Criminal Background Clearance Requirement

Rationale The following outlines the rationale for performing Criminal Background Checks: To bolster the public’s continuing trust in the medical profession. To enhance the safety and well-being of patients. To ascertain the ability of accepted applicants and enrolled medical students to eventually become licensed as physicians. To minimize the liability of medical schools and their affiliated clinical facilities. In order to conform with the AAMC recommendations and existing hospital requirements, we have decided to require criminal background checks for our accepted students. Therefore, we are requiring our incoming students to get criminal background checks by Sept. 1 of matriculating year. The following three clearances need to be obtained: Pennsylvania Criminal History (PATCH) Child Abuse History Clearance Federal Criminal History/Fingerprinting via IdenToGo. Certiphi Screening Inc. will be managing this requirement for the medical students. Students who are having difficulty of any type in completing their clearances should reach out to the Office of Student Affairs before the due date. Students who do not complete clearances by the date specified will not be permitted to participate in patient facing activities until all clearances have been completed. Failure to complete clearances on time will result in a concern form for a professionalism lapse. See the criminal background clearance policy in the policy management system here (ePass login required).

Definitions Short-term absence: Up to 7 continuous calendar days (5 school days) for documented medical, family crisis, or documented bereavement purposes. Extended absence: More than 7 continuous calendar days and less than 1 semester for documented medical or family crisis purposes; academic reasons as determined by the APC or due to College of Medicine (COM) policy. Any course in a semester without a final grade must be retaken from the start of the course upon the student’s return enrollment. Any course with a passing grade will not need to be repeated. Extended absence typically results in deceleration.in Phase I. In Phases II and III, deceleration is dependent on courses/clerkships taken and remaining requirements. These absences are offered on a 3-month basis. If associated with a medical leave, a fitness for duty will be required in order to return and enroll. Leave of Absence (LOA)/Leave from Required Coursework: A leave of an entire semester for reasons such as research, to obtain an additional degree, a medical issue that requiring a semester to recover, to fulfill an APC mandate, or due to COM policy. A total of 2 semesters (1 year) may be taken for the entirety of a student’s medical education, unless extended by the APC. Deceleration: An absence/leave which requires the student to graduate at least a semester or more later than anticipated at matriculation. Procedures Short-term absence: Approval process: This absence must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Course enrollment: During this type of absence, students will remain enrolled in their courses. Any outstanding course/clerkship requirements must be completed within 1 month of return, as determined by the course/clerkship director, which depends on the specific course/clerkship requirements. Extension of this timeline may be approved for compelling reasons by the Associate Dean for Medical Education at Hershey or UPRC campuses. Deceleration: Deceleration is not typically associated with a short-term absence. Return process: The student will immediately return to class at the end of the short-term absence. Fitness for duty: Typically, a fitness for duty from a physician is not required for a short-term absence. Notation in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE): A short-term absence is not noted in the MSPE. Student financial aid: For short-term absences, student financial aid is not typically affected. Maximum short-term absences per Phase: Short-term absences should be rare, and only in extreme circumstances. Only 1 short term absence is allowed per phase (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III) and must be approved ahead of time by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Short-term absences and sick days: After 5 days that have been approved for sick leave, on the 6th sick day the student must apply for a short-term absence. Note that the COVID-19 policy is separate from short-term absences. Notifications: The individuals that must be notified regarding a short-term absence include the Office of Medical Education, Office of Evaluation and Assessment, Office of Student Affairs, and any other individual with a legitimate need to know, with copy to student. Extended absence: Approval process: This type of absence must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Course enrollment: For any course in which a student has not received a final grade, the course will be dropped by the Registrar. The course must be retaken in its entirety upon return. Any course during the semester where the student has received a final passing grade will not need to be dropped or repeated. For clinical courses, the student must have completed at least 75% of the course to avoid the course being dropped. The remainder of the course must be completed upon return. Deceleration: Deceleration is typically associated with any extended absence in Phase I. In Phases II and III, deceleration is dependent on the courses/clerkships already taken at the time of deceleration and remaining courses/requirements needed towards graduation. Return process: To return from an extended absence, the student must fill out an application at least 14 calelondar days before they plan to return. If a student does not submit the return by 14 days before the date that they will return, they will be considered withdrawn from PSCOM MD Program and must reapply to be reinstated. Notifications: The individuals that must be notified of the extended absence and return include the Office of Medical Education, Office of Evaluation and Assessment, Registrar, Office of Financial Aid, Bursar, Office of Student Affairs, and any other individual with a legitimate need to know, with copy to student. Fitness for duty: If the extended absence is associated with a medical leave, a fitness for duty from a physician will be required and must be submitted along with the return application. The physician/medical provider/center must have a longitudinal relationship with the student and must be able to comment on the minimum essential standards as listed in our PSCOM Medical Student Handbook. Emergency Department, Urgent Care or notes from physician relatives will not be accepted. Notation in the MSPE: An extended absence is not noted in the MSPE, unless mandated by APC Student financial aid: For an extended absence, financial aid may be affected. Any student taking an extended absence should immediately contact the student financial aid office. Maximum extended absences per Phase: Extended absences should be rare, and only in extreme circumstances. Only 1 extended absence is allowed per Phase (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III) of the curriculum, and must be approved ahead of time by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Students are not permitted to participate in courses remotely during an Extended Absence. Leave of Absence (LOA): Approval process: This type of absence must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student. Course enrollment: A student is not enrolled in any courses during an LOA. Deceleration: An LOA is associated with deceleration. Return process: At least 30 days before the student returns from an LOA, the student must apply to re-enter the PSCOM MD program. Fitness for duty: If the LOA is associated with a medical leave, a fitness for duty from a physician will be required and must be submitted along with the return application. The physician/medical provider/center must have a longitudinal relationship with the student and must be able to comment on the minimum essential standards as listed in our PSCOM Medical Student Handbook. Emergency Department, Urgent Care or notes from physician relatives will not be accepted. Notation in the MSPE: An LOA is noted in the MSPE Student financial aid: An LOA will affect student financial aid. Students must meet with the student financial aid office if they are planning to take an LOA. Maximum LOAs: A student may take up to two semesters of LOA/Leave from Required Coursework (maximum of 1 year combined) throughout their entire medical school. If a student does not re-enter at the beginning of the third semester, the student will be considered withdrawn from PSCOM. Eligibility: A student may take a leave for an entire semester for reasons such as research at another institution, to obtain an additional degree, to address a medical issue requiring a semester to recover, to fulfill an APC mandate or due to COM policy. To be eligible for a Leave of Absence for research, an additional degree, or other outside academic opportunities, a student must be in good standing. A total of 2 semesters (1 year) for LOA/Leave from Required Coursework (combined) may be taken for the entirety of a student’s medical education, unless extended by the APC. Leave from Required Coursework: Approval process: This type of absence must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Course enrollment: A student is enrolled in a one credit study elective while on Leave from Required Coursework. This elective does not fulfill any Phase I, II or III required coursework but provides the student with the opportunity to study while maintaining access to COM resources as an enrolled student. The student is not enrolled in any other PSCOM coursework besides the study elective while on this leave. Deceleration: A Leave from Required Coursework is associated with deceleration. Return process: At least 30 days before the student returns from a Leave from Required Coursework, the student must apply to re-enter the Penn State College of Medicine MD program. Notation in the MSPE: A Leave from Required Coursework is noted in the MSPE Student financial aid: A Leave from Required Coursework may affect student financial aid. Students must meet with the student financial aid office if they are planning to take a Leave from Required Coursework. Maximum LOAs/Leave from Required Coursework: A student may take up to two semesters of LOA/Leave from Required Coursework (max of 1 year combined) throughout their entire medical school. If a student does not re-enter at the beginning of the third semester, the student will be considered withdrawn from Penn State College of Medicine. Eligibility: A student may take a leave from required coursework for an entire semester to fulfill an APC mandate. APC must approve a Leave from Required Coursework. A total of 2 semesters (1 year) for LOA/Leave from Required Coursework (combined) may be taken for the entirety of a student’s medical education, unless extended by the APC. View the Leave Policy in the policy portal here (ePass login required).

Tuition Charges, Other Fees and Return of Financial Aid for Students who Withdraw from Penn State College of Medicine

The College of Medicine abides by the tuition refund policies set forth by Penn State and the federal government for the return of Title IV funds. See details here. The purpose of this policy is to provide a guideline for financial obligations for tuition, other fees and financial aid when students withdraw from classes during their MD Program studies at Penn State College of Medicine. Tuition If a student terminates his or her medical college registration by official leave of absence or withdrawal, tuition will be charged for that tuition installment period according to the date written notice of such intended action is received by the Registrar’s Office. The tuition schedule begins with the first full week of classes in the installment period and pertains to each subsequent week or fraction of a week. Students who withdraw will receive a tuition adjustment in accordance with the Tuition AdjustmentSchedule (above). For purposes of this schedule, the first installment period begins with the 1st day of Penn State University classes for the academic year (Fall Semester) and the second installment period begins on the 1st day of Penn State University classes for the second academic semester (Spring Semester). Other Fees All other fees (University Student Health Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Student Fee) are non-refundable. Housing Students who live in the residence halls should contact the Housing Office regarding room and board adjustments. Return of Federal Financial Aid Students who receive financial aid are expected to complete all credits started. Students who do not successfully complete all credits may lose their right to some or all of the funds awarded for the semester and/or future semesters. To maintain Federal financial aid eligibility during the semester, the student must be attending classes, taking exams and completing required course work. The 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act requires the University to calculate a Return of Federal financial aid funds for students who withdraw (officially or unofficially) from all classes on or before attending 60 percent of the semester. Using a pro-rata schedule, the percentage of the semester attended is used to calculate the amount of the student's earned/unearned Federal financial aid funds. The percentage of semester attended is calculated by using the number of days the student attended and the total number of days in the semester. The unearned portion of Federal financial aid funds will be returned to the appropriate aid program(s). The funds will be returned in the following order: Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan Federal Direct Subsidized Loan Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Graduate and Parent) Federal Pell Grant Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH) The student will be responsible for any balance due to the University after the return of Federal financial aid funds. Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing are subject to the return of Federal financial aid funds at the end of the semester. The amount returned is based on the withdrawal date or last documented date of attendance determined by Penn State. Absent this date, the withdrawal date would be the midpoint of the term. Return of Institutional and Other Aid Funds If a credit balance remains after the return of Federal and State Grant funds, the credit balance will be returned to all other aid sources (if applicable) based on the following "other aid" refund calculation: Other Aid Disbursed / Total Aid Disbursed X Adjustment = Refund to Other Aid Source The other aid will be returned to the appropriate aid sources. The funds will be returned in the following order: Short-term loan (not considered in aid calculation) University loans University scholarships Other grants Outside scholarships Other aid sources should be adjusted up to the amount of each aid source. The student account will not be debited to return funds to "other aid" sources. Credit Balances After Return of Aid If a credit balance remains after the return of the required Federal financial aid, State grants, Institutional and other aid funds, the balance will be refunded to the student (up to the amount paid for the semester). See the policy for financial obligations for students who withdraw in the policy portal here (ePass login required).

