Information Flow Between PSOM and Offices of Student Conduct

The following pertains to the flow of student information between the Perelman School of Medicine and Offices/Individuals responsible for monitoring student conduct at other schools and programs within the University of Pennsylvania.

An individual’s professional and academic behavior has a direct impact on all clinical relationships with patients and our community. Students at the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) at the University of Pennsylvania, must abide by University and PSOM policies and regulations. Students are responsible for their behavior, on campus and off, and are subject to all University and PSOM policies regarding behavior for the duration of their MD study, including but not limited to the Code of Student Conduct and the Code of Academic Integrity, as well as the Academic Honor Code for the Perelman School of Medicine, and Penn Medicine’s professionalism initiative called R.I.S.E.: Respect, Integrity, Self-care, and Etiquette. From time to time the University sets additional expectations, which will be communicated and must be adhered to.

In general, primary oversight of academic performance and conduct rests with the student’s enrolled program and the primary degree program (i.e. for a student in a dual-degree program or taking additional courses: when in the MD phase, a student’s conduct is monitored by the MD program; while studying for their secondary degree or taking additional courses, a student’s conduct is monitored by that school or program’s office of conduct). Programs/schools will communicate to ensure that only one school or program oversees any necessary investigation and/or adjudication of allegations; however, any finding, even if negative, may be reviewed separately by each program and/or school in light of the competencies/policies required by the programs/schools. This may include the University, a School or Program’s Office of Student Conduct (e.g. Student Standards Committee), an individual or committee responsible for monitoring student conduct (Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Director of BGS, the Associate Dean for Combined Degree and Physician Scholars Program), PSOM’s Senior Vice Dean for Medical Education (or designee), or others. These individuals are responsible for maintaining communication and ensuring a fair evaluation and due process.

In the event of a complaint, charge, or finding that a student violated the Code of Student Conduct, the Code of Academic Integrity, or any other University or PSOM policy related to behavior or professionalism, information may be shared between administrative departments. Each degree program reserves the right to take action based upon a student’s progress in the other program, or take action based on a finding after an investigation for a behavioral or professionalism issue. Information may be requested and shared specifically related to documented instances of academic and/or professionalism issues. This applies to all students in the MD, MD/PhD, OMFS, HHMI, and MD+ programs (including all additional degree programs in other schools/programs at the University).

Any such matter may lead to a student’s record being presented to, and the situation adjudicated by, either the University, School, or Program’s Student Disciplinary System, and/or the PSOM Student Standards Committee (SSC). There is necessary SSC disclosure in the event that a documented issue could have an impact on patient safety during clinical encounters. Outcomes of disciplinary processes are outlined on the University of Pennsylvania website and in the Student Standards Committee Policies and Procedures, and may result in disciplinary or other actions, including mention of any finding, complaint, or charge in the student’s Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE), with or without a disciplinary designation. PSOM may be required to report instances of disciplinary action when requested by state, residencies, hospitals, and/or licensing entities.