In 1986, the College of Medicine established its Code of Professional Conduct following significant assistance from students as well as faculty and administration. The document addresses those responsibilities to patients, colleagues, family, community as well as to the individuals themselves. Following discussion with incoming students it is assumed that all will subscribe to this code as part of their commitment to the profession of medicine.
The University of Tennessee medical community believes that a professional gains its credibility by its commitment to society. As a professional group, we recognize our obligation to our patients, colleagues, community, families, and ourselves. Realizing that it is a privilege and an honor to be a medical professional, we the students, residents, fellows, and faculty of the UT Memphis College of Medicine embrace the following ideals:
Patient welfare is our primary concern, for only by commitment do we justify the trust placed in us by patients and the community at large. Although we hold the acquisition of knowledge and the development of technical skills essential to patient care, we shall strive to balance the science with the art of medicine by maintaining respect and compassion for the dignity of all patients. Each patient shall receive our best efforts regardless of personal feelings or biases. Desires for social or economic gain shall not affect the honesty and integrity with which we deal with patients. Nor shall the pressures placed upon the members of our profession compromise the quality of care we provide.
Relationships with our colleagues are an exceedingly important part of professional conduct. Our interactions with colleagues provide us a sense of support, trust, and sharing. As members of a community professional, we shall be aware that our personal conduct reflects upon others of that community. We shall be willing to share our knowledge and expertise with colleagues and remain open to their advice and criticism. We shall fulfill our own responsibility and, in the spirit of professional cooperation, accommodate a colleague if our assistance is requested. We shall be sensitive to the physical and emotional weaknesses of a colleague and shall lend support in time of need. Further, our responsibility to patient care implies identification of colleagues whose ability to provide care is impaired. This must be followed by our full support toward the rehabilitation of those colleagues, and their reintegration into the professional community.
Integrating personal growth into our professional development is essential to our commitment to medicine. To this end, we shall be attentive to our needs for physical, spiritual, and emotional well being. We shall allow time for personal and family relations which enrich our lives and promote self knowledge. Attention to personal maturation, family commitments and professional growth represent a continuing challenge throughout our career.
As medical professional, we realize that we share with all citizens certain civic duties. We shall strive to be responsible citizens. Our professional status shall not be used as a means to power and control. Rather, we seek to offer informed and compassionate leadership.
Last updated: August 17, 2004 Office Hours: 8:00am - 5:00pm | Student Workstation: 9:00am - 4:30pm To report problems with this page, call Debbey Hester, (901) 448-5531 An EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer
"The University of Tennessee, College of Medicine has its roots in Nashville as the Nashville Medical College. That college as organized in 1876, and in 1879 was acquired by the University of Tennessee as its medical department. The Memphis Hospital Medical College was also found in 1876 but, because of the yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, did not actually hold classes until 1880. In 1909 two Nashville schools merged and were operating as the joint Medical department of the University of Nashville and the University of Tennessee. It moved to Memphis in 1911 and merged with the College of Physicians and Surgeons to become the University of Tennessee, College of Medicine... "