Graduation Requirements: For students in the Class of 2026 and beyond

Note: This policy applies to students in the graduating class of 2026 and thereafter unless otherwise stated. The MD degree course of study for all students at Penn State College of Medicine is designed as a four-year developmental, competency-directed progression in learning and professional identity formation that facilitates the students’ achievement of the graduation competencies of the College of Medicine. We recognize that learners in any of our College of Medicine curriculum options will develop along the competency-directed MD course of study through a combination of common and individualized educational experiences. Each of our College of Medicine curriculum options, all approved by CUMED, provide a pattern of educational experiences that will facilitate achievement of outcomes of the College of Medicine's competency-directed course of study for the MD degree. In order to graduate, all Penn State University College of Medicine Medical Students must: Demonstrate achievement of all College of Medicine Competencies Pass USMLE 1 and 2CK examinations. Successfully complete all OSCES/summative patient care skills assessments Successfully complete a Medical Student Research project (does not apply to students in the MD/PhD program) Complete all required educational experiences and achieve graduation competencies of the College of Medicine in a time period that does not exceed seven years from the time of matriculation, unless the student is in the MD/PhD program. Medical students will demonstrate acquisition of competencies through the following educational experiences or an experience designated as comparable by the Vice Dean or his/her designee: All Phase I courses. Students in the graduating class of 2028 and thereafter must complete the Phase I Medical Student Research-1 (MSR-1) course requirement. All Phase II clerkships and courses Systems Conscious Humanistic Medicine or Translating Health Systems Science to the Clinical Setting Transition to Internship 1 Core Acting Internship + 1 Emergency Medicine or Critical Care Rotation at Penn State Health or Penn State College of Medicine affiliates. 1 Humanities selective Medical Student Research-2 (MSR-2). This requirement is for students in the graduating class of 2028 and thereafter. 24 weeks of Phase III Electives, a minimum of 12 weeks of which must be taken at Penn State Health or Penn State College of Medicine affiliates. As part of their Phase III coursework, students will complete a minimum of two four-week clinical rotations within five months prior to graduation. The clinical rotations could include an Acting Internship, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine or other four-week clinical electives with active patient care. Students participating in the Hershey Curriculum 3+ track: Must complete a Phase I Career Confirmation Elective. Must complete the equivalent of 8 additional weeks of electives and the remainder of the 24-week elective requirement is waived. Based on extenuating circumstances, students may apply for a waiver of 4 weeks of the 8 weeks of electives through the Associate Dean for Student Affairs which will then be reviewed for approval by the Academic Progress Committee. Students participating in the MD/PhD program: The Medical Student Research courses (MSR-1 and MSR-2) and the Medical Student Research project (MSR) requirements are waived, since they are fulfilled by the PhD portion of their program. MD/PhD students must complete their MD studies in a time period that does not exceed 3 years in Phase I and 4 years in Phases II-III. Students participating in the Clinician Scientist Training Pathway: Students may count one clinical course (up to 6-credits) taken during the year-long Clinician Scientist Training Pathway towards their Phase III coursework requirements. Research taken during the pathway may not be counted towards Phase III coursework requirements. View Graduation Requirements for the class of 2026 and beyond in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Generative AI Tools in Educational Contexts

Generative AI tools in classroom learning environments Course Directors must include course rules, outlined in the course syllabus, for use of generative AI tool use. Three possible syllabus statements approved by the College of Medicine are included here. These syllabus statements are suggestions; instructors are responsible for creating course rules concerning AI use that fit the learning objectives of the courses and are approved by program leaders. When students may use generative AI tools to complete certain assignments: Students may not use generative AI tools to complete multiple-choice, matching, fill-in the blank, open-ended, or essay exam questions, or for written assignments such as SOAP or procedure notes. Students may use generative AI tools for other assignments but must indicate which generative AI tool they’ve used and how they've used it. To do that, students must include a statement at the end of the submitted assignment that adequately captures the extent of generative AI tool use. This policy applies to the use of all generative AI tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Grammarly, Copilot, and other AI tools, including those provided by the university. When students may use generative AI tools only for specific constructive processes: Students may not use generative AI tools to complete multiple-choice, matching, fill-in the blank, open-ended, or essay exam questions, or for written assignments such as SOAP or procedural notes. Students may use generative AI tools to brainstorm ideas, to create an outline or headings for their paper, and to improve their use of grammar.Other uses of generative AI tools are prohibited. This includes the use of AI tools to create content for coursework, including the AI tools embedded in Grammarly. Students must also list the AI tools they’ve used as a “Sourced Tool” at the end of the paper or project. This policy applies to the use of all generative AI tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Grammarly, Copilot, and other AI tools, including those provided by the university. When the use of generative AI tools is prohibited: Students may not use generative AI tools to assist with the completion of any coursework. This policy applies to the use of all generative AI tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Grammarly, Copilot, and other AI tools, including those provided by the university. Generative AI tools in clinical learning environments Students may not use generative AI tools to assist with completion of patient care or patient write-up assignments, unless specifically endorsed by clerkship program directors or clinical preceptors and in accordance with HIPPA guidance and ethical standards. Accountability and Integrity Students are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and ethical integrity of all submitted work, regardless of whether AI tools were used in the preparation process. Submitting AI-generated work as one’s own without disclosure will constitute an academic integrity violation and misconduct. Clinical, Scholarly, and Professional Implications As future professionals, students are expected to develop the skills necessary for autonomous critical thinking (e.g., clinical reasoning, systems thinking, etc.), patient and/or team communication, ethical professional behavior, and evidence-based decision-making. Overreliance on generative AI during the learning process may hinder the development of these essential competencies. Faculty Review and Enforcement Faculty are discouraged from using AI text and image detectors due to the imperfection of these tools and the risk of false positives. Emerging research at Penn State shows that faculty and students benefit the most from having explicit AI policies in course syllabi and having conversations about proper use and expectations in the classroom. If you do believe that a student has used AI in a way that violates academic integrity, you are encouraged to communicate with the student and, if necessary, file an official academic integrity violation and misconduct. Ongoing Review This policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect advances in AI capabilities and evolving educational standards. View this policy in the policy portal (Penn State Health ePass login required).

Approval of Away Electives

Purpose To provide guidance regarding students taking an elective under the auspices of another medical school, institution or organization. LCME Standard (11.3) If a medical student at a medical school is permitted to take an elective under the auspices of another medical school, institution, or organization, a centralized system exists in the dean’s office at the home school to review the proposed extramural elective prior to approval and to ensure the return of a performance assessment of the student and an evaluation of the elective by the student. Scope College of Medicine students, faculty and staff. Policy and Procedure Statements Established electives at any LCME-accredited U.S. medical school may be used to satisfy the PSCOM elective requirement. Students must complete the “Away Elective Form” and submit to the Registrar’s Office at least one month prior to the beginning of the rotation. Established electives at affiliate institutions of the Penn State College of Medicine may be used to satisfy the PSCOM elective requirement. Established electives at institutions which are not LCME accredited U.S. medical schools must undergo additional review and approval before they may be used to satisfy PSCOM elective requirements. Students must complete the “Away Elective Form” and submit to the Registrar’s Office at least two months prior to the beginning of the rotation. Students must submit the following: Course Description. A detailed description of the elective educational experience, including a statement detailing the number of hours the student will spend weekly in clinical work. Electives must include a minimum of 40 hours of work per week. Course goals and objectives. Description of assessments used to determine grade. Documentation of the course director or faculty responsible for educational experiences and evaluation at that site. A letter from the course director or supervisor attesting that they have reviewed the required documentation as representative of the requested elective. It is the responsibility of the student to gather the required documentation. The course description, goals and objectives should come from the organizers of the elective. For established electives at institutions which are not LCME accredited medical schools, all materials must be reviewed by the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment (Hershey campus) or the Associate Dean for Medical Education (University Park campus) prior to approval. Assessment The Registrar of PSCOM tracks receipt of performance assessments of the student from outside away electives. If the performance assessment is not received within a 4-week time frame, the Registrar communicates with the outside institution and the PSCOM Assistant Dean for the Clinical Learning Environment is contacted. All grades must be assigned within a six-week time frame. Evaluation Students complete an away elective evaluation through the PSCOM course evaluation system. The Office of Evaluation and Evaluation (OEA) tracks evaluations of away rotations. Applicability This policy applies to students taking an elective under the auspices of another medical school, institution or organization. View the full away elective approval document in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Attendance Procedure for Clinical Phase

All requests for absences should be initiated by submitting a request through the absence request form. The form can also be found in the Phase II or III Events and Resources Canvas pages. Planned Absences for issues not related to health, religious observances or residency interviews: Students with requests for approval of planned absences are expected to make requests to the clerkship/course director at least four weeks prior to the proposed absence date, so that schedules may be adjusted appropriately whenever possible. Approval of absences is at the discretion of the clerkship/course director(s). If a student has compelling circumstances and an absence is not approved, they may request an exception by the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education. Students will receive no more than one day of excused absence from any two-week elective, two days of excused absence from any four-week clerkship, and 3 days of excused absence from any 6-week clerkship. Students enrolled in any of the longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) options will receive no more than two days of excused absence from any one of the clerkships within the LIC. Excused absences may include attending the wedding of an immediate family member (parents or siblings) or those in which the student is an integral part of the wedding party (attending weddings under other circumstances must be discussed with, and approved by, the clerkship director and/or the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education). Excused absences may be requested to attend scientific conferences for which the student is orally presenting at the conference (including an oral presentation of a poster) or receiving an award, or to complete required military service. All such excused absences (including any associated travel time) are subject to the excused absence limits as described in Section 2A. In the event of inclement weather, all students should make every attempt to continue their responsibilities if the hospital or clinic site is open. If the student is unable to travel because of hazardous conditions, they must complete the absence request form AND notify their team members as well as the clerkship director. The College of Medicine recognizes that additional time may be required for residency interviews and/or second-look days during the fourth year. In Phase III, students are permitted up to 2 excused days per two-week rotation, or up to 4 excused days per four-week rotation, for the purpose of residency interviews and/or second-look days. Students must notify the course director about any scheduled interview or second-look date as soon as they are scheduled, ideally at least 1 week prior to the interview or second-look date. Due to attendance requirements, students should not schedule interviews or second-look days during Humanities selective weekly or bi-weekly sessions. All absence requests for interviews or second-look days must be submitted via the absence request form. The student is expected to complete all required elements, assessments, clinical shifts, and course objectives of the rotation in order to pass the course. Course directors may assign additional shifts or make-up work as needed to make up for time missed on the rotation. If excess absences interfere with meaningful participation in the course or prevent completion of required elements of the rotation, then students may be assigned make-up work and/or be asked to re-schedule the rotation at the discretion of the course director. Students with excused absences in excess of the amounts stated above will work with the course/clerkship director to determine additional clinical responsibilities needed for successful completion of the course/clerkship in order to receive a final grade. All unexcused absences require remediation prior to distribution of grades for the course and may result in an incomplete or failure for the rotation, as well as submission of a professionalism citation. Absences for Health Related Issues There may be times when, unexpectedly, students become ill and are unable to participate in the course experiences for some period of time. Students must inform the clerkship director, the faculty attending and team resident, as relevant, as soon as possible. Students who are ill are not expected to participate in course experiences while they are ill; however, because of the importance of the experiences to clinical training, it must be understood that time missed due to illness may need to be made up. Therefore, it is very important to discuss these absences and make-up requirements with the clerkship/course director as soon as possible after the absence. There may be times when a student needs to access health services, and knows in advance when this will happen. Such needs for health services are considered approved absences. Absences should be for the minimum time practicable; for example, when possible, the student should attend a scheduled medical appointment and return thereafter, rather than taking off the entire day. Students with planned absences for health related issues must inform the clerkship or course director, in advance, and as soon as possible. Students are not required to divulge the health issue that requires an absence. Requests for absences because of the need to access health services during clinical duty hours will be approved, but such requests must be submitted to course/clerkship director. These will be recorded as excused absences. In certain circumstances, a student may need a more prolonged absence than one day of excused absence for health reasons. In such cases, the student should meet with the course/clerkship director, the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment, or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education to develop a plan to meet course requirements. A student may also need time to care for an ill or hospitalized family member, or to attend the funeral of a family member. In such cases, the student must inform the clerkship director and the clinical team of the absence. Particular situations may require approval from the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education. In these circumstances, it is very important to discuss the make-up requirements with the clerkship/acting internship director as soon as possible before or after the absence. Planned Absences for Religious Observances: Requests for absences in order to observe Penn State College of Medicine recognized religious holidays will be approved. Absence will be approved for the religious observance itself and not for associated travel. In such cases, the absence will not be counted toward the allowable number of absences in a clerkship/course. Students should discuss such plans with the course/clerkship director as far in advance as possible and no less than four weeks in advance. The student is expected to complete all assignments, shifts, clinical encounters and assessments in the respective course/clerkship and meet course objectives in order to pass the course. Therefore, students who anticipate using several days for religious observance within a period of time coinciding with a block course/clerkship should choose rotations that allow completion of all requirements within that period of time and/or meet with the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education for schedule planning. Absence Reporting: Completing the absence request form will automatically notify the Office of Medical Education, and for Hershey campus students, the course/clerkship director and coordinator. Absentee requests for clinical rotations at the University Park campus and Kaiser Permanente Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship will be processed at those sites. Once an absence is approved, a student is required to notify their preceptor and team. If the absence is an emergency or unexpected, the student should complete the absence request form and contact their preceptor and team. Absence requests and absence approvals will be tracked by the Office of Medical Education. Required Sessions: Certain sessions in each clerkship are mandatory; excused absences should not be planned during these sessions and will not be excused. Students should consult the clerkship schedule on OASIS and/or contact the clerkship director to ensure that absences do not occur during these sessions. If there is an unanticipated event or compelling circumstance that requires absence from a session, the student must discuss with the clerkship director and design a plan to make-up the work. Students are expected to report on time to all orientation and examination sessions. Required sessions may include, but are not limited to: Onboarding and course orientation activities Offboarding assessments and activities including exams Required formative or summative assessments, such as OSCE or EKG sessions Patients and Sciences III (Marsh Rounds) for University Park students In addition to mandatory course sessions, all students are required to attend mandatory courses and events as prescribed by the Office of Medical Education. Examples include: Transition to Internship course Translating Health Systems course All students will be responsible for any session material missed during an absence. Students are expected to attend all scheduled conferences and participate in all of the clinical experiences scheduled in each clerkship or acting internship. Students are expected to report on time to all clinical assignments, whether in clinic, hospital wards, operating suites or lecture rooms. Students who are repeatedly late or absent from assigned conferences or clinical activities may receive an incomplete or failing grade for the rotation, and/or a professionalism citation. View the full Clinical Phase attendance policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Clinical Supervision of Medical Students

