Professionalism

The CUNY School of Medicine Physician Assistant Program requires all students enrolled in the program to demonstrate professionalism at all times.  The following principles of professionalism are a hallmark of the profession and students will face disciplinary action and risk dismissal if these are not adhered to.

• Demonstrate high ethical principles and sensitivity to all patients, their families, and members of the healthcare team regardless of culture, age, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, educational level, and/or disabilities.

• Develop communication skills and professionalism to interact with physicians, interprofessional heath care members, and patients tactfully and with appropriate language, speech patterns, and nonverbal communication to promote collaboration and effective communication.

• Demonstrate the ability to approach clinical encounters with a diverse patient population in an empathetic, non-judgmental, and caring manner.

• Demonstrate accountability by researching evidence-based medical literature when personal limitations in medical knowledge and/or skills are identified.

• Recognize one’s physical limitations, innate personal beliefs, and biases, as well as those of others.

• Identify legal issues in medicine, which may include confidentiality, assessment of competence, end-of-life decision making, power of attorney, living wills, advance directives, and DNR orders.

• Discuss issues associated with loss, grief and bereavement, death, and dying appropriately with patients, caregivers, and family members.

• Demonstrate sound work ethic by showing integrity, responsibility, and initiative.

• Demonstrate exceptional professionalism through appropriate appearance, attire, and attendance.