Policy on Student Healthcare and Student Assessment Conflict of Interest

McGovern Medical School faculty who have provided health care, including psychiatric services, to a student cannot academically assess or make decisions regarding the promotion of that student.

If a faculty member or resident recognizes a student whom they have previously provided health care services to and is assigned to an assessment role with the student, they must notify the module, course, clerkship, or rotation director to facilitate the reassignment of the student. Faculty must attest on assessment forms that they have not previously provided health care services to the student they are assessing.

If a student recognizes that they are assigned to work with a faculty member or resident who has previously provided them health care services, and who will be expected to assess the student,  the student must notify the module, course, clerkship, or rotation director to facilitate reassignment.

Any faculty participating in the Student Evaluation and Promotions Committee shall recuse themselves in any case where they have, or appear to have, a conflict of interest concerning the applicant. A conflict of interest exists without limitation in situations where a member of the committee has provided healthcare to the student, including psychological or psychiatric care. Any person participating in the Student Evaluation and Promotions Committee process who has a question or potential conflict of interest must inform the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs.

Student Evaluation and Promotions Committee members will review and acknowledge the Policy on Student Evaluations and Promotions Committee Conflict of Interest annually and prior to each meeting.

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Policy Name
Policy on Student Healthcare and Student Assessment Conflict of Interest

Policy Number - DO NOT USE

Original Approval Date
22 February 2022

Approved by
Curriculum Committee (22 February 2022)
Curriculum Committee (5 March 2025)

Periodic Review Schedule
Every 3 years, next review due 01 APR 2028

Applicable Stakeholders
Students, Clinical teaching faculty, Student Health and Counseling Services physicians

Purpose of Policy

To describe the process to ensure that students are not evaluated by physicians from whom they have received medical care, or by family members.

Review Completed by
Graduate Medical Education Committee (23 March 2022)

Notified Groups & Methods of Communication
Teaching Faculty, E-mail
House staff, E-mail
Students, MS1/MS2/MS3 Orientations

Related Policies
Policy on Student Evaluations and Promotions Committee Conflict of Interest

Type of policy
Major Revision of an existing policy

Template Completion Date
15 August 2025

Originating Office/Committee
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs

Responsible Office/Committee For Implementation And Monitoring
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs

LCME Required Policy
Yes

LCME Element(s) Number and Description

12.5 Non-Involvement of Providers of Student Health Services in Student Assessment/Location of Student Health Records

The health professionals who provide health services, including psychiatric/psychological counseling, to a medical student have no involvement in the academic assessment or promotion of the medical student receiving those services, excluding exceptional circumstances. A medical school ensures that medical student health records are maintained in accordance with legal requirements for security, privacy, confidentiality, and accessibility.