Penn State College of Medicine recognizes and supports the importance of developmental responsibility in medical student education and the need for appropriate medical student supervision in order to protect the safety of patients and students. The level of responsibility delegated to the student must be congruent with the level of training and experience of the student and should increase as the student’s knowledge, skills and overall competence builds. This policy outlines the requirements to meet these needs. Supervisors of Medical Students in the Clinical Setting Supervisors for medical students in hospitals and clinics may be physicians, residents, and other health care providers appropriately certified and working within the scope of practice of their profession. Responsibility It is the shared responsibility of the supervising physician, the clerkship/course director or site director as well as the respective chair of the department to ensure this policy is followed. Faculty, residents and students must adhere to this policy. Supervisors of Medical Students in the Clinical Setting Supervisors for medical students in hospitals and clinics may be physicians, residents, and other health care providers appropriately certified and working within the scope of their professions. Supervisors in required clerkships who are attending physicians or advanced practice providers must have a faculty appointment at the College of Medicine. Supervisors for Phase III medical students must be credentialed by their corresponding hospital in the procedures/skills that they are supervising. Supervision Supervisors of medical students must be aware of their student’s level of training and the learning objectives of the course or clerkship. Students may only participate in procedures when they are judged to be ready and prepared by their supervisor. While obtaining a patient history or conducting a physical examination, a supervisor must be either physically present with the medical student or readily available. Medical students may enter findings and notes in the patient’s medical record adhering to regulation per training of placement of student notes. The supervising healthcare professional will review medical student documentation and provide feedback for educational purposes. Clinical decisions and orders are never enacted by medical students without a supervisor’s approval. A supervising healthcare professional is required to directly supervise through direct presence or availability, all procedures in which a medical student is involved. The degree of supervision (direct supervision with supervising health professional present or available) will take into account the complexity of the procedure, potential for adverse effects, and the demonstrated competence, maturity and responsibility of each student in order to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient. The supervising health professional must be credentialed in the procedure being supervised. The principles and practice of informed consent must be followed at all times. Patients should provide consent to have medical students participate in their care. Monitoring The course/clerkship director, site director, supervising faculty and respective chair of the department share responsibility to ensure this policy is followed. Students with concerns about the adequacy and availability of supervision should contact their course/clerkship director or the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment. Penn State College of Medicine faculty scope of practice is reviewed every two years in the credentialing process. Verification of faculty’s training and competence in procedural skills is verified and signed off by the chair of the respective department. Distribution This policy will be distributed annually to all health professionals who supervise medical students in the clinical setting in any Penn State College of Medicine rotations; the educational leadership at affiliate sites; and all medical students. View the supervision of medical students in clinical settings policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Academic Resources

MD Student Handbook

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Offices and Contacts MD Academic Calendar

Competencies, Subcompetencies and Milestones

Competency Domain 1. Patient Care

Provide patient-centered care that is compassionate, appropriate, and effective for the promotion of health and treatment of health problems

Competency Domain 2. Knowledge for Practice

Demonstrate knowledge of and critical thinking about established and evolving biomedical, clinical, and health systems sciences, as well as health humanities, and apply this knowledge to patient care.

Competency Domain 3. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

Demonstrate the ability to investigate and evaluate one’s care of patients, to appraise and assimilate evidence and emerging research, and to improve patient care through a practice of being reflective and engaging in life-long learning.

Competency Domain 4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication skills that show respect for and result in effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families, and health professionals.

Competency Domain 5. Professional Behaviors

Demonstrate professional behavior with patients and families, teams, health systems, and society.

Competency Domain 6. Systems-Based Practice

Demonstrate an awareness of and responsiveness to the larger context and system of health care and public health, as well as the ability to call effectively on other resources in the system to provide optimal health care.

Competency Domain 7. Health Humanities

Approach patients as whole persons, demonstrating compassion, humility, and respect.

Note: The Penn State College of Medicine competencies/subcompetencies and milestones were informed by the ACGME Domains of Competence, Physician Competency Domains, ACGME Harmonized Milestones, AAMC Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs), AAMC Core Competency for Entering Medical Students, and the Foundational Competencies for Undergraduate Medical Education.

View Medical Student Competencies/Subcompetencies and Milestones in the policy portal (ePass login required).

General Policies

The following policies are relevant to MD students at Penn State College of Medicine. View more polices at the Policy Portal (ePass login required) and policy.psu.edu.

Penn State College of Medicine is required to have an effective system of longitudinal academic counseling (LAC) in place for medical students that integrates the efforts of faculty members, course and clerkship directors, and student affairs staff with its counseling and tutorial services and provides medical students academic counseling only from individuals who have no role in making assessment or promotion decisions about them.

In addition, Penn State College of Medicine is required to have an effective specialty career advising (SCA) system in place that integrates the efforts of faculty members and educational affairs leadership and staff to assist medical students in choosing elective courses, evaluating career options, and applying to residency programs.

The Office of Student Affairs provides oversight of and direction to both LAC and SCA systems, and outcomes such as related items on the Graduation Questionnaire or other instruments must be reported to CUMED on an annual basis. CUMED has oversight and authority over the LAC and SCA programs to ensure the availability and quality of advising.

View Academic and Career Advising in the policy portal (ePass login required).

Academic Integrity at Penn State is defined by Faculty Senate Policy 49-20 as “the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest, and responsible manner.” The University Code of Conduct states, “all students should act with personal integrity; respect other students’ dignity, rights, and property; and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts. Academic integrity includes a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation, or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others.” Academic dishonesty (including, but not limited to cheating, plagiarism, or falsification of information) will not be tolerated and can result in academic or disciplinary sanctions such as a failing grade (F) in the course.

See the Academic Integrity Policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Purpose

The purview of the MD and PA Academic Progress Committees (APC) respectively are to approve the promotion of students in the doctor of medicine (MD) and physician assistant (PA) program as defined by the relevant competency domains of each of these Penn State College of Medicine (PSCOM) programs. It is the job of each APC to make promotion determinations for all their respective students, and to develop and ensure accountability for individualized plans for those students with deficiencies in some aspect(s) of the MD or PA education program competencies.

Each APC serves as the committee that determines a student’s progression to the next year/Phase, that students have met competencies required to graduate, the need for warning or probationary status, mandated leave of absence for academic reasons, approval of program deceleration, such as repeating courses or an entire year or Phase; and dismissal from the MD or PA education program for academic, professional, or any other competency-related reasons.

Scope

This policy applies to College of Medicine MD and PA faculty and students.

Definitions for MD and PA Program

Academic Probation: An action reflecting academic concerns that have resulted in requirements needed to demonstrate a student is meeting course or program competencies. Academic Probation is noted in the permanent academic record, including on the student’s transcript. Students on Academic Probation are not in good academic standing. Academic probation will be reported in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) (for MD students only).
Professionalism Probation: An action reflecting professional behavior concerns that have resulted in requirements needed to demonstrate a student is meeting course or program professionalism competencies. Professionalism Probation is noted in the permanent academic record, including on the student’s transcript. Students on Professionalism Probation are not in good academic standing. Professionalism probation will be reported in the MSPE for MD students.
Academic Warning: A decision designed to bring a student considered at risk from ongoing academic concerns to the attention of those who can assist in supporting the students’ academic success. Students put on academic warning remain in good academic standing. Academic warning is not reported on the student’s transcript or in the MSPE for MD students.
Professionalism Warning: A decision designed to bring a student considered at risk from ongoing professional behavior concerns to the attention of those who can support the student in addressing their professionalism issues. Students put on professionalism warning remain in good standing. Professionalism warning is not reported on the student’s transcript or in the MSPE for MD students.
Adverse Action: A decision which would cause deceleration (repeating a year), dismissal, or probation in the MD or PA education program.

APC Promotion and Graduation Review

At the end of each Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III (MD Program) or the didactic year and clinical year (PA Program), a slate of students who have met competency requirements for promotion to the next portion of the curriculum or for graduation will be reviewed and approved by their respective APC.

Breaches in Professional Behaviors

Breaches in student conduct and violations in academic integrity are considered breaches in professional behaviors for the purposes of the MD and PA medical education program.

The Penn State University has identified specific breaches that are investigated through the Student Conduct process. The Penn State University Student Code of Conduct provides a list of examples of inappropriate, unprofessional or threatening behaviors (not an exhaustive list) that would be considered grounds for an adverse action.

Violations in Academic Integrity are investigated at the level of the course or clerkship with assistance of the Office of Evaluation and Assessment and may be referred to the APC. The Academic Integrity Policy G-9 provides a list of examples of academic integrity violations (not an exhaustive list) that would be considered grounds for adverse actions and/or dismissal from the MD or PA program.

If the alleged breach in student conduct has been determined to 1) require further response, 2) no adaptable resolution has been identified, 3) written notice has been provided to the student, and 4) an informal meeting has been provided the student, the student will meet with the respective APC for review and determination of an action plan, which could include (but not limited to) deceleration, warning, probation, up to and including dismissal.

Responding to Misconduct/Unprofessional Behavaiors/Academic Integrity Violations

Reporting: Any person may report a suspected unprofessional behavior/breach in student conduct, or violation of academic integrity by a student. These may be reported in multiple ways, including, but not limited to, a Penn State College of Medicine Concern Form, written assessment form, or directly to the Office of Student Affairs or the Office of Evaluation and Assessment.
Investigation: A suspected unprofessional behavior or academic integrity violation that occurs within a course/clerkship/required school activity will be investigated by the course/clerkship director or activity director, in coordination with the Office of Evaluation and Assessment.

