UME Policies
UME and Faculty Policy
At first glance, a list of so many policies to guide our professional behaviour may seem daunting and confusing. Understand that these policies have a great deal of overlap with one another, but need to exist as each one guides a slightly different group of people; you are in the unique position of belonging to all of these groups during your medical school training at the University of Alberta.
Faculty of Medicine / MD Program Policies
Faculty Code of Conduct
Faculty and staff within the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry must adhere to the Faculty Code of Conduct. This is included in the Faculty Academic Staff Orientation Manual and is also on the FoMD webpages. This code of conduct guides the faculty with regards to their interactions with learners.
Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry Student Oath (Code of Conduct)
In their journey to become successful practitioners, the students of the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry have constructed their own code of values, expectations and conduct to reflect the ideals that are integral to professionalism. The faculty has endorsed this document, which is consistent with The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry Code of Conduct, and, in turn, expects students to commit to this code. All medical students sign this Code during the first week of medical school.
FoMD student pledge of conduct
The FoMD student pledge of conduct is recited and signed by all medical students. Like the Student Oath, it was written by medical students, for medical students.
Professionalism Policy
As future physicians, medical students accept the responsibility of maintaining high standards of honour and professional conduct. This responsibility begins not upon graduation, but at the inception of medical education. This policy outlines the various standards and codes that medical students are guided by.
Remediation of UME Trainees Experiencing Academic Difficulty or Lapses in Professionalism Guideline
This document outlines the system by which the MD Program identifies a student having academic difficulty (failing to meet predefined minimum requirements) and/or lapses in professionalism during undergraduate training and the subsequent remediation process.
University Policies
Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate
The purpose of this policy is to foster and protect a respectful environment for work, study, and living that supports the dignity and equality of all members of the University of Alberta. This policy expresses the University's commitment to a work, study, and living environment that is free of discrimination and harassment.
Ethical Conduct and Safe Disclosure
Whether involved in research, teaching or the governance and administration of the organization, all representatives of the University of Alberta have an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with the University's stated values regarding ethical conduct. As part of this obligation, and to protect the University and individuals from harm, representatives of the University are encouraged to report conduct that does not meet the University's ethical standards.
Conduct by individuals seeking admissions to the University of Alberta that compromises the integrity and fairness of assessment for seeking admissions threatens the proper functioning of the University.
The University is defined by tradition as a community of people dedicated to the pursuit of truth and advancement of knowledge, and as a place where there is freedom to teach, freedom to engage in research, freedom to create, freedom to learn, freedom to study, freedom to speak, freedom to associate, freedom to write and to publish. Included in the Code of Student Behaviour are descriptions of unacceptable behaviour for Students in the University, the sanctions for commission of the offences, and explanations of the complete discipline and appeal processes.
Medical Professional Bodies
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) Code of Conduct
The CPSA Code of Conduct was developed in response to requests from physicians for clarity and advice about professional behavior. It was written in consultation with physicians, other health care providers, health care organizations,regulatory bodies and postsecondary institutions. As medical students with patient contact, you will be held accountable to the CPSA.
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Code of Ethics
This Code has been prepared by the Canadian Medical Association as an ethical guide for Canadian physicians, including residents, and medical students. Its focus is the core activities of medicine - such as health promotion, advocacy, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, palliation, education and research. This policy is reviewed with medical students, at the beginning of 'Intro' block.
The Alberta Health Services (AHS) Code of Conduct
The AHS Code of Conduct (Code) outlines the values, principles and standards of conduct that guide our actions and interactions within AHS facilities.
Office of Professionalism Guidelines
These guidelines outline the typical approach to Incident and Accolade reports that are received through The Professionalism Button. Approach to each case is personalized, based on the specific details and circumstances.
Process for Handling an Incident Report
Process for Handling an Accolade Report