Professionalism
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 Podiatric Medicine (SOPM), 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 SOPM and the Rio Grande Valley community.
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 SOPM 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 Podiatric Medicine Professionalism Portal Student Reporting Form
Faculty/Staff: Report Professionalism Concerns About Faculty, Staff, or Students
The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine Professionalism Portal Faculty/Staff Reporting Form
What is CPME?
The Council on Podiatric Medical Education (CPME or Council) is an autonomous, professional accrediting agency designated by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) to evaluate and accredit colleges and schools that grant the professional degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM).
The CPME’s mission is to promote the quality of graduate and post-graduate education, certification, and continuing education in podiatric medicine. The Council is the final authority in determining the accreditation status to be granted to a school in the specialized field of podiatric medicine. Accreditation by the Council assures that the school meets or exceeds established standards and requirements of a high-quality podiatric medical education program deserving of public approbation.
The CPME is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the US Department of Education (USDE). For more information, visit www.cpme.org.
Accreditation Standards and Requirements for Colleges of Podiatric Medicine
The Council on Podiatric Medical Education has developed eight (8) standards for granting accreditation to colleges or schools of podiatric medicine. These standards were established to serve as the basis for evaluating the quality of the educational program being afforded its students and to assess the institution’s continued commitment to support the educational program. Compliance with the established standards fosters high-quality education in the field of podiatric medicine, surgery, and research.