Any suspected unprofessional activity/breach in student conduct that occurs outside of a course/clerkship/required school activity will be initially evaluated by the Office of Student Affairs to determine whether the report requires further response. It will determine if there is an adaptable resolution. If the Office of Student Affairs determines that adaptable resolution is not possible, OSA will provide a written notice of the allegation to the student.

The PSCOM Student Conduct designee will conduct an informational meeting with the student. This meeting includes a review of the allegations and an explanation of the process. While not required, the student may choose to share information about the reported incident during the meeting to review the allegation. The PSCOM Student Conduct designee collects data regarding the breach. Regardless if a student does or does not accept responsibility, an administrative conference via the Academic Progress Committee is conducted.
APC Student Performance Reviews: A student whose performance is being reviewed by the APC; whether academic, profession behavior, or any other competency; will be asked to appear before the APC. The student’s PSCOM advisor will be invited to attend the APC meeting with the student. The only person that may accompany the student to the APC meeting is their PSCOM advisor. No outside individuals, including legal representation or family members, can attend the meeting. The student is encouraged to review their status in all competencies with their PSCOM advisor prior to the meeting. If requested by the APC chair, the input of course/clerkship directors, or other teaching faculty will be sought by the Associate or Assistant Dean for Student Affairs for presentation to the APC.
1. Notice: The student will receive at least five-calendar days’ notice prior to the meeting with the APC. The student must meet with the APC at the date, time, and location specified by the APC. Attendance is mandatory; exceptions will not be made except in the cases of medical/family emergency or military deployment. If the student does not appear at the scheduled time, the meeting shall proceed and a decision will be made without the input of the student. If the student cannot attend, the student will be allowed to submit information in writing to the committee at least 48 hours in advance. Only information written by the student will be allowed.
2. APC Conference/Meeting and Action Plan: The APC's purpose in meeting with the student is to hear the student's perspective of their past performance and present situation. After hearing from the student, the APC will determine an action plan for the student. In each case, a student's entire academic record, past and present, will be reviewed by the APC for all competencies. This may include the margins by which the student has met (passed) or not met (failed) expectations in various courses and in competencies, the particular courses that they have failed, the student's personal situation, professional behaviors, and other relevant considerations.
3. APC Decision Making: The decision of the APC will be made on a case-by-case basis with review of the entire student’s record. The APC has the purview to make decisions such as (but not limited to): Academic Warning, Academic Probation, Professionalism Warning, Professionalism Probation (as defined above), program deceleration, such as repeating courses or an entire year or Phase; and dismissal from the MD or PA education program for academic, professional, or any other competency-related reasons.

Appeal Process

Students have the right to appeal an APC adverse action (defined above). Only actions (deceleration, probation, dismissal) can be appealed.

Responsibility of the Student: In order to exercise this right, a student must provide a written appeal to the chair of the APC within five (5) calendar days of the student's receipt of the official notification of the adverse action.
Materials to the Appeals Committee: Upon receipt of the written appeal, the chair of the APC will refer the appeal to the Appeals Committee and will notify the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs, and the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, and the Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment. The Appeals Committee will be provided with a copy of the entire educational record, including the information the APC reviewed, and the student's written appeal. The student may only submit an appeal that they have written. The Appeals committee will not accept information written by a person other than the student.
Scope of the Appeals Committee: The Appeals Committee is charged with determining the following:
- If the adverse action was made in accordance with the policies of the PSCOM; and
- If the student was afforded due process; and
- If the adverse action was appropriate for the violation(s)/breach(es)
- It is not within the purview of the Appeals Committee to critique the academic judgment of the APC.
Notice: The student will be asked to appear before the Appeals Committee. The student’s PSCOM advisor will be invited to attend the Appeals Committee meeting with the student. The only person that may accompany the student to the Appeals Committee meeting is their PSCOM advisor. No outside individuals, including legal representation, can attend the meeting. The student will receive at least five-calendar days’ notice prior to the meeting with the Appeals Committee. The student must meet with the Appeals Committee at the date, time, and location specified by the Appeals Committee. Attendance is mandatory; exceptions will not be made except in the cases of medical/family emergency or military deployment. If the student does not appear at the scheduled time, the meeting shall proceed, and a decision will be made without the input of the student. If the student cannot attend, the student will be allowed to submit information in writing to the Appeals Committee at least 48 hours in advance. Only information written by the student will be allowed.
Decision Making for Appeals Committee: After reviewing the student’s academic record and hearing the student’s statement, the Appeals Committee will make a determination, based only on the three issues outlined above, either confirming or reversing the original adverse action. Within seven (7) calendar days of the meeting, the Appeals Committee will transmit its final decision (by PSH email) to the student with a copy to the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs, the chair of the APC, the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for Medical Education, and the Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final; no further institutional recourse is available to the student. If the Appeals Committee reverses the original adverse action, the Appeals Committee will refer the student back to the APC for remediation of the original decision. In that case, the decision of the APC is final; no further institutional recourse is available to the student.

Selected Conditions for Dismissal from Penn State College of Medicine

MD students: In addition to the breaches in student conduct and violations of academic integrity, other conditions for which an MD student may be considered for dismissal from the MD program for failing to meet competency include, but are not limited to:
- Earning a Does Not Meet (DNM) for three courses in the Phase I
- Earning a failing score on two NBME shelf/customized exams in Phase II
- Earning an Identified Deficiency (ID) in two clerkships (other than Knowledge for Practice)
- Earning a fail on a required course during Phase III
- Earning a fail final grade in a course across two phases of the curriculum
- Earning a DNM or Identified Deficiency (ID) in a course when a student is repeating a curricular semester or phase of the curriculum
- Earning a DNM in a course while on academic probation
- Failing to obtain a passing grade on USMLE Step 1 after three attempts
- Failing to pass USMLE Step 1 within one year of commencing the USMLE Step 1 study period
- Failing to pass USMLE Step 2 CK within three attempts
- Failing to pass USMLE Step 2CK within one year of commencing the USMLE Step 2CK study period
- Failing to maintain professional behavior standards while on professionalism probation
- Failing to complete the requirements of a phase within three calendar years
- Failing to complete all required educational experiences and achieve graduation competencies of the COM within seven years from the time of matriculation, unless the student is in the MD/PhD program
- Failing to meet minimum essential standards for MD students as referenced in the policy “Minimum Essential Standards for Matriculation, Promotion and Graduation”.
PA Students: In addition to the breaches in student conduct and violations of academic integrity, other conditions for which a PA student may also be considered for dismissal from the PA program for failing to meet competency include, but are not limited to:
- Failing to maintain a semester/cumulative GPA of 3.00 or greater
- Earning more than (2) “Low Pass” course grades in any didactic semester
- Failing a course in the didactic year
- Failing three (3) or more End of Rotation exams in the clinical year
- Failing to successfully remediate a didactic or clinical year course
- Failing to maintain standards for professional behavior
- Failing to meet program required competencies despite remediation efforts
- Failing to meet required technical standards for PA students as referenced in the policy “Technical Standards for Program Admission, Academic Progress, and Graduation” in the PA Student Handbook.
- Failing to complete all requirements of the PA degree within three years of matriculation.

See the Academic Progress Committee policy in the policy management tool (ePass login required).

All members of Penn State College of Medicine Medical and PA Student Selection and Admission Steering Committees, sub-committees thereof (individually and collectively, “Program Committees”), as well as any faculty, staff, student or community member who either screens or interviews applicants, must be aware of and seek to avoid conflicts of interest (“COI”) and the appearance of a conflict of interest while performing related duties. Hereinafter these individuals shall be referred to collectively as “Program Representatives.” A COI might occur when Program Representatives have a relationship that may conflict with, or prevent a person from carrying out duties or exercising good judgment in an independent way with matters that involve admissions activities. All Program Representatives have an obligation to self-disclose and should err on the side of disclosure. Not all relationships create a COI or automatically exclude a person from serving. However, declaration of such relationships may require an adjudication process to resolve the potential conflict. All Program Representatives shall review this policy annually to ensure all necessary disclosures are made and addressed prior to performing their role in the admissions cycle. Program Committee members shall complete this prior to September 15th for the MD program and July 1st for the PA Program. Applicant screeners and interviewers shall do so prior to the assignment of any applicants for that admissions cycle year. In addition to the annual policy review, Program Committee Chairs shall query committee members at the start of each meeting to ascertain if a COI exists between any member and any of the applicants under review. Assumed Conflict of Interest An assumed conflict exists if the Program Representative is or has:

A family member of an applicant;
A spouse or significant other of an applicant or their family member;
A personal friend, godparent, or religious mentor of an applicant or their family member;
A current or former healthcare provider to an applicant or their family member;
A Professional Relationship or other position from which undue influence may be applied by an applicant or their family member;
A potential to benefit in some manner from the success or failure of the applicant; or
A belief that recusal is necessary to preserve the integrity of the admissions process.

A Program Representative who is a first or second-degree relative, spouse or significant other of an applicant must remove themselves from all screening, interviewing, discussions, and decisions about all applicants during the entirety of that admissions cycle. For all other relationships identified above, the Program Representative shall be removed from all discussion and decisions related to the applicant with whom the relationship creates the COI. Additionally, first or second-degree relatives, spouses and significant others may not serve as Program Representatives during the same admissions cycle. Potential Conflict of Interest In addition to the relationships that create assumed COIs, a Program Representative who is uncertain whether a particular situation or circumstance creates a real or perceived COI should make a disclosure to the COI Committee Chair for evaluation by the Program COI Committee. If the potential conflict pertains to a member of the COI Committee, that member shall not participate in the discussions nor the resulting determination. If the COI Committee determines no COI exists, the Program Representative may continue in their role. If the COI Committee determines the existence of a real or perceived conflict, the Program Representative will either be excused from 1) all screening, discussions, and decisions regarding the respective applicant; or 2) all activities during that application cycle. Disclosure of Inquiries made on behalf of an Applicant The admissions process shall not be unduly influenced. Program Representatives must disclose any inquiries from individuals outside the College of Medicine made on behalf of an applicant, whether or not explicitly so stated, to the Chair of the COI Committee for evaluation by the Committee. It is anticipated that such inquiries may be managed by corrective action, including the setting of clear expectations with the inquirer that the assessment of the applicant will not be influenced in any way outside the admission process. Non-Disclosure Information about applicants and decisions rendered during the admission cycle will not be disclosed to non-Program Representatives, except where required (eg, AAMC) and should not be used or shared by Program Representatives in ways beyond those needed to perform their responsibilities. Definitions Family Member: A person who is a dependent of that individual as the result of marriage, birth, adoption or placement for adoption; or a first-degree, second-degree, third-degree, or fourth-degree relative of the individual, or of a dependent of the individual (ref. Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008). This includes consanguinity and affinity family members.

First-degree relative: includes an individual’s spouse or significant other, parents, siblings, and children
Second-degree relative: includes an individual’s grandparents, grandchildren, uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and half-siblings
Third-degree relative: includes an individual’s great-grandparents, great-grandchildren, great uncles/aunts, and first cousins
Fourth-degree relative: includes an individual’s great-great grandparents, great-great grandchildren, and first cousins once-removed

Professional Relationship: Includes an individual’s employer, employee, mentor, mentee, colleague, teacher, student or any other interpersonal connection between persons in a place of business See the Admissions Conflict of Interest Policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Announcements regarding PSCOM courses (in particular Phase I courses) are generally distributed through messages on CANVAS. However, there may be announcements regarding courses/clerkships or other key information that is distributed via email.

Penn State Health (PSH) (name@pennstatehealth.psu.edu) is the official communication medium for educational leadership, course directors, clerkship directors and faculty and staff to communicate with individual students and groups of students. Additionally, certain email messages from educational platforms such as Starfish, Canvas, and LionPath utilize a student’s Penn State University email (PSU) email (initials#@psu.edu.), which is also an official communication medium to communicate with individual students and groups of students. Students should have their PSU email forwarded to PSH email to avoid the need to check two email accounts.

