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The Honor Code outlines the core values governing research, education, and clinical practice that all IU School of Medicine community members uphold.

Honor Code

Embarking on a career in the life sciences, medicine and other health care professions is a privilege that carries lifelong moral and ethical responsibilities that begin the moment an individual becomes a member of the academic medicine community.

To achieve its vision to lead the transformation of health care through quality, innovation and education and make Indiana one of the nation’s healthiest states, Indiana University School of Medicine must recruit and nurture exceptional individuals who are equipped to learn, teach, practice and conduct research in multiple settings. The school strives to be a place that is welcoming for all in academic medicine and expects its community members to treat one another with respect and facilitate an atmosphere of cooperation and collegiality. IU School of Medicine demands excellence, expecting that community members act with integrity at all times. The school further expects all in its community to uphold its core values and the Physician's Oath while ensuring they do not discriminate in violation of university policies or applicable law.

To this end, the IU School of Medicine Honor Code outlines the core values governing research, education and clinical practice that all IU School of Medicine community members, including students, faculty and staff, are expected to uphold. These include:

Excellence

Excellence that is reflected in the innovative conduct and advancement of education, research and patient care.

  • I will strive for excellence in all I do, including advancing my field and/or providing the highest quality of care to all patients at all times.
  • I commit myself to lifelong professional development, continuous improvement and the consideration of varied scholarly and evidence-based perspectives in the advancement of research and the practice of medicine.
  • I will recognize my limitations, be open to feedback and seek help when appropriate.

Respect

Respect for all individuals who are affiliated with, or come in contact with, Indiana University School of Medicine: students, residents, fellows, faculty, staff, partners, communities, patients and families.

  • I will respond to societal needs with competence, altruism and morality, reflecting the expectations of the social contract with my community.
  • I will respect the dignity of others, displaying humility and acting with civility and compassion.
  • I recognize that a career in the life sciences, medicine and other health care professions requires me to subordinate my own interests to the interests of those I serve.

Integrity

Integrity that embraces the very highest standards of ethical behavior and exemplary moral character.

  • I will take responsibility for what I say and do in my personal and professional activities, recognizing the importance of a culture of free inquiry and expression while maintaining the highest standards of honesty and civility.
  • I will conduct and present myself professionally in the presence of patients, learners, amongst peers and in any professional setting.
  • I will be dependable and ethical in meeting my professional obligations, so that I inspire confidence and earn the trust others place in me.

Diversity and Inclusion

Diversity and inclusion that is reflected in actions that appreciate and value all individuals.

  • I will contribute to creating a safe and supportive atmosphere for teaching, learning, caring for patients and conducting research.
  • I commit to listening to and respecting the perspectives and experiences of others.
  • I will champion the highest-quality health care for all patients and be committed to transforming the way research is conducted and care is provided to improve the health of all communities.

Cooperation

Cooperation that is manifested in collegial communication and collaboration.

  • I will exhibit professionalism in all interactions and work to resolve conflicts in a manner that preserves the dignity of every person involved.
  • I understand that medicine and science are team-based and will foster an esprit de corps through my interactions with others, respecting the importance of all members’ contributions to the medical community’s shared goals.

All members of the IU School of Medicine community, including students, trainees, faculty and staff, are expected to uphold these core values in order to warrant the trust placed in them by patients, families, peers and society at large. Violations of the Honor Code are governed by the Honor Code Policy and System.

As stated in the Honor Code Policy and System: IU School of Medicine recognizes free intellectual inquiry, debate and constructive dialogue are vital to the university’s academic mission and must be protected even when the views expressed are unpopular or controversial. Accordingly, any form of speech or expressive conduct that is protected by state or federal law, including the First Amendment, is not subject to this policy. This policy is meant neither to proscribe nor to inhibit discussions of complex, controversial or sensitive matters.

Medical students from the Indiana University School of Medicine developed the Honor Code in 2003. It was affirmed and approved by the Faculty Steering Committee on Feb. 21, 2013, and by the School Executive Committee on March 11, 2013. Honor Code revised on Feb. 10, 2021, by the IU School of Medicine Honor Code task force and endorsed and/or approved by multiple committees. Administratively updated May 9, 2025.