Appearance and Demeanor

Professional attire is especially important for students who have direct patient contact. In most cultures, professional caregivers are expected to present a uniform appearance. If a student’s clothing differs greatly from the patient’s perception of professional hospital attire, the patient’s confidence in the institution’s professional standards may be negatively affected.

.It is the policy of the School of Health Professions to require personal cleanliness, good grooming/hygiene and appropriateness of dress while students are in classes and student laboratories in the hospital or representing the school while off campus. The nature of the student’s clinical education requires cleanliness, neatness and a professional, business-like appearance—particularly in daily relations with patients, visitors and the public. The School of Health Professions follows the guidelines for personal appearance established by the institution. Individual written policies related to appropriate personal appearance and hygiene may be found within the policies of individual programs within the School

Appearance and Demeanor Guidelines

Each student must always wear his or her ID badge when in class, on any part of the MD Anderson campus, or on clinical rotations. The ID badge must be worn on the upper portion of the body with the picture visible at all times. Students must also carry the emergency numbers card at all times. Good personal hygiene must be maintained. At times, students will be in close contact with patients, co-workers and fellow students. Students are required to adhere to departmental and/or clinical affiliate standards. Dress codes vary from program to program within the School of Health Professions, and each student is responsible for adhering to the dress code of his or her specific program. If a student is found to be in violation of the dress code policy, he or she will be instructed to return home to make the necessary adjustments to his or her attire or hygiene. Upon the second violation of the dress code, the student may be subject to disciplinary action. Projecting a professional image extends to the demeanor of each student. Students must be mindful of their behavior at all times, and are expected to exhibit a competent presence, good manners and a respectful, friendly and helpful attitude. Each student is a representative of MD Anderson and his or her program of study, and everything that a student says and does while on the premises or off campus reflects upon the institution and the school. Refer to the Appearance and Demeanor Policy, Institutional Policy #ADM0261.