From time to time, email may be sent to a student(s) from a faculty or staff in which it is vital to ensure that the student received the email and/or that a response is given. In such cases, the faculty or staff will need to indicate that a response is needed in the subject line of the email. For such messages, it is expected that the student responds to the email within the specified time period indicated in the email.

View the email communication document on the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

The concern form can be filled out by a faculty or staff member who has a concern about the knowledge or behaviors of a medical student. The concern form asks for a description of the behavior that is of concern to the person filing the report, which competency domain(s) the behavior is associated, whether the student has been notified of the concern, and what has been conveyed to the student. Copies of the form are given to the student, the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, and Associate Dean of Evaluation and Assessment, and the student’s Longitudinal Academic Counselor.

Complete the form online

Rationale

The following outlines the rationale for performing Criminal Background Checks:

To bolster the public’s continuing trust in the medical profession.
To enhance the safety and well-being of patients.
To ascertain the ability of accepted applicants and enrolled medical students to eventually become licensed as physicians.
To minimize the liability of medical schools and their affiliated clinical facilities.

In order to conform with the AAMC recommendations and existing hospital requirements, we have decided to require criminal background checks for our accepted students. Therefore, we are requiring our incoming students to get criminal background checks by Sept. 1 of matriculating year. The following three clearances need to be obtained:

Pennsylvania Criminal History (PATCH)
Child Abuse History Clearance
Federal Criminal History/Fingerprinting via IdenToGo. Certiphi Screening Inc. will be managing this requirement for the medical students.

Students who are having difficulty of any type in completing their clearances should reach out to the Office of Student Affairs before the due date. Students who do not complete clearances by the date specified will not be permitted to participate in patient facing activities until all clearances have been completed. Failure to complete clearances on time will result in a concern form for a professionalism lapse. See the criminal background clearance policy in the policy management system here (ePass login required).

Penn State College of Medicine is committed to assuring a safe, encouraging, and supportive learning environment that reflects our commitments to professionalism and respect, and virtues such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and kindness. Our Culture of Respect in Education (C.O.R.E.) Policy upholds and affirms this commitment.

The registration process is initiated when a student consents to do University Business Electronically. This agreement allows you to accept your financial aid, enroll for classes, and pay your bill through the new student system. Once you have consented within LionPATH to the terms and conditions set forth in this document and the Financial Responsibility Agreement (see below), you will then be eligible to enroll in classes. Your consent expires annually and will need to be renewed yearly. The second agreement to which you must consent within LionPATH is the Financial Responsibility Agreement (FRA). The FRA is a promise to take financial responsibility for payment of your account. Once you have consented within LionPATH to the terms and conditions set forth in this agreement and the Consent to Do Business Electronically document, you will then be eligible to enroll in classes. The FRA is required to be completed every semester.

Policy Statement

Students enrolling at the Penn State College of Medicine are responsible for full payment of tuition and fees. A student who is delinquent on payment of tuition or outstanding bills owed to the University past the due date will have a hold placed on their account. The University reserves the right to cancel an incomplete registration for failure to pay tuition and fees. If registration is cancelled the student will not be covered by The Pennsylvania State University professional liability insurance.

Procedure Steps

To complete registration, a student must take the following steps:

Login to LionPATH and consent to do University Business Electronically.
Agree to the Financial Responsibility Agreement.
Enroll in a minimum of one class.
Take action on his/her tuition bill (eBill) before the due date, even if the balance is zero.

Students who do not take action on their tuition bills may experience several consequences of delinquent tuition payments that include but are not limited to:

You will not receive grades for courses attended.
You will be ineligible to register for future semesters.
If you are receiving student loans, you may enter repayment status with your lender.
If you are receiving student aid, some aid sources may be canceled.
The University reserves the right to cancel an incomplete registration for failure to pay tuition and fees.

The following actions may occur if delinquent tuition remains unpaid:

Placement of your account with a licensed collection agency. Collection agencies may assess collection fees up to 33.33% of your balance.
Assessment of litigation and court costs.
Your delinquency will be reported to a national credit bureau.

Following sufficient payment, the hold will be removed. The student will be notified by the Senior Director for Educational Affairs when attendance to courses is no longer allowed until the student’s payment obligation is met. View the Delinquent Accounts policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Penn State College of Medicine is committed to the success of students with disabilities in all its academic programs. Students with disabilities may be able to receive reasonable accommodations to eliminate barriers to success. Please note, students who receive accommodations do not receive an advantage over others; rather, accommodations allow such students to not be at a disadvantage relative to other students because of conditions beyond their control.

The Student Disability Resource services (SDR), through the Office of Health Advancement and Community Engagement, provides reasonable accommodations to students with documented disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

To obtain the guidelines for applying for services, please contact the Student Disability Advisor at disabilityservices@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or call 717-531-3033. Following the guidelines will help ensure students with disabilities receive equitable access and experience full academic participation. Depending on the functional impact of the disability, eligible students may receive reasonable accommodations in both classroom and clinical learning settings while attending Penn State College of Medicine.

View Penn State's student disability resources.

View Disability Services in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Students are expected to dress professionally for all sessions that involve working with actual or standardized patients. Professional attire includes khakis, slacks, or dress pants; blouses or collared shirts and ties; dresses or skirts of an appropriate length. Students are reminded that low cut shirts, t-shirts, short skirts, jeans, or open-toed shoes are not considered professional attire.

View the dress code in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Expenditures and Accounts

Student organization leaders have a responsibility to assure that all financial transactions posted to the student organization accounts are appropriate, reasonable, and based on the below criteria:

The transactions support or advance the student organization’s mission and goals.
The transactions are aligned with student organization priorities.
The transactions are compliant with University policy.

Student organizations may sponsor events, including group meals, meetings, conferences, retreats, receptions, and health-related wellness recreational activities. All events and activities, regardless of funding source, are considered a University-Sponsored Event.

Funds allocated to student groups may be used as the source of funding if the event has a clear educational or academic purpose and/or enhances the student out-of-class experience.
Social events are allowable provided a staff or faculty person is in attendance and/or the event falls under student affairs or activity programming.

Penn State is a nonprofit organization and is tax-exempt. The Office of Student Affairs can directly provide tax-exempt documentation to a vendor on the student organization’s behalf.

Activities and Events Supported by University Funding:

Any events not specifically identified below may be submitted as an exception request to studentaffairs@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

Meeting expenses, including snacks and group meals associated with events.
Honoraria for external guest speakers from outside of the organization.
Travel-related expenses for external guests.
General supplies (i.e. art supplies, sheet music, general office supplies, etc).
Travel-related expenses for University-sponsored events wherein members fundraise to cover associated costs to represent the Penn State College of Medicine.
Rental costs associated with approved on-campus events
Promotional items for events, door prizes, and participation prizes that are distributed randomly.
Group memberships to national associations.
Printed materials, including books, journals, and periodicals.
Student-led activities related to Second Look Day, White Coat Ceremony, Match Day, and Graduation.

Expenditures related to admission costs for events will be handled case by case. Expenditures for alcoholic beverages require special permission and follow separate guidelines. Please submit requests to studentaffairs@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

Activities and Events Not Supported by University Funding

Appropriations in furtherance of a political campaign or activity by any candidate or candidate’s staff.
Appropriations to a legislative lobby or to a registered student organization whose primary purpose is to influence legislation.
Grants-in-aid and scholarships.
Donations or charitable contributions of money or products.
Philanthropic activities where the primary purpose is fundraising.
Retroactive expenses (expenses outside the reimbursement period).
National association memberships on a per-person basis.
Programs and activities that are for academic credit and/or are considered an essential component of a class.
Hiring legal services or providing bail bond funds.
Honoraria for Penn State or Penn State Health faculty or staff.
Purchase of a specific gift for a specific person.
Purchase of items used to raise funds.
Purchase or reimbursement for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
Purchase or reimbursement for the purchase of any tobacco products.
Any religious ceremony or worship service, except when such activity is for educational purposes.
Any activity, material, or program whose primary purpose is recruitment or increased membership in the sponsoring group.
Raffles and gift cards.
Printed materials, including books, journals, and periodicals, purchased for recruiting and/or fundraising.

Expense Reimbursement

If College of Medicine student organizations purchase items for their sponsored events they submit receipts utilizing this Reimbursement Request Form for reimbursement. Forms should be submitted no later than 14 days past the purchase date.

Detailed line-item receipts are required.
A signed non-employee information form is required.
Supporting documentation should also be submitted, including any event advertisements.
Students are not permitted to request reimbursement exceeding the funds available in their general and gift fund accounts.

If the cost of a purchase provides a financial hardship and reimbursement is not practical, a University-held purchasing card is available to help assist with purchasing. Please submit this Request to Purhcase Goods form and a representative from Student Affairs will reach out. Please be advised: Tax on purchases will not be reimbursed. Amazon purchases will not be reimbursed.

Financial Accounts

All banking and financial transactions must flow through the University financial system and follow University guidelines. Class and Student organizations will have (2) internal orders (budget numbers) that will track their funding allocations. One account will be a general fund; the other a gift fund. General Fund Account:

Annual awards by HPSA will be allocated to the general fund.
General funds will be zeroed out of the student organization account at the end of the fiscal year.
General funds need to be spent by June 15th of the allocation year.
Items purchased near the end of the fiscal year must be received by June 30th of the allocation year.
General funds cannot be transferred to a gift fund account.

Gift Fund Account:

Any fundraised dollars or donated dollars are to be deposited to the student organization’s gift fund.
Gift funds can carry balances forward across fiscal years.

Financial Transactions:

The use of cash and checks is the approved method for financial transactions.
PayPal, Venmo, and other third-party payment services companies in the course of University-related activities are not allowable.
Student organizations that receive any monies must promptly deposit all funds in their organization account no later than the first University business day after being received. Funds should be given to staff in the Student Affairs Office.
It is the responsibility of the leaders of student organizations to know their account balances.

If a recognized student organization has outstanding expenditures and insufficient funds in its student organization accounts, the account will be suspended until payments are resolved. Insufficient funds can prohibit student organizations from receiving general funds during the next fiscal year. Students are to work with the Office of Student Affairs to resolve any debit balances. All organizations may be subject to an annual audit performed by the College of Medicine Finance and Business office.

See the student fundraising guidelines policy in the policy portal here (ePass login required).

Fundraising

Any class or student organization may schedule one sales event during the fall semester (July 1 – December 31) and one sales event during the spring semester (January 1 – June 30). Requests for exceptions to this policy will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact studentaffairs@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for assistance.

Guidelines

All fundraising activities planned by students must be approved by the Student Assembly-HPSA.
Fundraising must occur within designated areas specifically identified for student organizations. These locations include:
- directly inside the BMR near the door leading to the breezeway
- outside of the entrance to the library
- the back lobby of the BMR building (outside of C1805)
- the Courtyard
- the ASB lobby, and the lecture room waiting areas.
Groups are not authorized to reserve these areas until their fundraiser has been approved by the Student Assembly.
All fundraisers must benefit an organization that directly supports the mission of Penn State College of Medicine.
There will be no sales for personal benefit or to provide individuals or patients with materials, cash, or goods outside of approved Penn State Hershey Medical Center programs.
All fundraisers must meet the health and safety standards of the Medical Center.
If food is part of the fundraiser, proper handling/storage of food is required.
Marketing & Communications must approve all products and merchandise bearing Medical Center or College of Medicine name, logo, or other graphic identifiers.
Marketing & Communications must also be contacted if any media will be involved with the fundraiser.
If flyers are posted on campus, they must be removed immediately following the event. Flyers may only be posted on bulletin boards and may not be taped on walls, in elevators, in restrooms, on fixtures, on doors, or existing signage.
The space in which the fundraising event was held must be left in the same condition as it was found. Any cost incurred by the Medical Center/College of Medicine as a result of the event will be assessed to the group.

