Establishing and maintaining the highest concepts of honor and personal integrity during veterinary medical school are critical to training veterinarians. It is the responsibility of the student to actively support these standards and it is reasonable to expect that colleagues will do the same. Behavior and speech should demonstrate respect for the diversity of colleagues. One must avoid disparaging remarks or actions with regard to a person's race, age, gender, disability, national origin, position, religion, or sexual orientation. Students will strive to create an environment that fosters mutual learning, dialogue, and respect while avoiding verbal, written or physical contact that could create a hostile or intimidating environment. Since a person's actions continuously reflect one's intentions, students will adhere to the standards of Professional Conduct when within, representing, or in any way impacting the community, including behaviors in off campus settings or at non-LMU events where other LMU students are participating or present.
Respect for Patients
Students will take the utmost care to ensure patients are kept safe and treated humanely while under their care. The importance that our patients have in our client's lives is understood; and students will work diligently to practice understanding and sensitivity as it relates to the pet owner. Students will treat our patients with dignity and offer treatment regardless of finances or personal biases. It is a student's duty to provide an accurate diagnosis and to professionally present their findings to the owner with an ethical and clear plan of action. The care and well-being of the patients will always be at the forefront of the decision-making process. Students will always maintain patient and client confidentiality.
Respect for Faculty, Staff, Colleagues, Hospital Personnel, and Community
Students will exhibit respect for faculty, staff, colleagues, and other members of the veterinary health care team. This respect will be demonstrated by professional conduct in mannerism, conversation, and relationships. Students will refer to faculty and staff by their appropriate title, such as "Doctor Smith," or "Mrs. Jones," unless otherwise directed. Students will strive to understand the role and responsibility as well as importance of their peers, colleagues, and team members. Students will make every effort to maintain an even disposition, display a judicious use of others' time, and handle private information maturely. They will express views in a calm, respectful and mature manner when in disagreement with another individual, understanding that a mutual agreement will not always be reached. Confrontations of such nature will be carried out in a private location as soon as time permits.
During clinical year, comments relative to concerns about the adequacy of animal care, accuracy of diagnosis and appropriateness of therapy are never allowed in the presence or hearing distance of the owner/client. These conversations should be conducted in a professional manner directly with the clinician at an appropriate time and location away from the client. Students may wish to converse with their Clinical Course Mentor concerning any treatment plans offered by the clinical affiliate staff. Students should not disagree with treatment plans proposed by the clinicians at the clinical site. Students are to observe in the exam room in the presence of the supervising doctors unless invited to participate.
Respect for Self
A diversity of personal beliefs serves to enrich the veterinary medical profession. Therefore, students are encouraged to uphold personal ethics, beliefs, and morals in both daily conduct and in the practice of this Code. Understanding conflicts may exist that interfere with personal beliefs, students are encouraged to be proactive with communicating these situations.
Respect for Proper Documentation
The written medical record is important in communication between the animal care team and effective patient care; it is also a legal document and available for review. The medical record is the property of the individual clinical affiliate and is confidential. As such, it is crucial that students maintain the integrity of patients' medical care through accurate reporting of all pertinent information about which students have direct knowledge. Written medical documents, including electronic correspondence pertaining to patients and their care must be legible, truthful, complete and accurate to the best of a student's knowledge and abilities. To avoid an accidental breach of confidentiality, students will not discuss or share patient information with anyone except those directly related to the case. Appropriate medical and/or personal information about patients/clients should only be shared with other veterinary professionals directly involved or for educational purposes.
Respect for Laws, Policies and Regulations
Laws, policies and regulations at the university, local, state, and federal levels benefit the community and are not to be disregarded or violated. Any matters under the jurisdiction of local, state, or federal laws are explicitly deemed "outside the scope" of this Code.
Substance Abuse
Substance abuse will not be tolerated by any student while enrolled at LMU. Students are not to attend a class, laboratory, or a clinical rotation when under the effects of alcohol or drugs. Students found abusing or misusing alcohol or drugs will face disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Students needing professional help with alcohol or substance abuse/misuse issues should contact LMU counseling services.
The LMU-CVM and its affiliate clinical sites are committed to maintaining a drug-free environment in compliance with applicable laws. The unlawful possession, use, distribution, sale, or manufacture of controlled substances is prohibited on the university campus, its facilities, or any clinical site. Violation of this policy may result in the appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.