|
|
The Core Values of Jefferson Medical College
At Jefferson, our commitment to the highest principles
of professionalism is one of our oldest traditions. We aspire to be a community that is not only academically
and fiscally successful, but also a community of discovery, learning,
caring and sharing. The core values of professionalism guide our actions.
At Jefferson:
-
Our word is our bond (Integrity).
-
We respect each other and all with whom we come into
contact (Respect).
-
We care about and attempt to ameliorate the suffering
and pain of illness; we care about and attempt to ameliorate the trials
and tribulations of the Jefferson family (Compassion).
-
We are committed to excellence and the life-long pursuit
of new knowledge and personal and professional growth (Excellence).
-
We aspire to do the right thing for the right reason
even if it involves pain or sacrifice (Altruism).
-
We are committed to each other and to those we serve.
We work together to achieve our mission and goals (Collaboration).
-
We are committed to the prudent use of the resources
made available to us by the hard work of the faculty, the tuition
of our learners, the support of the public and the philanthropic giving
that sustains us and helps us grow (Stewardship).
-
Professionalism in the Teacher-Student Relationship
The faculty of Jefferson Medical College is committed
to principles of mutual respect and trust between teachers and students.
Training future physicians who are entrusted with the lives of others
must be based on faculty embodying the values of professionalism. Faculty
should be role models and mentors in their interaction with each other,
as well as students at all levels of training, nursing staff and other
health professionals and patients. In all of these relationships, faculty
acts to enhance the learning experience based on shared professional
values.
-
The Jefferson Medical College Honor Code
As Jefferson students and faculty we seek to establish
a community based on honor, integrity and awareness of others. Our commitment
to this community begins with our first day of professional or educational
association with Jefferson Medical College, during Orientation, when we sign a pledge to
uphold the values and rules of the Honor Code that follows:
As faculty, residents, fellows and medical students, we
pledge to embrace the academic and social integrity on which Jefferson
was founded, pursuing honesty, equality and fairness in all aspects
of our lives. This includes not seeking an unfair advantage over our
peers, teachers, students, residents, fellows or any other member of
the Thomas Jefferson University community. These goals are dependent
on our personal concern for ourselves and one another, as well as our
collective concern for the maintenance of the community standards that
are reflected in the Code.
The Honor Code assumes that all faculty, residents, fellows
and students conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner.
Altruism, accountability, commitment to excellence, duty to serve, honor,
integrity and respect for others are essential characteristics of a
physician. In addition, the code is dependent on the collective desire
of all members of the academic community to prevent and deter violations,
rather than on proceedings to impose penalties after violations have
occurred. If violations do occur within this system, each member of
the community is expected to support and uphold all aspects of the code.
-
Community - A goal of each member of the college
is to foster an environment of trust and cooperation with respect
for the work and efforts of others. When we speak of community, we
imply the student body, the faculty, the staff and the administration,
each of which contributes to the combined concept of community.
-
Academic Integrity - We seek to enhance our
knowledge of medicine and achieve excellence in our time spent at
Jefferson but not at the cost of honesty, integrity and trust which
are all integral aspects to the development of a physician.
-
Social Integrity - Jefferson is dependent on
equality among all its members, regardless of race, culture, religion,
gender or sexual orientation. Every individual should be treated with
equal respect by their peers, faculty and staff.
-
Responsibility - All members of the college
must be willing to discuss with their peers and all members of the
community any action or issue that appears to be unacceptable and
to take the necessary actions in a timely manner to address the situation.
The failure to confront not only jeopardizes the strength of the Code
but also puts the observer in direct violation of the Code.
-
Mediation - Resources exist for students, faculty
and staff to meet with other people within the Jefferson community
to work out any differences and disagreements with the help of a third
party. If these efforts fail to reach a resolution, further resources
through official college channels can be used to review any disagreement
and determine the appropriate course of action.
-
Shared Professional Values of Jefferson Medical College
Each year at Class Orientations, students and faculty
together recite this statement of commitment to professionalism:
"In entering the profession of medicine, and in the process of crafting
future physicians, as students and educators, we recognize the implicit
trust that patients and society have granted us. As such, we must
commit to embodying the highest standards of civility, honesty, and
integrity in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. This
must include our interpersonal relationships, our academic pursuits,
and our medical practices. We must treat everyone compassionately,
and respect and protect his or her privacy, dignity and individuality."
"As part of the trust that society has placed in us, we must advocate
for outstanding patient care for all people. Accordingly, we must
always recognize those attitudes and values of ours that may limit
our ability to do so. As medical professionals, we must also recognize
limitations in our knowledge and skills, and accordingly, we must
accept our duty to provide and receive constructive feedback with
the goal of improving our ability to care for our patients. This eagerness
to improve is central to our commitment to excellence, and will be
the foundation upon which we build our practice of lifelong learning."
|
|