Permission may be denied to fundraise on Medical Center/College property to any group or organization that does not comply with the guidelines and regulations. Class leaders and student organization officers are responsible for ensuring that fundraisers follow the guidelines and University policy.

Fundraising approval

All fundraising requests must be submitted via the Fundraising Request Form. All submissions must be received two weeks before the fundraiser. The submitted form is reviewed by the Student Assembly and the student organization will be notified via email of their approval status. Each request must follow the above guidelines and include the following information:

Primary contact person’s name and email (a recognized student organization officer must submit a request).
Name of the group requesting the fundraiser.
Details about the fundraising event (including date, location of the fundraiser, a description of what the fundraiser is benefiting, and description of the fundraiser). If an external vendor is being used, you must include the vendor’s name.
Explain how the event/benefiting organization relates to the University or Hospital’s mission of education, research, and health care.

See the student fundraising guidelines policy in the policy portal here (ePass login required).

Use of Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages may only be served at events involving students if approved prior to the event and must comply with the University’s general provisions for alcoholic beverages. The following approvals are required:

Educational Affairs Budget Administrator
COM Finance and Business Office
COM Dean Exception Approval

Students should submit their request eight weeks prior to the event with justification to studentaffairs@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for consideration. Requests submitted 30 days before the event will not be approved. The request for alcohol at student events should be limited and reserved for those events attended by University leadership, including the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs and the College of Medicine Dean. The provision or serving of Alcoholic Beverages at all University-Sponsored Events must comply with the following rules:

Non-alcoholic beverage alternatives must be available. (This applies even if University funds are not used to purchase Alcoholic Beverages.) All non-alcoholic beverages must comply with the University's contract with its beverage provider (see Policy AD26 Sale and Serving of Food and Beverages at University Locations).
Alcoholic Beverages should not be served or ordered prior to 3 p.m. on a business day (Monday – Friday).
Costs for Alcoholic Beverages should not exceed an average of 2 drinks or $25 per person.
Top shelf beverages and premium wines are rarely appropriate on University funds.
Kegs of beer are never permitted at events on University property.
If the event is being held on-campus, permission must be granted to possess/use Alcoholic Beverages on Penn State property per the provisions of University Policy AD18 Possession, Use, and Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages.
Off campus events where Student Organization or Class funds will be used to purchase food such as appetizers and students will be purchasing alcohol using personal funds requires permission per the provisions of University Policy AD18 Possession, Use, and Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages.
Serving Alcoholic Beverages must comply with University Risk Management guidelines (See Addendum) to assure the safety of those attending, even if the Alcoholic Beverages are not purchased with University funds.

Disclaimer: The University assumes no responsibility for any liability of any nature arising from the possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of alcoholic beverages on University property or at any University-Sponsored Event pursuant to any permission for such use, possession, distribution, and/or sale granted by the University under Policy AD18 Possession, Use, and Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages. Any person, not in the course of the University employment, receiving permission or approval under Policy AD18 Possession, Use, and Distribution of Alcoholic Beverages to possess, use, distribute, or sell alcoholic beverages on University property or at any University-Sponsored Event shall indemnify and hold harmless the University from any liability, damage, or claim, including counsel fees, arising from such possession, use, distribution and/or sale, pursuant to a written agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Risk Management Office.

See the student fundraising guidelines policy in the policy portal here (ePass login required).

Definitions

Short-term absence: Up to 7 continuous calendar days (5 school days) for documented medical, family crisis, or documented bereavement purposes.
Extended absence: More than 7 continuous calendar days and less than 1 semester for documented medical or family crisis purposes; academic reasons as determined by the APC or due to College of Medicine (COM) policy. Any course in a semester without a final grade must be retaken from the start of the course upon the student’s return enrollment. Any course with a passing grade will not need to be repeated. Extended absence typically results in deceleration.in Phase I. In Phases II and III, deceleration is dependent on courses/clerkships taken and remaining requirements. These absences are offered on a 3-month basis. If associated with a medical leave, a fitness for duty will be required in order to return and enroll.
Leave of Absence (LOA)/Leave from Required Coursework: A leave of an entire semester for reasons such as research, to obtain an additional degree, a medical issue that requiring a semester to recover, to fulfill an APC mandate, or due to COM policy. A total of 2 semesters (1 year) may be taken for the entirety of a student’s medical education, unless extended by the APC.
Deceleration: An absence/leave which requires the student to graduate at least a semester or more later than anticipated at matriculation.

Procedures

Short-term absence:

Approval process: This absence must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Course enrollment: During this type of absence, students will remain enrolled in their courses. Any outstanding course/clerkship requirements must be completed within 1 month of return, as determined by the course/clerkship director, which depends on the specific course/clerkship requirements. Extension of this timeline may be approved for compelling reasons by the Associate Dean for Medical Education at Hershey or UPRC campuses.
Deceleration: Deceleration is not typically associated with a short-term absence.
Return process: The student will immediately return to class at the end of the short-term absence.
Fitness for duty: Typically, a fitness for duty from a physician is not required for a short-term absence.
Notation in the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE): A short-term absence is not noted in the MSPE.
Student financial aid: For short-term absences, student financial aid is not typically affected.
Maximum short-term absences per Phase: Short-term absences should be rare, and only in extreme circumstances. Only 1 short term absence is allowed per phase (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III) and must be approved ahead of time by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Short-term absences and sick days: After 5 days that have been approved for sick leave, on the 6^th sick day the student must apply for a short-term absence. Note that the COVID-19 policy is separate from short-term absences.
Notifications: The individuals that must be notified regarding a short-term absence include the Office of Medical Education, Office of Evaluation and Assessment, Office of Student Affairs, and any other individual with a legitimate need to know, with copy to student.

Extended absence:

Approval process: This type of absence must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Course enrollment: For any course in which a student has not received a final grade, the course will be dropped by the Registrar. The course must be retaken in its entirety upon return. Any course during the semester where the student has received a final passing grade will not need to be dropped or repeated. For clinical courses, the student must have completed at least 75% of the course to avoid the course being dropped. The remainder of the course must be completed upon return.
Deceleration: Deceleration is typically associated with any extended absence in Phase I. In Phases II and III, deceleration is dependent on the courses/clerkships already taken at the time of deceleration and remaining courses/requirements needed towards graduation.
Return process: To return from an extended absence, the student must fill out an application at least 14 calelondar days before they plan to return. If a student does not submit the return by 14 days before the date that they will return, they will be considered withdrawn from PSCOM MD Program and must reapply to be reinstated.
Notifications: The individuals that must be notified of the extended absence and return include the Office of Medical Education, Office of Evaluation and Assessment, Registrar, Office of Financial Aid, Bursar, Office of Student Affairs, and any other individual with a legitimate need to know, with copy to student.
Fitness for duty: If the extended absence is associated with a medical leave, a fitness for duty from a physician will be required and must be submitted along with the return application. The physician/medical provider/center must have a longitudinal relationship with the student and must be able to comment on the minimum essential standards as listed in our PSCOM Medical Student Handbook. Emergency Department, Urgent Care or notes from physician relatives will not be accepted.
Notation in the MSPE: An extended absence is not noted in the MSPE, unless mandated by APC
Student financial aid: For an extended absence, financial aid may be affected. Any student taking an extended absence should immediately contact the student financial aid office.
Maximum extended absences per Phase: Extended absences should be rare, and only in extreme circumstances. Only 1 extended absence is allowed per Phase (Phase I, Phase II, Phase III) of the curriculum, and must be approved ahead of time by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Students are not permitted to participate in courses remotely during an Extended Absence.

Leave of Absence (LOA):

Approval process: This type of absence must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student.
Course enrollment: A student is not enrolled in any courses during an LOA.
Deceleration: An LOA is associated with deceleration.
Return process: At least 30 days before the student returns from an LOA, the student must apply to re-enter the PSCOM MD program.
Fitness for duty: If the LOA is associated with a medical leave, a fitness for duty from a physician will be required and must be submitted along with the return application. The physician/medical provider/center must have a longitudinal relationship with the student and must be able to comment on the minimum essential standards as listed in our PSCOM Medical Student Handbook. Emergency Department, Urgent Care or notes from physician relatives will not be accepted.
Notation in the MSPE: An LOA is noted in the MSPE
Student financial aid: An LOA will affect student financial aid. Students must meet with the student financial aid office if they are planning to take an LOA.
Maximum LOAs: A student may take up to two semesters of LOA/Leave from Required Coursework (maximum of 1 year combined) throughout their entire medical school. If a student does not re-enter at the beginning of the third semester, the student will be considered withdrawn from PSCOM.
Eligibility: A student may take a leave for an entire semester for reasons such as research at another institution, to obtain an additional degree, to address a medical issue requiring a semester to recover, to fulfill an APC mandate or due to COM policy. To be eligible for a Leave of Absence for research, an additional degree, or other outside academic opportunities, a student must be in good standing. A total of 2 semesters (1 year) for LOA/Leave from Required Coursework (combined) may be taken for the entirety of a student’s medical education, unless extended by the APC.

Leave from Required Coursework:

Approval process: This type of absence must be approved by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Course enrollment: A student is enrolled in a one credit study elective while on Leave from Required Coursework. This elective does not fulfill any Phase I, II or III required coursework but provides the student with the opportunity to study while maintaining access to COM resources as an enrolled student. The student is not enrolled in any other PSCOM coursework besides the study elective while on this leave.
Deceleration: A Leave from Required Coursework is associated with deceleration.
Return process: At least 30 days before the student returns from a Leave from Required Coursework, the student must apply to re-enter the Penn State College of Medicine MD program.
Notation in the MSPE: A Leave from Required Coursework is noted in the MSPE
Student financial aid: A Leave from Required Coursework may affect student financial aid. Students must meet with the student financial aid office if they are planning to take a Leave from Required Coursework.
Maximum LOAs/Leave from Required Coursework: A student may take up to two semesters of LOA/Leave from Required Coursework (max of 1 year combined) throughout their entire medical school. If a student does not re-enter at the beginning of the third semester, the student will be considered withdrawn from Penn State College of Medicine.
Eligibility: A student may take a leave from required coursework for an entire semester to fulfill an APC mandate. APC must approve a Leave from Required Coursework. A total of 2 semesters (1 year) for LOA/Leave from Required Coursework (combined) may be taken for the entirety of a student’s medical education, unless extended by the APC.

View the Leave Policy in the policy portal here (ePass login required).

The Office of Student Conduct at Penn State serves as a valuable resource for the university community by promoting a safe living and learning environment. The Code of Conduct exists to maintain a civil and safe community in which all Penn State students can live and learn. The disciplinary process administered by the Office of Student Conduct is designed to foster growth and learning through holding students accountable for their behavior. The goal of the Office of Student Conduct is to create a community in which students' actions validate the essential values of Penn State:

Community
Discovery
Excellence
Integrity
Respect
Responsibility

The University identifies unacceptable student behavior in a document called the Code of Conduct. Specific information can be found on the Code of Conduct & Student Conduct Procedures page. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the behaviors identified in the Code of Conduct and to allow it to inform their everyday decision-making both in and out of the classroom.

Students are strongly discouraged from paid employment while enrolled in medical school because of the need to focus on their studies in order to be successful in the program. Students are not required to disclose to the program whether paid employment is taking place. It is expected that the MD Program is the student’s primary responsibility.

View Policy on Student Roles and Employment During Program Enrollment in the policy portal here (ePass login required).

The College of Medicine abides by the tuition refund policies set forth by Penn State and the federal government for the return of Title IV funds. See details here. The purpose of this policy is to provide a guideline for financial obligations for tuition, other fees and financial aid when students withdraw from classes during their MD Program studies at Penn State College of Medicine.

Tuition

If a student terminates his or her medical college registration by official leave of absence or withdrawal, tuition will be charged for that tuition installment period according to the date written notice of such intended action is received by the Registrar’s Office. The tuition schedule begins with the first full week of classes in the installment period and pertains to each subsequent week or fraction of a week.

