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Dress Code Policy

The published guidelines regarding professional attire are to be used for any preclinical or clinical patient encounter, whether with actual patients or patients participating in simulated clinical training. Students are expected to adopt any additional dress code restrictions when participating in clinical activities at affiliated hospitals or preceptor offices. Students are expected to inquire prior to wearing any socially questionable items. The published guidelines for professional attire should also be followed anytime the student represents the Boonshoft School of Medicine (School) while giving presentations, performing community service work, etc.

Scrubs

  • Scrubs should be clean, in good repair, and not excessively wrinkled.
  • Scrubs are not to be worn as general attire on clinical assignments, whether inpatient or outpatient.
  • Scrubs are not appropriate for daily wear at outpatient practices where students are assigned. At these clinical sites, all students are expected to wear their Boonshoft School of Medicine white coats and professional attire.
  • Scrubs are permitted only in designated areas of the hospital as dictated by established policy of the clinical institution. It is the responsibility of the student to be aware of hospital scrub code policy. Whenever scrubs are worn outside of the surgical areas, the student must wear their Boonshoft School of Medicine white coat over them.

The following list defines what is considered to be appropriate and inappropriate casual wear during regularly scheduled hours:

Appropriate

Inappropriate

-Skirt length- appropriately conservative for professional encounters
-Split skirts and dress shorts that are appropriately conservative and not overtly revealing

-Tight-fitting and overtly revealing skirts
-Mini-skirts, skorts, shorts
-Beach or sun dresses

-Boonshoft School of Medicine white jackets should be clean, wrinkle-free and in good repair
-Shirts-wrinkle-free, clean and in good repair.
-Proper undergarments- worn at all times and not visible.

-Tight or revealing shirts
-Tank, halter, or tops exposing midriff, exposed spaghetti straps

-Shoes- clean, conservative and in good condition
-Heels-three inches or lower

-Casual sandals, canvas sneakers, and open-toed shoes

-Rings, bracelets, and necklaces if they are not hazardous to equipment operation or patient contact
-No more than two earrings per ear
-Body piercing permitted in ears only

-Tongue or visible body piercings other than ear piercings
-Hats are not to be worn inside unless as a required part of a uniform
-Pins, buttons, bracelets, etc. advocating political affiliation or commentary on socially sensitive issues that may be viewed as offensive to patients, staff or guests
-Visible tattoos- tattoo should be hidden by clothing or obscuring make-up

-Nails- clean and manicured and kept less than 1/4inch long past the tip of the finger.
-Nail polish- not chipped, cracked or peeling
-Daily health hygiene- clean skin, hair and teeth and use of deodorant/ antiperspirants
-Makeup-conservative and not distracting.
-Because of potential patient allergic reactions, cologne/perfume should not be worn in the clinical environment

-Nail polish is not permitted in situations requiring aseptic care (e.g. surgery, obstetrics, etc.)

Enforcement

Department managers, attending physicians, house staff, or clinical coordinators may prohibit students from working if they are wearing clothing that is offensive, unsafe, or not in compliance with the hospital/clinic or department standards. Failure or refusal of any student to adhere to these professional dress code standards may result in corrective action by the assigned clinical institution. If the issue cannot be resolved at that level, the student will be referred to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs for corrective action and possible referral to the Medical Student Honor Code Council.

Last edited on 09/05/2024.