DRESS POLICY
An important part of the medical school experience is the transition of the student into a mature professional physician which involves the development of an appropriate professional attitude. In order to accomplish that goal, we expect a professional atmosphere even in the classroom. Part of the medical student training experience is active participation in many of the activities going on in the Health Sciences Center. Since these non-classroom activities often occur between or as part of classes, student dress and appearance become an issue outside the classroom. Visitors to the Medical School, including governmental officials, elected representatives, important business leaders and private citizens who are donors to our school, and most importantly, our patients, have made comments to various members of the faculty and administration concerning the inappropriate casual dress of students. Appropriateness of dress and the ability to separate the learning/teaching environment and the casual out-of-school environment is very important. Please note that shorts, t-shirts with slogans which might be offensive to the other students or our patients, dirty or torn clothing, baseball caps and exercise or gym attire is inappropriate in the classroom situation. Also, be reminded that casual clothing that is appropriate for the classroom may not be appropriate for situations where patients are permitting students the opportunity to interview and examine them. Patients are generally much more comfortable if they are being examined by students who are professional in appearance.
This is also to remind you that under the school dress policy, chairmen and instructors have the right to expect dress to be appropriate for the teaching situation and for the comfort of patients who are willing to be part of your learning experience and assist in your medical education. Students inappropriately dressed may be asked not to participate, with potential grading consequences, or be expected to go home and change if they arrive for these activities in inappropriate dress.