At the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, we are committed to fostering a respectful, supportive, and professional learning environment where every learner can thrive. Our shared expectations around professionalism, ethical conduct, and mutual respect help ensure that students feel safe, valued, and empowered throughout their medical education journey.
Professionalism is introduced during M1 orientation and is reinforced throughout the curriculum, with assessments in the doctoring courses, clerkships, and acting internships. Students are expected to demonstrate:
- Responsibility and accountability
- Sensitivity and respect
- Respectful and professional interactions
- Integrity and ethical behavior
- A willingness to learn from our patients
We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, and this standard is communicated to all students, faculty, and residents.
To maintain a culture of safety and respect, any member of the College of Medicine community may report professionalism, mistreatment, or discrimination concerns through:
- Course/clerkship directors
- Office of Medical Education
- Student Portal: *Anonymous option available
- Professionalism Concern Report*
- Mistreatment Incident Report*
- Course evaluation*
- Office of Equal Opportunity
Reports are reviewed by Office of Medical Education leadership, and safeguards are in place to prevent retaliation. In addition to reporting concerns, all members of the College of Medicine community are encouraged to recognize positive examples of professionalism through the student portal to acknowledge individuals who uphold and advance our professional culture.
Student voices are central to our culture of continuous improvement. The Student Advisory Board, regular class meetings, and ongoing surveys provide direct channels for feedback. Student input has led to meaningful enhancements, such as the recent policy requiring that physical exam and other hands-on practice sessions be performed on standardized patients only.
Together, we are cultivating a professional learning environment built on respect, accountability, and shared responsibility. These values define who we are as a College of Medicine and guide how we learn, teach, and serve the Commonwealth.
- Office of Medical Education