The School of Physician Assistant Studies expects all students to be professional in their dealings with patients, colleagues, faculty, and staff and exhibit caring and compassionate attitudes. These and other qualities will be evaluated by faculty throughout the program including during patient contacts. Professional behavior is defined as behavior appropriate to the circumstances. Professional behavior reflects on a student’s qualifications and potential to become a competent clinician. Attitudes or behaviors inconsistent with compassionate care; refusal by, or inability of the student to participate constructively in learning or patient care; derogatory attitudes or inappropriate behaviors directed at patients, peers, faculty, preceptors, or staff; misuse of written or electronic patient records (i.e., accession of patient information without valid reason); substance abuse; failure to disclose pertinent information on a criminal background check; or other unprofessional conduct can be grounds for dismissal. Dismissal from the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies for unprofessional behavior may, subsequently, jeopardize the student’s eligibility for admission to any other college in the university.
Examples of standards for professional behavior include, but not limited to the following: accepting personal responsibility for the care of one’s patients; demonstrating appropriate truthfulness and honesty with colleagues; communicating an attitude of caring (empathy) in the course of health care delivery; recognizes personal beliefs, prejudices, and limitations; demonstrates respect for patients, families, members of the health care team, and colleagues; demonstrates initiative in patient care and a consistently good work ethic; and respects patient confidentiality at all times in verbal and written communication with others. Inadequate communication and/or failure to respond to communication initiated by the SPAS is also considered unprofessional and may result in a substantial reduction in professionalism grade and/or disciplinary action.
Additional rules regarding professional standards include:
- Alcoholic Beverages – No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed during class hours or on University property at any time unless attending a university-sanctioned function where alcohol is served.
- Illicit Drugs – Students are reminded that illicit drugs are incompatible with the professional role of the physician assistant—students who use illicit drugs risk dismissal from the School of PA Studies and legal consequences.
- Treating friends and family – No student should provide medical advice or medically treat other PA students, friends, or family members while a student in the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies.
- Medical Records and Patient Confidentiality – All data gathered about a patient and his/her medical condition, including verbal communication from a patient, is privileged information. Students are not to discuss a patient in any manner or situation that would reveal any information about that patient to any person not involved in the patient’s health care. Refrain from discussing patients in public places, such as cafeterias and elevators, where conversations may be overheard. Remind those who may be inappropriately discussing patient information about patient confidentiality. In the Hospital Practicum course, discussion about a patient with residents/fellows is appropriate. If asked to present information about a patient’s condition, never discuss patients in a dehumanizing or insensitive manner. The School of PA Studies requires annual completion of HIPAA training.
The conferring of the degree Master of Physician Assistant Studies certifies that the student is not only competent to undertake the career as a physician assistant but possesses the personal traits essential to the profession as judged by the faculty, preceptors, peers, and colleagues. Impressions made in the classroom and clinical rotations may influence future employment opportunities and professional licensure. Strive to project a positive image of the PA profession and the University of Florida.
Professionalism – Graduates will be able to:
3.1 Demonstrate insight and understanding about emotions and human responses that allow one to manage interpersonal Interactions
3.2 Provide effective, equitable, understandable, and respectful communication and care that is responsive to diverse cultural beliefs, preferred languages, and health literacy; and assures understanding
Failure to adhere to any of the School’s professional standards and policies will be discussed at a hearing of the Professional Standards and Promotions Committee.