PA Professionalism and Conduct
Professionalism and Conduct
Becoming a Professional
Students of the TTUHSC PA Program have made a decision to become a medical professional and member of the healthcare team. The health professions are based on a high degree of trust by the individuals and patients they serve. Being a student in a health sciences environment is different from the typical university or college classroom. Students entering the PA profession have an obligation to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that reflects ethical and honest behavior.TTUHSC PA Students are held to a high standard of professional and ethical conduct throughout the program. Professional conduct not only affects one’s ability to practice medicine, but also the reputation of the TTUHSC PA Program and the image of its students. Students will represent the program in a professional manner in many settings including the class, campus community, institution, and clinical community.All students are expected to exhibit professional conduct in all academic and clinical settings. Students and student organizations are subject to disciplinary action according to the provisions of the Student Code and/or any other applicable University rules or regulations. Each student is responsible to become familiar with the various regulations of the University and meet the various requirements outlined below. Written policies are described in university publications such as this Handbook and the Schools’ individual catalogs. Each student, in accepting admission, indicates a willingness to subscribe to and be governed by the rules and regulations of University officials to take such disciplinary action, including dismissal or expulsion, as may be deemed appropriate for failure to abide by such rules and regulations.Resources such as the TTUHSC Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, and the Code of Ethical Conduct of the Physician Assistant Profession illustrate more clearly the standards to which students will be held. In addition to the guidelines stated in the TTUHSC policy, the behavior of a student enrolled in the PA program will be guided by the Generic Abilities and Technical Standards listed in this handbook. This creates an atmosphere of mutual trust and respect among all members of the campus and medical community.Each student is responsible for his/her own integrity and is likewise responsible for reporting possible violations of the Student Code by other students. Faculty and staff shall take all reasonable steps to prevent violations, and each faculty/staff member likewise is responsible for reporting violations.The TTUHSC Student Handbook Code of Professional Conduct may be found at: https://www.ttuhsc.edu/student-affairs/handbook.aspxAppropriate behavior in sharing of course materials
The distribution of any course materials, including but not limited to lecture slides, handouts, assignments, test materials, or other study materials is intended only for personal use by registered students in the current cohort. The sharing or distribution of any course materials with anyone other than members of the current class is strictly prohibited and will be considered unprofessional and a violation of academic conduct standards and subject to disciplinary action.
Student Professional Development Evaluation
Purpose of Evaluation:
TTUHSC PA students are held to a high standard of professionalism and ethical behavior through all phases of the PA Program. Professionalism is expected at all times: in the classroom, in the clinics and hospitals, and at program or school-sponsored events. Professionalism will be evaluated toward the end of every semester while in the PA Program using the Professional Development Evaluation form (PDE) distributed on the Sakai Class site. Evaluations will be a part of the PA student record and will be used when future employers, licensing, and credentialing boards request reference information.Frequency of Professional Development Evaluations:
PDE will be completed each semester during the didactic phase and each clerkship course during the clinical phase. Grading policies for the PDE are defined in individual course syllabi. In the event a student receives an unsatisfactory PDE grade, the Student Progression Committee (SPC) will review that student’s entire academic record and may impose probation, remedial action, or dismissal.
Communication with the Program
Official Email:
All official e-mail communication to TTUHSC students is sent to the e-mail address provided by TTUHSC. E-mail communications should not be sent to faculty or staff from a student’s personal e-mail account. Faculty and staff are not required to respond to e-mails sent from a student’s personal e-mail account. The SHP and the PA program are not responsible for consequences related to unheeded e-mail correspondence.Mode of Communication:
Students are encouraged to communicate with faculty and other students through e-mail. The class distribution email list should be utilized for program and student business purposes only. The use of social media accounts or groups is not allowed or supported for program or student organization business. All student organization communications must utilize TTUHSC email.Timely Communication:
It is the student’s responsibility to check this account on a daily basis to ensure important communications are not missed. Students should make every attempt to respond to emails within 2 business days unless stated otherwise in the email.Faculty and staff will check email during business hours and make every effort to respond to emails and voicemails within 2 business days. If unavailable, an out-of-office message will direct students who to contact for additional assistance.