Students who withdraw will receive a tuition adjustment in accordance with the Tuition AdjustmentSchedule (above).
For purposes of this schedule, the first installment period begins with the 1st day of Penn State University classes for the academic year (Fall Semester) and the second installment period begins on the 1st day of Penn State University classes for the second academic semester (Spring Semester).

Other Fees

All other fees (University Student Health Insurance, Disability Insurance, and Student Fee) are non-refundable.

Housing

Students who live in the residence halls should contact the Housing Office regarding room and board adjustments.

Return of Federal Financial Aid

Students who receive financial aid are expected to complete all credits started. Students who do not successfully complete all credits may lose their right to some or all of the funds awarded for the semester and/or future semesters.
To maintain Federal financial aid eligibility during the semester, the student must be attending classes, taking exams and completing required course work.
The 1998 Reauthorization of the Higher Education Act requires the University to calculate a Return of Federal financial aid funds for students who withdraw (officially or unofficially) from all classes on or before attending 60 percent of the semester.
Using a pro-rata schedule, the percentage of the semester attended is used to calculate the amount of the student's earned/unearned Federal financial aid funds. The percentage of semester attended is calculated by using the number of days the student attended and the total number of days in the semester.
The unearned portion of Federal financial aid funds will be returned to the appropriate aid program(s). The funds will be returned in the following order:
1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
3. Federal Direct PLUS Loan (Graduate and Parent)
4. Federal Pell Grant
5. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
6. Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant (TEACH)

The student will be responsible for any balance due to the University after the return of Federal financial aid funds.

Students who stop attending all classes without officially withdrawing are subject to the return of Federal financial aid funds at the end of the semester. The amount returned is based on the withdrawal date or last documented date of attendance determined by Penn State. Absent this date, the withdrawal date would be the midpoint of the term.

Return of Institutional and Other Aid Funds

If a credit balance remains after the return of Federal and State Grant funds, the credit balance will be returned to all other aid sources (if applicable) based on the following "other aid" refund calculation:

Other Aid Disbursed / Total Aid Disbursed X Adjustment = Refund to Other Aid Source

The other aid will be returned to the appropriate aid sources. The funds will be returned in the following order:

Short-term loan (not considered in aid calculation)
University loans
University scholarships
Other grants
Outside scholarships

Other aid sources should be adjusted up to the amount of each aid source. The student account will not be debited to return funds to "other aid" sources.

Credit Balances After Return of Aid

If a credit balance remains after the return of the required Federal financial aid, State grants, Institutional and other aid funds, the balance will be refunded to the student (up to the amount paid for the semester).

See the policy for financial obligations for students who withdraw in the policy portal here (ePass login required).

The organization employs artificial intelligence (AI) systems to support the medical school admissions review process. Full applications, including AMCAS applications, secondary applications, and applicants’ letters of recommendation, are uploaded to a secure server directly by AMP/ZAP. These systems convert complete application materials, including quantitative indicators such as test scores and grade point average and qualitative components such as essays and letters of reference, into standardized machine-readable formats. All applicant data are handled in accordance with applicable privacy regulations, including FERPA. Access to application materials and AI systems is restricted to authorized personnel, and appropriate technical and administrative safeguards are in place to protect sensitive information.

Artificial intelligence (AI) models are developed using historical admissions data to identify patterns that may assist in application review. As part of the admissions workflow, the PSCOM AI team will provide the Office of Medical Student Admissions with ranked data on a weekly basis. The Office of Admissions prioritizes applications through an active prescreening process, whereby the top two-thirds of applicants, as determined through established criteria, are assigned for faculty screening. This process is designed to facilitate timely review of applicants who demonstrate alignment with institutional priorities within a rolling admission framework. The remaining applications are subject to quality control review, including a monthly joint review of approximately forty applications by the Associate Dean for Admissions and Financial Aid and an experienced admissions screener.

Consistent with the guidance from the Association of American Medical College (AAMC), AI models generate supplementary evaluative scores intended to support, but not replace, holistic human review. AI-generated outputs are used solely as one of multiple inputs in the admissions process and are not determinative of any admissions decision.

The organization conducts periodic benchmarking and validation of AI system performance within the medical school admissions context. Performance assessments compare AI generated scores against prior human reviewer decisions, using majority determinations as a reference standard. The AI system must demonstrate a high level of agreement with historical human decisions and maintain consistency across applications in order to remain in use.

View Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Medical School Admissions Review in the policy portal (ePass login required).

Elective rotations are available for medical students in good standing in their final year from medical schools accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) within the United States and Canada.

In accordance with Pennsylvania state law, Penn State College of Medicine no longer accepts medical students from international medical schools for any clinical rotation.

Specific criteria must be met in order for a medical student at another United States or Canada medical school to be granted visiting student status at Penn State College of Medicine. A medical student applying for visiting student privileges must:

Be in academic good standing and in their senior year of medical school.
Have taken and passed core clinical rotations in Medicine, Pediatrics, Family and Community Medicine (or Primary Care Medicine), Psychiatry, Surgery, and Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Have passed USMLE Step I Examination or COMLEX.
Meet Penn State College of Medicine
Be a United States citizen or permanent resident.
Have no criminal record.
- Penn State College of Medicine requires verification of a criminal background check on all visiting students. Proof of Criminal Background Check will include State Criminal History Record where student resides, Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal Criminal History/Fingerprinting Clearance. Penn State College of Medicine reserves the right to not accept any Student for participation in an experience at Penn State College of Medicine who has a criminal record.
Regarding potential exposure to infectious and environmental hazards, visiting medical students are informed of the policies and procedures through information provided by the Penn State Health Department with whom the student is rotating. This information is also made available via the Student Health website, through course directors, and/or the Student Handbook.

Also, the AAMC, Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) policy states that away rotations must be for students in their senior year.

View the Visiting Medical Students policy in the policy portal (ePass login required).

General Policies: Additional Links

Confidentiality

Curriculum, Assessment and Evaluation

Note: This policy applies to students in the graduating class of 2026 and thereafter unless otherwise stated.

The MD degree course of study for all students at Penn State College of Medicine is designed as a four-year developmental, competency-directed progression in learning and professional identity formation that facilitates the students’ achievement of the graduation competencies of the College of Medicine.

We recognize that learners in any of our College of Medicine curriculum options will develop along the competency-directed MD course of study through a combination of common and individualized educational experiences.
Each of our College of Medicine curriculum options, all approved by CUMED, provide a pattern of educational experiences that will facilitate achievement of outcomes of the College of Medicine's competency-directed course of study for the MD degree.

In order to graduate, all Penn State University College of Medicine Medical Students must:

Demonstrate achievement of all College of Medicine Competencies
Pass USMLE 1 and 2CK examinations.
Successfully complete all OSCES/summative patient care skills assessments
Successfully complete a Medical Student Research project (does not apply to students in the MD/PhD program)
Complete all required educational experiences and achieve graduation competencies of the College of Medicine in a time period that does not exceed seven years from the time of matriculation, unless the student is in the MD/PhD program.

Medical students will demonstrate acquisition of competencies through the following educational experiences or an experience designated as comparable by the Vice Dean or his/her designee:

All Phase I courses. Students in the graduating class of 2028 and thereafter must complete the Phase I Medical Student Research-1 (MSR-1) course requirement.
All Phase II clerkships and courses
Systems Conscious Humanistic Medicine or Translating Health Systems Science to the Clinical Setting
Transition to Internship
1 Core Acting Internship + 1 Emergency Medicine or Critical Care Rotation at Penn State Health or Penn State College of Medicine affiliates.
1 Humanities selective
Medical Student Research-2 (MSR-2). This requirement is for students in the graduating class of 2028 and thereafter.
24 weeks of Phase III Electives, a minimum of 12 weeks of which must be taken at Penn State Health or Penn State College of Medicine affiliates.
As part of their Phase III coursework, students will complete a minimum of two four-week clinical rotations within five months prior to graduation. The clinical rotations could include an Acting Internship, Critical Care, Emergency Medicine or other four-week clinical electives with active patient care.
Students participating in the Hershey Curriculum 3+ track:
- Must complete a Phase I Career Confirmation Elective.
- Must complete the equivalent of 8 additional weeks of electives and the remainder of the 24-week elective requirement is waived. Based on extenuating circumstances, students may apply for a waiver of 4 weeks of the 8 weeks of electives through the Associate Dean for Student Affairs which will then be reviewed for approval by the Academic Progress Committee.
Students participating in the MD/PhD program:
- The Medical Student Research courses (MSR-1 and MSR-2) and the Medical Student Research project (MSR) requirements are waived, since they are fulfilled by the PhD portion of their program.
- MD/PhD students must complete their MD studies in a time period that does not exceed 3 years in Phase I and 4 years in Phases II-III.
Students participating in the Clinician Scientist Training Pathway:
- Students may count one clinical course (up to 6-credits) taken during the year-long Clinician Scientist Training Pathway towards their Phase III coursework requirements. Research taken during the pathway may not be counted towards Phase III coursework requirements.

View Graduation Requirements for the class of 2026 and beyond in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

MD candidates in the College of Medicine must have demonstrable abilities and skills in the areas of perception and observation, communication, motor and tactile function, cognition, and professionalism.

Therefore, admission standards for medical school must be rigorous and exacting. Acceptance can be extended only to those who are best qualified to meet the performance standards of medical school.

A broad medical education is prerequisite for good patient care and for entry into specialized postgraduate programs.

The goal of Penn State College of Medicine is to prepare students to be competent, caring physicians who have the skills necessary to incorporate contemporary, appropriate healthcare methods and knowledge into their practice, and to adapt to a changing professional environment. Essential abilities and characteristics required for completion of the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree consist of certain minimum physical and cognitive abilities and sufficient mental and emotional stability to assure that candidates for admission, promotion, and graduation are able to complete the entire course of study and participate fully in all aspects of medical training. To be qualified for health sciences programs at the College of Medicine, those individuals must be able to meet both the College’s competency-based standards and the Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The College of Medicine has a societal responsibility to train competent healthcare providers and scientists who demonstrate cultural competency, critical judgment, extensive knowledge, and well-honed technical skills, while considering patient safety to be paramount. As such, a candidate must have demonstrable abilities and skills in the following five categories: observation, communication, motor function, cognition, and professionalism/social and behavioral skills. The essential abilities described herein, also referred to as Technical Standards, are required for admission, retention, promotion, and graduation.

Five Key Abilities and Skills

A candidate for the MD degree must have demonstrable abilities and skills of five varieties:

Observation
Communication
Motor/tactile function
Cognition
Professionalism

Observation

A candidate must be able to:

Acquire information from and evaluate images of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states.
Utilize auditory perception, visual perception and somatic sensation abilities (or their functional equivalents), to observe and accurately acquire information directly from the patient, both at a distance and close at hand, to develop an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Consider written documents, pictorial images, simulators, and computer programs and videos to assimilate large volumes of technically detailed and complex information presented in large group sessions, small group discussions, individual and group learning activities, and individual clinical settings.
Process information through observation and respond accordingly in a manner that is consistent, rapid, accurate, and free of bias.

Communication

A candidate must be able to:

Communicate effectively, sensitively, and accurately with students, faculty, patients, and all members of the healthcare team.
Record examination and diagnostic results clearly, accurately, and efficiently.
Demonstrate interpersonal skills necessary to develop rapport and positive relationships with patients. Utilize empathic listening to promote openness on issues of concern and sensitivity to the patient.
Assess all patients to allow for appropriate, well-focused inquiry.
Care for and communicate with, in a non-judgmental way, patients and providers from different socio-economic and cultural backgrounds, types of illness, and varying cultures.

