Dress Code:

It is important for all of us to dress appropriately when in clinical contact with patients. The first impression that the patients has on us may determine in the eyes of the patient, if ―this doctor will heal me! It is difficult for one to put any specific codes, but collarless T-shirts, open sandals in men, shorts in men, and all revealing clothing in females is considered not to be good dress code. The SBAH has issued White Coats to all their staff. These white coats or similar white clothing will be worn by all staff in this department on clinical duties.

Code of Conduct:

It is important to maintain a professional relationship, first with our colleagues in the department, and then with other departments. There are many documents defining ethical behaviour for doctors. The HPCSA on their website have these in great detail. A more practical guideline to professionalism is the one from the South African Orthopaedic Association. It is a short document, but a complete guide on what is expected of you as a doctor first, and then as an Orthopaedic Surgeon. (It is available on the SAOA website).

Time:

A good doctor is not necessarily the one that knows all the causes & treatment of all disease, but is the one who is where he/she is supposed to be at the specified times. Please take note of the delegated times of all your engagements in the department. Late coming is punishable, by extra calls, ect. This applies to ALL commitments including outpatients, theatre, lectures to students and ward rounds.