learning contexts that are inclusive and welcoming to all. To achieve a climate of respect and dignity, it is essential for all staff and students to use inclusive language, ensuring that each individual's experiences and perspectives are valued equally, regardless of gender, racial background, sexual orientation, or ethnic background. We encourage the use of gender-neutral or gender-inclusive language and promote sensitivity to the impact of devaluing language, all in the interest of creating a thoughtful and respectful community.

RECORDING CLASS LECTURES

Audio or video recording, digital or otherwise, of lectures, labs, seminars, or any other teaching environment by students is allowed only with the prior written consent of the instructor or as a part of an approved accommodation plan. Student or instructor content, digital or

otherwise, created and/or used within the context of the course is to be used solely for personal study, and is not to be used or distributed for any other purpose without prior written consent from the content author(s).