Medical students play a critical role in the care of patients and participation as a member of the healthcare team is critical to their education. These interactions include involvement in obtaining medical histories, physical examination, gathering data from relevant electronic databases, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, determination of treatment plan(s), and communicating with other health professionals. However, these concerns must be balanced with patient autonomy/agency and the fundamental principle of “doing no harm.” As such, student interactions with patients are to adhere to the following:
- All student participation in care should be done with the permission of the patient. This includes, but is not limited to, activities such as physical examination of anesthetized patients.
- Students should have a care relationship with the patient unless otherwise permitted by the patient.
- Student participation in care activities should be done under the guidance of attending faculty and appropriate supervision. Click here to read the Clinical Supervision of Medical Students policy.
- Students are expected to adhere to all appropriate confidentiality policies/practices as outlined in UNMC policy. Click here to read the Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information policy.
Approved by the Curriculum Committee: June 25, 2019
Reviewed by the Curriculum Implementation Team: May 16, 2023
Reviewed by the Curriculum Committee: May 23, 2023
Approved by the Curriculum Committee: March 24, 2026