In alignment with our mission and MD Program Competencies and Objectives, it is the expectation of the MD program that healthcare be delivered in a way that is: respectful of patient autonomy, timely and effective, evidence-based, and nondiscriminatory.  

Stanford MD Program recognizes that for ethical and/or religious beliefs, some students may wish to not be involved with certain medical procedures or services. Out of respect for such beliefs, the MD Program will consider conscientious objection by students in certain circumstances. A conscientious objection must not be so broad as to limit a student’s medical education and does not relieve the medical student from a duty to meet the standard of timely and acceptable medical care. In addition, an objection to participate in any service or delivery of care does not exempt the student from the responsibility to learn nor excuse them from meeting MD Program Objectives and Competencies or learning objectives of a session, course, or clinical experience.  

Criteria for Conscientious Objection

Students wishing to submit a conscientious objection must adhere to the following criteria:

• Adherence to Medical Standards: Students must meet the current standard of medical care, which includes ensuring full and nonselective informed consent and making appropriate referrals.
• Patient Care Responsibility: Students must never abandon a patient, particularly in life-threatening situations. If, in the judgment of the attending physician, a patient requires immediate action, the student cannot object to providing necessary assistance.
• Public Health Emergencies: Students must not refuse to assist during public health emergencies.
• Non-Discrimination: Students must not discriminate against any group(s) of patients or aspects of the delivery or provisions of patient care. In addition, students must meet all aspects of the School of Medicine Professionalism Principles and Stanford’s Nondiscrimination Policy.
• Knowledge Obligation: Students remain responsible for understanding the cognitive knowledge related to any treatments and procedures they object to, including the risks associated with not providing such care. This knowledge must be demonstrated in all assessments, including clinical Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).
• Curricular Time: Any curricular time missed due to a conscientious objection must be made up.
• Official Declaration: Students must submit an official request and declaration of their conscientious objection online at: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/5ac3c746f80b4bc0853e8aacccb5e783.

This information will be reviewed by the following individuals: Associate Dean for Curriculum and Scholarship, Assistant Dean for Pre-clerkship Education, Assistant Dean for Clerkship Education, Assistant Dean for Curricular Affairs, and the student’s assigned Advising Dean and/or Educators-4-CARE faculty if necessary. Objections should be submitted in a timely fashion to allow for review and determination of any alternative learning experiences.

updated August 2025