Medical Student Professionalism

Medical Student Professionalism - medical students giving oath

Professionalism is a core competency of medical education and a cornerstone of the profession of medicine. It impacts one’s ability to create rapport with patients, foster patient satisfaction, and enhance the overall well-being of the medical professional. At The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) School of Medicine (SOM), students are expected to maintain the highest standards of professional and ethical conduct. Medical students are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner in interactions not only with patients, but also with peers, faculty, and staff of the UTRGV SOM and the Rio Grande Valley community.

Professionalism Values

In addition to the UTRGV Values of excellence; shared governance; diversity, access and inclusion; leadership; inquiry, discovery and creativity; health and well-being; and engagement and impact; the school of medicine’s core values of professionalism include:

  • Open Communication & Transparency: Share information openly across all levels (of the school) to engrain a collaborative and trustworthy environment.
  • Community Focus: Commitment to improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities of at-risk populations through community and population-based interventions.
  • Cultural Awareness: Integration of knowledge, awareness, and empathy to successfully work with the diverse and unique needs of any community.
  • Empathy & Compassion: Care for and understand others to provide support and achieve positive outcomes.
  • Good Stewardship: Selfless service (for the common good) to promote accountability and a culture of responsibility.
  • Innovation & Transformation: Embrace change and promote creativity to shape the future of academic medicine.
  • Integrity: Act with honor, honesty, and truthfulness. Know and do the right thing in all undertakings – learning, discovery, patient care, service, and entrepreneurship.
  • Respect, Collegiality & Inclusive Citizenship: Treat people with respect and kindness to create a community of Inclusivity, cooperation, and connectedness.

Concerns or commendations about student professional behavior may arise from (a) faculty with whom a student interacts during a module or clerkship or (b) another faculty member, house staff member, staff member, student, or patient with whom the student interacts. These individuals are expected to report their concerns or commendations using the Early Concern Note or the Commendation Note.

(UTRGV SOM Student Professionalism Policy EAA081)

Early Concern Note

There may be times when a student's actions suggest a lapse in professionalism. In instances such as those, please fill out and submit an Early Concern Note. The purpose of the Early Concern Note is to identify students early and help them recognize and improve their concerning behavior.

Commendation Note

There may be times when a student's actions go way above and beyond expectations of professional behavior. In instances such as those, please fill out and submit a Commendation Note. The purpose of the Commendation Note is to recognize and commend exemplary professional behavior of a medical student.

Professionalism Portal Reporting Forms

Medical Students: Report Professionalism Concerns About Others
The UTRGV School of Medicine Professionalism Portal Student Reporting Form

Faculty/Staff: Report Professionalism Concerns About Faculty, Staff, or Students
The UTRGV School of Medicine Professionalism Portal Faculty/Staff Reporting Form

Senior Associate Dean

Maurice Clifton, MD, MSEd, MBA


Maurice Clifton, MD, MSEd, MBA

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