Professional ethics is integrated into all areas of training, but often it is not taught explicitly as a separate topic. However, the importance of developing professional ethics in any career cannot be overemphasized. The physiologist who does not develop the professional attitudes and behaviors recognized as the norms for his/her profession and who does not adhere to the mandated protocols for use of living organisms and handling of data and information will find it difficult to be successful in the long term. Development of and adherence to professional ethics is vital to professionals in all fields.
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Major Skills
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A Trainee will understand the importance of and work to develop |
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A. Professional attitudes
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- Awareness of responsibility as a scientist
- Awareness of the ethical implications of one's area of research
- Understanding of public affairs and how it relates to research
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B. Professional behavior
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- Knowledge of and adherence to professional societies' codes of ethics
- Recognition and acknowledgment of potential conflicts of interest
- Understanding of appropriate steps or procedures for dealing with conflicts of interest
- Recognition of the need to compensate employees fairly financially and by acknowledgement of their scientific contributions
- Understanding of and respect for intellectual property rights
- Understanding the need to ensure integrity of own publications and communications
- Knowledge of what constitutes fair use of copyrighted material
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C. Use of human/animal subjects
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- Knowledge of appropriate use of human/animal subjects
- Knowledge of proper treatment of human/animal subjects
- Knowledge of how human use and animal care committees work
- Knowledge of proper protocols
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D. Confidentiality
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- Knowledge of role of confidentiality in human research
- Understanding of role of confidentiality in dealing with individuals
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Highlighted material indicates skills that students would be more likely to develop after their graduate training.
The links on the left provide readings, presentations, courses, and/or websites to assist in developing these skills.