Healthcare Conflicts with Religious Days

Appendix #17

UCR SOM is sensitive to the diverse nature of our student body and society in general. We are supportive of all cultures, religions, and belief systems, showing respect for all and deference to none. In answering a question regarding the omission of one day per week for religious observation, I offer the following principles which bifurcate requests made that would interrupt patient care, versus those that would conflict with examination dates

Your patients will have medical needs on days that will be solemn or special to both them and us. For our entire professional life, we will be there for them. Our caring and giving will preempt festivities, holidays, and religious exercises. Professionalism is a core competency which separates us as healers; devoted to the needs of others over our own needs.

While we are “on duty” during years 3 and 4 for patient care, prayer rooms for medical professionals and other persons are located in hospitals, and can be used as desired. UCR SOM is a caring community composed of caring people. Should the prayer room be inadequate on certain days, ask your attending faculty member for a secure place to reflect, pray, meditate, and find peace when desired or needed.  
We make a distinction between clinical duty days, and scheduled test or examination days. Accommodations for alternative examination dates will be make on an individual basis between the student and the faculty or clerkship director involved. Students desirous of accommodations should make such requests to the course coordinator or course director during the first 2 weeks of the block, or as soon as possible after a particular examination date is announced. Should the student feel a satisfactory arrangement with the faculty or course director has not been reached, the student should contact the associate dean of clinical medical education.