Dress Code Policy

It is the policy of the College of Medicine – Phoenix 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: A FAQ document will be maintained on the College of Medicine – Phoenix website that gives additional direction on appropriate professional dress and how students can obtain clarifying information.

1. Professional dress is defined as slacks, dress shirts, dresses and skirts. Ties are suggested for most circumstances. Length of skirts and dresses should be to the knees in order to facilitate clinical activities that involve leaning over. Necklines should be non-revealing. Jewelry should not invade patient space during an exam (no long necklaces, long earrings etc.). Cargo pants, jeans, and leggings are not appropriate. Scrubs may be appropriate depending on the clinical rotation.
2. Students must wear closed-toed shoes in clinical environments to comply with OSHA standards. Athletic shoes are appropriate only when on call, in the operating room or in the procedure suite. Shoes with heels higher than three inches should be avoided.
3. Nails should be natural and kept short and clean. No artificial nails or extenders are permitted due to likelihood of harboring pathogens.
4. Fragrances, perfumes and colognes should be avoided.
5. Clean and unstained white coats should be worn for all clinical activity, but are not necessary for patient panels.
6. Students are responsible for wearing a University of Arizona name tag at all times while in professional dress.
7. Professional dress is required for all clinical activities, all patient encounters (including patient panels), Community Clinical Experience, as well as Years 3 and 4.
8. Individual requirements are specified for the Doctoring course, the Introduction to Medicine and Clinical Anatomy blocks, the Center for Simulation and Innovation, clerkships and clinical rotations.
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 block/course/site 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.