However, the benefits of medical education should not undermine the obligation all medical providers share to respect patients and their right to understand and determine the manner in which they receive care. It follows that all health care professionals should identify themselves, their training status, and the purpose of their involvement. This obligation requires that medical students not deceive patients as to their qualifications. Patients should be informed of the identity and training status of individuals involved in their care and all health care professionals share the responsibility for properly identifying themselves. Students and their supervisors should refrain from using terms that may be confusing when describing the training status of students.
Patients are free to choose from whom they receive treatment.
When medical students are involved in the care of patients, health care professionals should relate the benefits of medical student participation to patients and should ensure that they are willing to permit such participation. Generally, attending physicians are best suited to fulfill this responsibility. Similarly, in instances where a patient may not have the capacity to make decisions, student involvement should be discussed with the surrogate decision-maker involved in the care of the patient whenever possible. Copyright 1995-2001 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.