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  3. Policy on Demeanor and Dress Standards

Policy on Demeanor and Dress Standards

Pre-Clerkship Phase Attire:

Students are encouraged to take a value-based approach to attire, selecting clothing that reflects the standards of McGovern Medical School and would be considered appropriate in a patient-facing environment. Students may wear clinical scrubs or attire that meets or exceeds the level of professionalism expected in patient-facing environments (“scrubs and above”). This policy applies to all medical students during pre-clerkship educational activities, including but not limited to:

  • Classroom instruction
  • Small group sessions (TBL and PBL)
  • Patient presentations
  • Standardized patient encounters
  • Simulation activities
  • Laboratory sessions
  • Preceptorships and early clinical experiences *

*Pre-clerkship students in clinical environments (e.g., preceptorships, clinical shadowing) must also comply with site-specific dress code policies, which may supersede this policy. Students are expected to abide by all Memorial Hermann Hospital and Clinics policies and those of our affiliated sites while in clinical settings.

General Guidelines

  • Clinical scrubs are permitted in all settings covered by this policy.
  • McGovern Medical School identification badges must be worn above the waist and remain visible at all times.
  • Clothing must be clean, neat, and in good repair, and must allow for an appropriate range of movement.
  • Students must maintain appropriate personal hygiene. The use of strong fragrances (e.g., perfumes, colognes) is prohibited due to potential sensitivities in others.
  • Athletic wear, including athleisure, is not permitted in educational or patient-facing settings, except as otherwise authorized by faculty.
  • Acceptable upper garments include t-shirts, sweatshirts, button-down shirts (with or without ties), polos, sweaters, and blouses. Low-cut necklines and exposed midriffs are not permitted.
  • Acceptable lower garments include pants, slacks, khakis, skirts, dresses, and non-distressed jeans without holes. Professional shorts are permitted. Shorts should be neat and provide adequate coverage (approximately mid-thigh or longer). Athletic shorts, excessively short shorts, distressed denim, or revealing styles are not appropriate for the educational setting. Skirts and dresses must extend to just above the knee.
  • Tattoos are permitted; however, tattoos displaying offensive or inappropriate language or imagery must be covered.
  • Jewelry, piercings, and accessories must be minimal, safe, and must not interfere with educational or clinical activities. Visible body piercings are permitted in the ear and nose only.
  • Nails must be clean and maintained at a length consistent with infection control and patient safety standards. Fingernails may not be of a length that interferes with the ability to perform the job safely. In accordance with proper hand hygiene, artificial nails and shellac/gel manicures are prohibited in clinical areas, where nails must also be no longer than ¼ inch and free of chipped polish.
  • Hair must comply with applicable law, including the CROWN Act. Natural hairstyles and textures are permitted. Hair color and style must be appropriate for a professional healthcare environment. Well-groomed, closely trimmed beards, sideburns, and mustaches are allowed, but may not interfere with personal protective gear. Shoulder-length or longer hair shall be pulled back or covered where there is a health or safety consideration.
  • Footwear must be closed-toe, clean, in good repair, and appropriate for safety. Open-toe shoes, flip-flops, and porous footwear are not permitted.
  • Cultural, religious, and identity-affirming attire is permitted and supported, provided it is consistent with safety and professionalism expectations.
  • Students must not wear political campaign clothing, buttons, or symbols representing a political candidate or political campaign cause, except for health initiatives or activities defined as ‘protected activities’ by the National Labor Relations Board, as these may be inconsistent with the policies at our hospitals or affiliated sites.

On examination days, student dress guidelines will not apply.

 

Students commuting by bike, scooter, or on foot may use designated campus showers and locker facilities to change into attire compliant with this policy.

 

Ceremonial Attire

Students participating in formal School of Medicine events (e.g., White Coat Ceremony, Match Day, awards ceremonies, or other official functions) are expected to present themselves in attire that reflects the significance of the occasion and the standards of the medical profession.

  • Attire for these events should be business or business formal. Acceptable options include suits, dresses, skirts, slacks, blouses, or equivalent professional attire. Clothing must be clean, well-fitted, and in good repair.
  • Clothing should not be excessively casual, disruptive, or expose excessive skin. Clothing should be suitable for a professional setting (e.g., no low-cut tops, back out, midriff-baring, or excessively short garments). Items such as athletic wear, distressed garments, shorts, or clothing with inappropriate language or imagery are not permitted.
  • Footwear must be clean and appropriate for formal or professional settings, unless otherwise specified by event organizers.
  • Grooming and personal appearance should align with professional standards as outlined in this policy, including expectations for hygiene, accessories, and presentation.
  • Cultural, religious, and identity-affirming attire is permitted and supported, provided it is consistent with safety and professionalism expectations.
  • Students should comply with any additional attire guidance provided for specific events.

 

Clinical Phase Attire

Demeanor shall be in all respects consistent with the high standards of trust, confidence, and dignity on which the physician-patient relationship is based. The following guidelines regarding conduct and appearance in all clinical settings are adopted directly from those of the Memorial-Hermann Healthcare System and apply to our students at all McGovern Medical School clinical facilities.

 

Courtesy

  • Greet others in hallways, elevators, and at work stations with a kind word or smile.
  • Assist people in finding their way.

Respect

  • Respect privacy and dignity.
  • Knock and wait for a response before entering areas.
  • In compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), discuss confidential or sensitive information about patients only with those having a valid need to know and do so privately, never in public places.
  • Be tolerant of cultural differences.

Professionalism

  • Present a positive image.
  • Wear a name badge or name tag so that your name is clearly visible at all times.
  • Limit eating, drinking, and smoking to designated areas.
  • Avoid personal conversations with co-workers when providing patient care.
  • Make no inappropriate or negative comments about patients, co-workers, or physicians.

Appearance

  • Lapel pins should not contain words or images that may be considered inappropriate, offensive, or political in nature.
  • Hair shall be clean and neat, with no styles or colors that, by a reasonable standard, would invite negative feedback. Shoulder-length or longer hair shall be pulled back or covered where there is a health or safety consideration.
  • Well-groomed, closely trimmed beards, sideburns, and mustaches are allowed, but may not interfere with personal protective gear.
  • Fingernails may not be of a length that interferes with the ability to perform the job safely. In accordance with proper hand hygiene, artificial nails and shellac/gel manicures are prohibited in clinical areas, where nails must also be no longer than ¼ inch and free of chipped polish.
  • Extreme or excessive makeup, cologne, jewelry, or accessories are not allowed. Visible body piercing is permitted in the ear only, and no more than two earrings per ear may be worn. All other body piercings must be covered.
  • Any visible tattoo that may be considered offensive or contain inappropriate language must be covered.

The following are specifically prohibited at all times while in clinical settings: Leggings, athletic wear, hats, sweat suits, tank tops, halter tops, t-shirts, beachwear, shorts, bib overalls, spandex or other form fitting-pants, jeans, exposed undergarments, work-out attire, canvas sneakers, sandal-thongs/flip-flops or slippers, clothing that is distracting, offensive or revealing, clothing that exposes the abdomen, chest or buttocks, clothing that contains sexually-related references, foul language, or that suggests or promotes the use of illegal drugs or violence, clothing or footwear that is soiled, wrinkled, excessively worn or in disrepair, or any other clothing or mode of appearance that is inappropriate for the work environment.