SHP Faculty & Staff

Conflict of Interest and the Educational Process

Download: UTMB IHOP Policy 06.05.04

An important aspect of professional behavior involves putting the needs of those served before one's own needs. This expectation has both humanistic as well as ethical elements, including compassion and caring for others as well as the avoidance of conflict of interest. Conflict of interest occurs when an individual is placed in a situation where professional decisions may be influenced by personal interests or relationships.

In accordance with the above, it will be the policy of the School of Health Professions to avoid the placement of students in situations where there may be a perceived or actual conflict of interest which could have an adverse affect on the educational process.

For example, students will not be placed in courses or settings where a relative (including a guardian) may be assigned a supervisory role or is in a position to directly or indirectly influence the evaluation of the student. Because the circumstances surrounding conflict of interest are varied, it will be the responsibility of the student to notify program or school officials when such situations arise.

In cases where actual or perceived conflict of interest is identified, the matter will be considered by the head of the program in consultation with program faculty who will make a recommendation for a change in the student's course assignment or placement. The dean will be notified of all such circumstances and will be the final authority for such changes.


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