VCOM College Catalog and Student Handbook

Osteopathic Oath

The first version of the Osteopathic Oath was used from 1938 to 1954, at which time minor amendments were adopted. The below version has been in use since 1954 and is the Hippocratic Oath for osteopathic physicians. Students recite the Osteopathic Oath during the white coat ceremony and abide by it throughout their four years of education. I do hereby affirm my loyalty to the profession I am about to enter. I will be mindful always of my great responsibility to preserve the health and the life of my patients, to retain their confidence and respect both as a physician and a friend who will guard their secrets with scrupulous honor and fidelity, to perform faithfully my professional duties, to employ only those recognized methods of treatment consistent with good judgment and with my skill and ability, keeping in mind always nature's laws and the body's inherent capacity for recovery. I will be ever vigilant in aiding in the general welfare of the community, sustaining its laws and institutions, not engaging in those practices which will in any way bring shame or discredit upon myself or my profession. I will give no drugs for deadly purposes to any person, though it be asked of me.

I will endeavor to work in accord with my colleagues in a spirit of progressive cooperation and never by word or by act cast imputations upon them or their rightful practices.

I will look with respect and esteem upon all those who have taught me my art. To my college I will be loyal and strive always for its best interests and for the interests of the students who will come after me. I will be ever alert to further the application of basic biologic truths to the healing arts and to develop the principles of osteopathy which were first enunciated by Andrew Taylor Still.

General Professional and Ethical Policies

Academic Freedom Students at VCOM have the right to express their ideas and opinions free from political, religious, or institutional restrictions, even if these are not popular, as long as those opinions are aligned with professional and ethical expectations and behaviors consistent with those of a medical student and future physician. It is expected that when expressing their viewpoint, students will do so in a professional manner with respect to all those who may have differing points of view, assuring that their opinion avoids any discrimination against another student, faculty, or staff. Consensual Relationships Policy Consensual relationships between students and faculty are not allowed. Consensual relationships between students and staff members who have access to the student’s records or who have any role in the student’s supervision or evaluation is not permitted. Those consensual relationships between students and staff members who do not have such access or roles should be pre-approved by the Campus Dean. Administration, faculty, and staff who do not follow this policy are subject to dismissal. Students who do not follow this policy are subject to disciplinary procedures up to and including termination from the College.

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