Honor Code & Policies

In addition to the formalized College and University Policies outlined here, the College of Physicians and Surgeons has implemented an Honor Code, beginning with the Class of 2016, as well as Guidelines on Professionalism. The Honor Code delineates the standards that the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons deems essential to ensure its medical students’ suitability for the practice of medicine. Safety in the care of patients is the overriding principle. The Honor Code, discussed by the entering class and signed by each student during orientation, emphasizes the honesty and integrity, respectfulness, and professional behavior necessary for the practice of medicine. It reminds students that as future physicians, they are in the public eye and their behavior reflects on themselves as student doctors, on Columbia, and on the medical profession.