Appearance and Dress

Students, faculty, and staff of the CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant program are required to place a high value on personal behavior and appearance, including attire. The highest standards for personal behavior and professional appearance are necessary to convey professionalism, facilitate trust and good communication with patients and colleagues, and show sensitivity to diverse cultural mores and attitudes. This section briefly describes standards for dress and appearance necessary to meet the service and safety objectives of placing patient comfort and welfare first, and the educational objectives of preparing the student to assume the role of a professional health care worker. Patient trust and confidence in the health care provider are essential to excellent care. The message communicated by the healthcare provider through his/her attire and appearance plays a fundamental role in establishing this trust and confidence. Students should consider the cultural sensitivities of their most socially conservative patients and families. PA students should present themselves in a manner that will demonstrate respect, inspire trust, and ensure patient comfort. Recent trends in clothing, body art, and body piercing, which may be personally attractive in some social situations, may not be accepted by some patients and should not be worn or displayed by PA students in the professional setting. Each student’s name tag must be worn during all clinical education experiences. 

Students must realize from the outset that the public views them as representatives of the PA profession. Therefore, when contact with the public is anticipated, students must dress appropriately. In cases where inappropriate attire is worn, students may be dismissed until professional attire is displayed. The following standards of dress and appearance are to be observed while on campus, within clinical settings, and small group activities as outlined below.