In addition to all LMU required behavior, the LMU-OPCVM firmly believes that as a part of the veterinary profession and as a professional veterinary education program we must hold ourselves to a high standard to practice our core values. Desirable characteristics of veterinary professional students are based not only on academic achievement, but also on non-academic factors that serve to ensure that students have the behavioral and social attributes necessary to contribute positively to the veterinary profession. LMU-OPCVM students possess the necessary character traits, attitudes, and values that will result in beneficent and ethical veterinary care. These include, but are not limited to, the following:
Students must:
- Adhere to Legal and Ethical Standards
- Never perform any action that may be construed as the practice of veterinary medicine except under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction and only under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.
- Understand and comply with all laws and regulations relevant to the veterinary profession.
- Have the capacity to understand and abide by ethical principles and bylaws that govern the profession.
- Demonstrate Respect and Professionalism in Relationships
- Relate to faculty, staff, classmates, clients, and their animals with honesty, compassion, empathy, integrity, and dedication.
- Avoid allowing personal beliefs, including religion, disability, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, politics, or social standing, to affect professional relationships.
- Respect the diversity of opinions and backgrounds in academic and clinical environments.
- Treat All Animals Humanely and Equitably
- Provide appropriate care to all patients regardless of species or personal preference (e.g., withholding care due to a dislike of a specific animal type is unacceptable).
- Prioritize the well-being of animals entrusted to your care, regardless of competing personal interests or schedules.
- Maintain patient, client, and site confidentiality at all times.
- Use Professional Authority Responsibly
- Understand the authority and trust placed in the veterinary student role and avoid any misuse of this power in clinical or interpersonal situations.
- Communicate and act in a manner that reflects professional responsibility and ethical intent, both on and off campus.
- Demonstrate Sound Judgment and Maturity
- Fully utilize intellectual ability, complete responsibilities in a timely and accurate manner, and respond constructively to feedback.
- Exhibit maturity and adaptability, especially in unfamiliar, high-pressure, or cross-cultural environments.
- Remain professional during stress, uncertainty, or changing circumstances.
- Engage in Collaborative Professional Practice
- Work flexibly and respectfully as part of a veterinary healthcare team.
- Make efficient use of others’ time and express disagreement respectfully and privately.
- Use appropriate titles (e.g., “Dr. Smith,” “Ms. Jones”) when addressing faculty and staff unless instructed otherwise.
- Uphold Academic and Professional Integrity
- Avoid all forms of dishonesty, including cheating, plagiarism, use of unauthorized materials, or falsifying records.
- Never submit fraudulent medical records or certificates, betray a client’s confidence, or commit acts of animal cruelty through action or inaction.
- Practice Appropriate Communication in Clinical Settings
- Do not express concerns about diagnosis, treatment, or care in front of clients; instead, discuss such matters privately with the supervising veterinarian.
- Use Course Mentors to clarify or reflect on clinical decisions made by affiliate clinicians for educational purposes.
- Maintain Accurate and Confidential Documentation
- Ensure medical records are legible, truthful, complete, and based on firsthand knowledge.
- Do not share patient or client information with individuals not directly involved in care or instruction.
- Respect Personal Values While Meeting Professional Obligations
- Uphold personal ethics while recognizing professional responsibilities may occasionally conflict with personal beliefs.
- Communicate proactively when such conflicts arise.