Dress Code Policy

It is the policy of the College of Medicine – Phoenix (COM-P) that professional dress is required of all students for several activities as described below. Professional dress should allow for individuality that demonstrates respect and meets professional standards.

1. Students should be professionally dressed for patient encounters, other professional conference presentations when representing COM-P, and when visiting clinical sites, unless informed otherwise. Students are expected to follow the dress code of their clinical site; this will  be provided by the site prior to the beginning of the course*, rotation, or experience and could differ from the COM-P dress code policy. 
2. Professional dress is defined as slacks, dress shirts, dresses, and skirts. Length of skirts and dresses should be to the knees to facilitate clinical activities that involve leaning over. Necklines should be non-revealing. Hair, accessories, and clothing should not invade patient space during an exam. Cargo pants, jeans, and leggings are not appropriate. Scrubs may be appropriate depending on the clinical rotation. 
3. Students must wear shoes in clinical environments that comply with OSHA standards (closed-toed and cover the entire foot). Athletic shoes are appropriate only when on call, in the operating room, or in the procedure suite. Shoes should be comfortable and facilitate clinical activities.
4. Nails should be kept short and clean. 
5. Highest standard of personal hygiene is expected. Scents that interfere with the clinical and learning environments such as, fragrances, perfumes, colognes, body lotions, scented body spray, and cigarette or other odors should be avoided.
6. Clean and unstained white coats should be worn when requested for clinical activities, but are not necessary for patient panels.
7. Students are responsible for wearing a COM-P name tag at all times while in professional dress on the COM-P campus.
8. Certain simulation or clinical activities may require scrubs or other personal protective equipment and will be noted in the specific course* syllabus.
9. With respect to patient and student safety, modifications that allow for cultural or ethnic traditional dress are permitted.

Any student found in violation of this policy by a course* director or preceptor will be addressed by this faculty and may be in jeopardy of receiving a Level 1 in professionalism, and/or may be sent home from the site for inappropriate dress. 
 

Course* = Any component of the curriculum where a grade is earned.

For all general inquiries about dress codes contact the dean, student affairs, or respective designee.