Attendance
Students are expected to be available to attend all scheduled classes and clinics as per the published SHP academic calendar and course syllabus. For additional information concerning attendance during the clinical year, refer to Section 4: Clinical Attendance Policies.Class and Laboratory:
Required classes and events for students are generally scheduled between the hours of 8 AM and 5 PM; however, it may be necessary to hold classes, labs, or activities outside of these hours. Students are required to attend classes at scheduled times as published in the course syllabus and SAKAI. Students should arrive 10 minutes prior to class/exam start time.Excused Absences:
Emergency excused absences: If it is necessary to miss or be late for a class session, it is the student’s responsibility to notify the PA Program staff at 432-620-1120 and their advisor prior to class. The student is responsible for the material covered.Excused absences will be granted for illness or a crisis situation involving the student or the student’s immediate family. Written documentation as evidence for the crisis incident is required. The Program Director will evaluate other situations that may constitute a valid excuse for absence on a case-by-case basis. Sick days are intended for use only in the event of personal illness or to assist a member of the immediate family who is actually ill. If an absence for illness is for more than one day, documentation of the illness from a licensed healthcare provider must be provided to the student’s academic advisor and included in the student’s academic file.Non-Emergency excused absences: Requests for an excused absence must be submitted to the student’s academic advisor no later than 45 days in advance of the date(s) of the requested excused absence. The request must include the activities that will be missed. The request will be presented to the Student Progression Committee for consideration and final approval. Categories of possible excused absences include the following:a. Attendance at a professional meeting or conference: Students may attend the TAPA and/or AAPA CME conference only if prior approval is obtained from the Program Director and Advisor. The student must be in good standing and have grade averages in all courses >80 to consider attendance.b. Absence due to religious observance: A student may be excused to observe a holy day observed by a religion as defined by HSC OP77.12.c. Wedding attendance: Approval may be granted for one-day absence for immediate family members (as defined under TTUHSC Family and Medical Leave policy HSC OP 70.32) or if the student is a confirmed member of the wedding party. Student must indicate his/her relationship to the couple, role in the wedding, date of the ceremony, and location of the event.d. Other requests: Other categories for requesting a non-emergency excused absence are considered at the discretion of the Student Progression Committee.Excessive excused or Unexcused Absences:
Excessive excused or any unexcused absences are not permitted and will be referred to the Student Progression Committee. This may result in negative Professional Development Evaluation and/or disciplinary action. Absences not preapproved may be considered unexcused, except in special circumstances. Unexcused absences may include the following: oversleeping, time conflicts with personal commitments, family reunions, weddings, vacations, or other types of social events.Late arrivals:
If you arrive late for class, you are to enter quietly by the door furthest from the podium, proceed to your seat, and be seated with the least possible disruption to the class. Repeated tardiness or non-participation will be reflected on the evaluation under Professional Conduct and Development and may result in a lower grade based on course syllabus policies.Personal Days during Clerkship Year:
Up to two (2) personal excused absence days may be taken during the Clerkship Year. Personal days are considered non-emergency excused absences and must also be submitted to the assigned faculty advisor 30 days in advance of the date for the requested absence (special consideration may be given for fellowship interviews with less notice at the discretion of the SPC). No more than one personal day may be requested and excused per clerkship course. Examples of personal days include attendance at family events, routine medical appointments, or addressing personal needs. Wedding attendance may be excusable per attendance policies but must be made up if not taken as a personal day.Absences on Test Days:
See Testing Policy and Procedure for additional information.
Dress Code
Purpose:
University-wide standards of dress and behavior should be observed both on campus and in the classroom. Neatness and modesty are valued and expected.Personal grooming and hygiene is a priority. Members of the faculty and staff have the authority and responsibility to maintain standards of student dress and grooming within the classrooms, laboratories, and other areas of public presentations within the campus and community. The dress code reflects professional integrity and special needs of the individual classes. Professional dress is expected of students at all times throughout the program.Appropriate Attire in Classroom and Lab:
Examples of unacceptable attire during classes includes, but is not limited to, the following:- Ragged, torn, or unkempt clothing
- Halter tops or tank tops
- Spaghetti straps
- Midriffs
- Short shorts or skirts
- Clothing items with excessive rips or tears·
- Athletic wear including warm-up style pants or leggings, sweat pants or yoga pants
- Perfume, cologne, or other fragrances which may be bothersome to others.
Dress Code at Clinical Sites during Clerkship Courses:
Unless specifically defined by the clinical site, students should be dressed business casual with their White Coat. Scrub attire is only appropriate for surgical/ER or procedural settings.Clothing should allow for adequate movement during patient care and should not be tight, short, or low cut. Necklines should be high enough to not expose chest, hemlines to knee length, shoes must be closed-toe, jewelry kept to a minimum, pierced areas should be free of ornament, and tattoos will be covered. All efforts should be made to wear clothing that does not draw attention to oneself.Fragrances should be minimal.OSHA Standards:
For all classes involving lab or clinical performance and while on clinical rotations, students are required to wear attire consistent with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards if there is any risk of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, chemicals, or potentially harmful agents. Legs must be covered and footwear must cover the majority of the foot (such as athletic shoes). Open-toed shoes may not be worn.Dress Code for Examination:
See Testing Policy and Procedure for specific information.Special Exceptions:
Specific events, VIP visits, or other times at the program may require that students are dressed in business casual attire. The Program Director or Program Business Manager will notify students of the requirement on a case-by-case basis.
Clerkship Course Professional Requirements
General Guidelines:
The PA Program at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center strives to provide an exemplary education to students for careers in primary healthcare. As future members of the healthcare team, students will learn to be a member of the interprofessional healthcare team in providing healthcare services to patients.Students on their clinical clerkship assignments are expected to act as a professional at all times. Students are expected to show up on time; be respectful of their preceptors, other healthcare professionals, patients, and patients’ families; and maintain a positive, agreeable attitude. Clinical preceptors and their staff are not paid by the TTUHSC PA Program and provide their services and knowledge in a purely altruistic manner.
Patient Privacy and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act
Students are expected and required to respect the patient’s privacy at all times. Discussing the patient, their family, or medical problems outside of the office or where others can overhear is strictly prohibited.HIPAA Training:
Each student receives HIPAA training administered through TTUHSC. Students are required to complete the training prior to orientation. Questions regarding training requirements should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs at (806) 743-3220 or health.professions@ttuhsc.edu.HIPAA Compliance:
Failure to comply with this policy is subject to disciplinary action and may be grounds for dismissal. HIPAA violations will be addressed by Institutional Compliance and/or the Student Progress Committee (SPC) to determine the continued academic standing of the student in the program.
