As a student at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, I understand that it is a great privilege to study medicine. Over the course of my training, I will assume extraordinary responsibility for the health and well-being of others. This undertaking requires that I uphold the highest standards of ethical and compassionate behavior. Accordingly, I have adopted the following statement of principles to guide me throughout my academic, clinical, and research work. I will strive to uphold both the spirit and the letter of this code in my years at UCSF and throughout my medical career.

Honesty

• I will maintain the highest standards of academic honesty.

• I will neither give nor receive aid in examinations or assignments unless such cooperation is expressly permitted by the instructor.

• I will be truthful with patients and will report accurately all historical and physical findings, test results, and other information pertinent to the care of the patient.

• I will conduct research in an unbiased manner, report results truthfully, and credit ideas developed and work done by others.

Responsibility

• I will set patient care as the highest priority in the clinical setting.

• I will recognize my own limitations and will seek help when my level of experience is inadequate to handle a situation on my own.

• I will conduct myself professionally — in my demeanor, use of language, and appearance — in the presence of patients, in the classroom, and in health care settings.

• I will not use alcohol or drugs in any way that could interfere with my clinical responsibilities.

• I will not use my professional position to engage in romantic or sexual relationships with patients or members of their families.

Confidentiality

• I will regard confidentiality as a central obligation of patient care.

• I will limit discussions of patients to members of the health care team in settings removed from the public ear (e.g. not in elevators, hallways, cafeterias).

Expectations of Faculty, Residents, and Fellows

• I have the right to expect clear guidelines regarding assignments and examinations, as well as to have testing environments that are conducive to academic honesty.

• I cannot be compelled to perform procedures or examinations which I feel are unethical or beyond the level of my training.

• I have the right not to be harassed and not to be subjected to romantic or sexual overtures from those who are supervising my work.

• I have the right to be challenged to learn, but not to be abused or humiliated.

Respect for Others

• I will uphold a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning.

• I will treat patients and their families with respect and dignity both in their presence and in discussions with other members of the health care team.

• I will interact with patients in a way that ensures their privacy and respects their modesty.

• I will interact with all members of the health care team in a considerate and cooperative manner.

• I will not tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, or socioeconomic status.

• I will judge my colleagues fairly and attempt to resolve conflicts in a manner that respects the dignity of every person involved.