Professional Conduct

LMU-CVM Professional Conduct Policy

Students at LMU-CVM are expected to uphold the values and responsibilities of the veterinary profession at all times. This includes demonstrating respect, integrity, and accountability in both academic and clinical environments. Failure to comply with the standards outlined in this policy may result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the program.

As members of the veterinary profession in training, students at the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) are held to the highest standards of ethical and professional behavior. In addition to all university policies, LMU-CVM students are expected to demonstrate the personal and professional attributes that support the welfare of animals, the trust of clients, and the integrity of the profession. While academic achievement is critical, non-academic characteristics such as compassion, maturity, integrity, and professionalism are equally essential.

Core Professional Expectations

Students must:

1. Adhere to Legal and Ethical Standards
   • Never perform any action that may be construed as the practice of veterinary medicine except under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction and only under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
   • Understand and comply with all laws and regulations relevant to the veterinary profession.
   • Have the capacity to understand and abide by ethical principles and bylaws that govern the profession.
2. Demonstrate Respect and Professionalism in Relationships
   • Relate to faculty, staff, classmates, clients, and their animals with honesty, compassion, empathy, integrity, and dedication.
   • Avoid allowing personal beliefs, including religion, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, politics, or social standing, to affect professional relationships.
   • Respect the diversity of opinions and backgrounds in academic and clinical environments.
3. Treat All Animals Humanely and Equitably
   • Provide appropriate care to all patients regardless of species or personal preference (e.g., withholding care due to a dislike of a specific animal type is unacceptable).
   • Prioritize the well-being of animals entrusted to your care, regardless of competing personal interests or schedules.
   • Maintain patient, client, and site confidentiality at all times.
4. Use Professional Authority Responsibly
   • Understand the authority and trust placed in the veterinary student role and avoid any misuse of this power in clinical or interpersonal situations.
   • Communicate and act in a manner that reflects professional responsibility and ethical intent, both on and off campus.
5. Demonstrate Sound Judgment and Maturity
   • Fully utilize intellectual ability, complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner, and respond constructively to feedback.
   • Exhibit maturity and adaptability, especially in unfamiliar, high-pressure, or cross-cultural environments.
   • Remain professional during stress, uncertainty, or changing circumstances.
6. Engage in Collaborative Professional Practice
   • Work flexibly and respectfully as part of a veterinary healthcare team.
   • Make efficient use of others’ time and express disagreement respectfully and privately.
   • Use appropriate titles (e.g., “Dr. Smith,” “Ms. Jones”) when addressing faculty and staff unless instructed otherwise.
7. Uphold Academic and Professional Integrity
   • Avoid all forms of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, use of unauthorized materials, or falsifying records.
   • Never submit fraudulent medical records or certificates, betray a client’s confidence, or commit acts of animal cruelty through action or inaction.
8. Practice Appropriate Communication in Clinical Settings
   • Do not express concerns about diagnosis, treatment, or care in front of clients; instead, discuss such matters privately with the supervising veterinarian.
   • Use Course Mentors to clarify or reflect on clinical decisions made by affiliate clinicians for educational purposes.
9. Maintain Accurate and Confidential Documentation
   • Ensure medical records are legible, truthful, complete, and based on firsthand knowledge.
   • Do not share patient or client information with individuals not directly involved in care or instruction.
10. Respect Personal Values While Meeting Professional Obligations
    • Uphold personal ethics while recognizing professional responsibilities may occasionally conflict with personal beliefs.
    • Communicate proactively when such conflicts arise.

Respect for Laws, Policies and Regulations

Students are required to comply with all university, clinical site, local, state, and federal policies and regulations. Legal matters outside the academic environment remain under the jurisdiction of appropriate civil authorities and may result in university or program-level consequences.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is strictly prohibited.

• Students must not attend any class, laboratory, or clinical activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• The unlawful possession, use, or distribution of controlled substances is prohibited on campus and at all affiliated clinical sites.
• Students may be subject to random drug testing without notice.
• Violations will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.
• Students experiencing issues with substance use are encouraged to seek support through LMU Counseling Services.