Professionalism: Promoting Academic Integrity in Medical practice

Question 1

What does the GMC expect the behaviour of graduates to be like?

Answer 1

• Be honest, genuine and original in their academic work, including when conducting research, and take effective action if they have concerns about the honesty of others
• Be honest and trustworthy when writing reports and logbooks, and when completing and signing forms
• Be honest in CVs and all applications and not misrepresent their qualifications, position or abilities
• Not plagiarise others’ work or use their own work repeatedly in a way that could mislead

Question 2

What are examples of research and academic fraud?

Answer 2

• Falsifying data
• Not sticking to the protocol/ poor methodology
• Being influenced by conflicts of interest
• Withholding data - Particularly negative findings
• Ethical issues - Consent
• Inflating consequences of results
• Publication fraud, plagiarism

Question 3

What is written in the GMC guideline ‘professional behaviour and fitness to practise’?

Answer 3

Students should:
◦ Bring attention to any concerns in their work
◦ Be honest, genuine and original in their academic work including when conducting research and take effective action if they have concerns about the honest of others
◦ Be honest and trustworthy in writing reports, CVs
◦ Do not plagiarise

Question 4

How should other people’s work be used appropriately, with honesty and integrity?

Answer 4

• Acknowledge your predecessors with correct citation and referencing
• Demonstrate your knowledge of correct academic practices
• Protect yourself against an accusation of plagiarism

Question 5

How do we successfully retain academic integrity?

Answer 5

• Analyse what you read
• Consider sources
• Attribute/reference your sources
• Use tools when referencing
• Takes time
• Respect others work