Professionalism
PEARLS Program
In an effort to shift the culture surrounding medical student professionalism from punitive to positive, the reward program PEARLS (Professional, Empathetic, Accountable, Respectful, Leadership and Stewardship) was created in October 2020. PEARLS regularly recognizes first- through fourth-year medical students who exhibit exemplary professional behavior as physicians-in-training.
The tiered reward program incentivizes students who exhibit the professional attributes of an exceptional physician through intentional action in the classroom, clinic or community that goes beyond the institutional expectations set forth for all students.
Read more about the School of Medicine professionalism standards
Pledge of ethics and professionalism
I publicly acknowledge and accept the privileges and responsibilities given to me today as a physician-in-training and dedicate myself to providing care to those in need.
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I will approach all aspects of my education with honesty and integrity, embracing opportunities to learn from patients, teachers, and colleagues.
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I will certify only that which I have personally verified, and I will neither receive nor give unauthorized assistance on examinations or clinical reports.
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I will respect the humanity, rights and decisions of all patients and will attend to them with compassion and without bias.
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I will strive to earn the trust my patients place in me and the respect that society places upon my profession.
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I will recognize the privileges afforded to me as a physician-in-training and promise not to abuse them.
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Knowing my own limitations and those of medicine, I commit myself to a lifelong journey of learning how to cure, relieve and comfort with humility and compassion.
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I acknowledge the principles of professional identity as reflected in the competencies uniquely set forth by the Wayne State University School of Medicine and will maintain the highest standards of professional conduct.
I make these promises solemnly, freely, and upon my honor.
Essence of the Wayne Warrior MD: The 16 C’s
Caring: I will care for patients as if I were their personal physician.
Compassionate: I will not forget that there is an art to medicine as well as a science and that warmth, sympathy and understanding are integral to patient care.
Competent: I will recognize my weaknesses and strengths and strive to develop those qualities that will earn the respect of my patients, my colleagues, my family, and myself.
Committed: I will put the patient first, while remembering the importance of my own health and well-being.
Conscientious: I will be meticulous in ensuring the care of my patients.
Compliant: I will follow best practices, regulations and guidance of my practice setting.
Collaborative: I am part of a health care team and will respect all members of the team and their role in the care of my patients.
Cultural Awareness: I will value the diversity of patients' experiences, cultures and beliefs because it enhances my ability to care for them and enriches my education.
Confidentiality: I will maintain patient confidentiality and be tactful in my words and actions.
Community-minded: Even as a student I have a responsibility to improve the standard of health in my community, to increase access to care for the underserved and to advance medical knowledge.
Confident: With the knowledge and abilities I am developing, I will earn the trust of my patients and seek input from my colleagues when needed.
Character: I will develop my personal attributes to exemplify the attributes of a practicing physician.
Collegiality: I will foster companionship & cooperation between colleagues with whom I share responsibility.
Consideration: In humility, I will be thoughtful and observant of others, expressing care and concern.
Communication: I will maintain a patient-centered approach, speaking clearly and with transparency.
Courage: I will be forthright in confronting challenges and honest in respectfully sharing my convictions.