Conscience, Courage & Professional Integrity

Conviction is tested in evaluations, rotations, residency applications and institutional policy. This module trains students to object conscientiously with competence, charity and professionalism — and to know the appropriate channels.

• Articulate a conscientious objection professionally and respectfully
• Identify institutional escalation paths and ethics committees
• Understand conscience protections at a general level and when to seek counsel
• Practice truth spoken in charity through role-play

A medical student is completing a clinical rotation. A patient discovers she is pregnant and tells the medical team that she wants an abortion. The supervising physician asks the student to discuss next steps and assist in facilitating the process. The student believes direct participation would violate deeply held religious and moral convictions. The supervising physician is evaluating the student's performance. The patient is frightened.