Common Ground Framework for Professional Conduct

The Common Ground Framework provides the MSUCOM community with a reminder of the unity of mind, body and spirit that underlines the field of osteopathic medicine. The framework is a set of guiding, foundational principles that underpin professional conduct and integrity and applies to all professionals at work within the shared college community, independent of their specific roles or responsibilities.  

This framework is built around the acronym CORE, representing Collaboration, Opportunity, Responsibility, and Expertise. Each domain encompasses values and examples of how they are demonstrated.  

Collaboration: Working Together with Others  

• Interactive: Interact effectively and respectfully with people you encounter; demonstrate honesty, genuineness, humility, and compassion.  

• Dynamics and Communication: Demonstrate respect, civility, and courtesy in communication; communicate effectively with diverse individuals and groups for a variety of purposes using available technologies; employ active listening.  

• Use of Feedback: Identify sources of feedback; deliver and receive effective feedback for initiatives, evaluations and assessments, quality improvements, conflict resolution, and peer review.  

Opportunity: Encouraging an Environment of Mutual Support  

• Shared Leadership: Exhibit advocacy for self and others; accept situational leadership as needed; establish mutual support and respect: participate as a support for others regardless of title or position.  

• Problem-solving: Recognize and define problems; analyze data; implement solutions; evaluate outcomes; include the perspectives of others.  

• Decision-making: Fulfill commitments; be accountable for actions and outcomes; discuss and contribute your perspective in group settings; listen to multiple viewpoints prior to making a decision.  

Responsibility: Supporting a Shared Culture of Accountability  

• Effective Use of Time and Resources: Invest time, energy, and material resources efficiently in order to provide effective services; demonstrate integrity and stewardship of resources.  

• Critical Thinking Skills: Recognize and differentiate facts, illusions, and assumptions; Question logically; identify gaps in information and knowledge.  

• Mindfulness and Self- Care: Actively engage in surrounding circumstances and activities; self- assess, self-correct, and self-direct; identify sources of stress and develop effective coping behaviors.  

Expertise: Having Relevant Skills or Knowledge  

• Core of Knowledge: Develop core professional knowledge; apply the knowledge in clinical, academic, and administrative settings.  

• Technical Skills: Show competency and proficiency in performing tasks that are integral to the scope and practice of your profession. Identify needs and resources for learning; continually seek new knowledge and understanding in your profession.

Please see the Common Ground Professionalism Initiative here for further information.