Motor/Tactile Function

A candidate must be able to:

Elicit information from patients by inspection, palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers or their functional equivalents required to perform a physical examination.
Execute precise and timely motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. This requires the coordination of both fine and gross muscular movements, equilibrium, and the use of sight, hearing, and touch, or the functional equivalents.
Manipulate the equipment, instruments, apparatus, or tools required to collect and interpret data appropriate to the domain of study, practice, or research.
Demonstrate physical stamina sufficient to complete the rigorous course of didactic and clinical study, which may include prolonged periods of sitting or standing, and/or the need to move rapidly from one location to another.

Cognition

A candidate must be able to:

Solve problems and think critically, both independently and as part of a team, to develop appropriate products and services (e.g., a treatment plan). Synthesize information to develop and defend conclusions regarding observations and outcomes.
Learn through a variety of modalities including, but not limited to: classroom instruction; small group, team and collaborative activities; individual study; preparation and presentation of reports; simulations and use of computer technology.
Measure, calculate, reason, analyze, synthesize, memorize, organize, and transmit data concurrently in a multi-task setting wherein a candidate may experience a high level of stress, fatigue, and distraction.
Formulate and test hypotheses that enable effective and timely problem-solving in diagnosis and treatment of patients in a variety of clinical settings and health care systems.
Integrate historical, physical, social, and ancillary test data into differential diagnoses and determine the appropriate sequence of events to effect successful treatment for all patients.

Professionalism

A candidate must be able to:

Possess the emotional health required for full utilization of intellectual abilities, good judgment, and prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of all patients.
Tolerate physically taxing workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical environment.
Demonstrate compassion, integrity, non-discrimination, dedication, and honesty in interactions with both colleagues, patients and family. Relate to all patients, families, and colleagues with courtesy, maturity, and respect.
Maintain effective, mature, sensitive, and ethically appropriate relationships under all circumstances (e.g. clients, patients, students, faculty, staff and other professionals).
Self-assess their ability to function at the level necessary to provide effective and safe care of their patients and/or obtain appropriate professional assistance, should identified impairments compromise patient care and safety.

Students with Disabilities

The University’s commitment to diversity and inclusiveness extends to students with disabilities. In accordance with federal law and Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine policy, no qualified individual with a disability shall, on the basis of that disability, be excluded from participation in College of Medicine programs or activities.

The College of Medicine supports students with a wide range of disabilities. We offer great resources and services available for disability support. We will provide supportive solutions to reasonably accommodate students with disabilities.

The Student Advocacy Specialist is available to help navigate barriers encountered in medical school that are caused by disabilities. It is the responsibility of a candidate who seeks reasonable accommodation(s) to contact the Student Advocacy Specialist at disabilityservices@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

For additional information about our disability services, and information related to disabilities, please visit and Penn State Student Disability Resources.

Contact us

Students with questions about components of our Minimal Essential Standards requirements can contact the Office of Student Affairs at 717-531-4398.

If you have questions about the essential standards in the MD program, please contact us at 717-531-8755 or StudentAdmissions@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.

View the Minimum Essential Standards for Matriculation, Promotion and Graduation in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Promotion (hand-off) from the MD Program - Phase I to the PhD Program:

An MD/PhD student is promoted from the MD Program (Phase I) to the PhD Program upon successful completion of all of the following:

Passing all Phase I MD courses
Passing USMLE Step I within 2 attempts

The student is considered part of the MD Program until all the above has been successfully completed. Until then, the students may not enter their PhD program. If the student does not successfully complete any of the above requirements, the student will follow the policies set forth in MD Program (with the exception that the student must pass Step I within 2 attempts). Failure to meet any of the requirements may result in dismissal from the MD/PhD program. Decisions within the MD Program may affect the student’s status as a joint MD/PhD as well as their status in the MD Program. Students have a total of 3 academic years to complete all Phase I and Step I requirements. If a student has not completed all requirements within 3 academic years, they will be referred to the Academic Progress committee for dismissal from the MD Program. If an MD/PhD student is dismissed from the MD Program, the student may petition the relevant graduate program committee to enter the PhD program solely. If the relevant graduate program committee or relevant program director (if there is no committee) approves, the student must take and pass the Qualifying Examination to be admitted to the PhD Program. If an MD/PhD student is dismissed or chooses to withdraw from either the MD or the PhD portion of the MD/PhD program, the student may petition the Academic Progress Committee or the relevant graduate program committee to enter the MD or PhD program, respectively. For the PhD Program, if approved, the student must take and pass the Qualifying Examination to be admitted to the PhD Program unless they have passed Step 1 of the USMLE.

Promotion from the PhD Program to the MD Program Phase II-III

An MD/PhD student is promoted from the PhD Program to the MD Program (Phase II-III) upon successful completion of all of the following:

Successful completion of graduate program requirements
Successful completion of a dissertation and acceptance by the University
Passing the summative OSCE I and OSCE II (within one calendar year prior to expected reentry to MD program)
Successfully passing BMS 802: Clinical Exposure in Translational Research in Medicine

The student is considered part of the PhD Program until all of the above have been successfully completed. Failure to complete the requirements within a reasonable period may require that the trainee take a Leave of Absence (LOA) in order to complete all requirements. Until then, the student may not enroll in any MD Phase II-III clerkships/courses. MD/PhD students should plan their return to the MD program to coincide with the start of Phase II Transition to Clerkships. Any deviation from this start date must be approved by the Associate Dean for Medical Education, Hershey campus, or their designee. Delayed reentry into the MD program may impact the student’s Phase II and III schedules and graduation timeline. If the student does not pass the courses or requirements set forth by the PhD Program, the student will follow the policies set forth in PhD Program. Decisions within the PhD Program may affect the student’s status as a joint MD/PhD. If an MD/PhD student is dismissed from the PhD Program, the student may petition the Academic Progress Committee to re-enter the MD program solely. This entry into the MD program is not automatic and the decision for entry will be rendered by the Academic Progress Committee based on the student’s academic and professional behavior progress. If an MD/PhD student chooses to withdraw from the MD/PhD program, the student may petition the Academic Progress Committee or the relevant graduate program committee to enter the MD or PhD program solely, respectively. Once the student re-enters the MD Program Phase II/III, they will have up to four years from the time of entry to complete all requirements. View the Policy for Promotion from the MD Program (Phase I) to the PhD Program and from the PhD Program to the MD Program (Phases II-III) in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Penn State College of Medicine is committed to addressing the national issue of rising student debt. Accelerated pathways that facilitate a student’s achievement of the MD degree in three years can accomplish this goal. Penn State College of Medicine has received LCME-approval for the 3+ accelerated track, a pathway designed for students who have chosen a specialty either by the time of admission to Penn State College of Medicine or shortly thereafter, which in 3 years, leads to an MD degree and entry in a Penn State Health residency.

Responsibilities and Expectation of the Student

Complete all Penn State College of Medicine graduation requirements in a time period consistent with the 3+ curriculum schedule to ensure on time graduation.
Complete all components of the specific accelerated pathway curriculum in which the student has matriculated, as developed by each department and approved by CUMED, in a time period consistent with the 3+ curriculum schedule.
Maintain satisfactory academic performance and professional behaviors.
Meet the expected milestones after each Phase of the curriculum.
Meet graduation competencies within the 3-year timeframe.
Undertake all actions necessary to enter the Penn State residency program associated with the pathway upon receipt of the Doctor of Medicine degree from the College of Medicine, and if matched, accept the offer and commence participation in the program.

Expectation of the Pathway (department and residency program)

Mentoring: Provide mentoring and guidance in support of students’ efforts for successful completion of the medical school graduation requirements in collaboration with the Office of Medical Education and Assistant Dean of Pathways Innovation.
Career Confirmation: Provide the appropriate opportunities to assist students to learn about the specialty and confirm he/she/they has selected the right career path.
Supportive environment: In collaboration with the Office of Medical Education and Office of Student Affairs, provide a supportive environment to ensure:
- Students will be well prepared for residency
- Students maintain wellness and are not experiencing undue stress or burnout
- Students’ smooth transition in the UME-GME continuum

Deceleration

Opt-Out

In instances where a student no longer intends to pursue specialty training in the specialty associated with the pathway, the student may opt-out of the pathway. The student will provide Penn State College of Medicine with a written notice of intent at least 30 days prior to terminating participation in the pathway. If the student is in satisfactory academic standing, the student may return to the four-year Penn State College of Medicine medical school program. If the student is not in satisfactory academic standing, the student’s continued enrollment in the College of Medicine will be determined by the procedures of the Academic Progress Committee (APC). Upon opt-out by the student, any scholarship amounts awarded will convert to a loan.

Dismissal

Should a student have academic or professionalism difficulties or fail to meet academic or professionalism standards during participation in the pathway curriculum, student will be subject to the procedures of APC and the Penn State disciplinary system. If a student is not in satisfactory academic standing, the student’s continued enrollment in the College of Medicine will be determined by the procedures of the APC. Should the APC determine that the student may return to the four-year medical school curriculum, any scholarship amounts awarded will convert to a loan. In the event that the APC recommends dismissal from the College of Medicine and the dean concurs, any scholarship amounts awarded will convert to a loan.

Maintain Satisfactory Academic Performance and/or Professional Behaviors:

Students must achieve a passing grade in all courses. In the first semester of medical school, students may remediate only one Does Not Meet (DNM) summative exam, including OSCEs. The student must remediate the failing score by taking a remediation exam at the earliest re-assessment time period as stated in the Grading and Remediation Policy. Failure to successfully remediate that exam within the prescribed time period will result in deceleration and transition to the four-year program. In the remainder of Phase I, Phase II and Phase III, all 3+ students must pass all summative exams, including OSCEs, on the first attempt and pass all courses and clerkships. Failure to do so will result in deceleration and transition to the four-year program.
USMLE Step 1 and 2 CK: All students must take Step 1 prior to entering Phase II and Step 2 CK by March 10 of their graduation year. Students must pass on the first attempt. Failure of Step 1 or Step 2 CK will result in deceleration.
Professional behaviors: Any 3+ student who has displayed a professional behavior lapse will be reviewed by the Competency Progress Committee (CPC) with potential for referral to the Academic Progress Committee (APC). Repeated professional behavior lapses or a single egregious professional behavior lapse (such as cheating, plagiarism, lying) at any time during medical school will result in immediate referral to APC for deceleration or potential dismissal.
Competencies and milestones: All 3+ students must meet the expected milestones after each phase of the curriculum. Any milestones not achieved by the scheduled end date of each phase as described on the 3+ curriculum schedule template will be referred to the Academic Progress Committee (APC) where appropriate for consideration of deceleration.

Participate in and complete Penn State Health residency program.

In the event a student fails to accept the offer to enter the residency program or fails to complete the residency program for any reason, scholarship amounts awarded will convert to a loan.

Mentoring and Advising

In addition to academic advising done by the Assistant Dean for Pathways Innovation, students will be assigned a departmental career advisor. Departmental advisor for career advising

Meet with student on a regular basis, and more frequently as needed. Advisor is assigned at the time of matriculation.
Integrate student into the department, introducing the student to faculty and residents.
Provide opportunities for shadowing and research.
Provide supervision, guidance and support during the UME-GME education continuum.

3+ Advisor (Assistant Dean for Pathways Innovation)

Monitor and guide the student’s academic progress. Track student’s progress and support student efforts to meet academic standards and graduation requirements.
Ensure that the department identify the departmental specialty advisors.
Assist the student in navigating the accelerated curriculum and logistics unique to the 3+ pathway.
Provide guidance to the student in meeting important timelines such as registration for the residency application and for USMLE exams.
Monitor student wellness and the level of stress and refer the student for additional support and resources as needed.
Request curricular revisions when necessary.
Meet with the student 2-3 times annually and more frequently as needed.

Peer mentoring

To foster the creation of a 3+ community, accelerated students will meet as a group three times a year for peer support and mentoring. The Assistant Dean for Pathways Innovation will participate, and Directors and faculty of all accelerated pathways are invited to attend these events. Students of an individual accelerated pathway will meet quarterly with their peers, the Director and Faculty of the associated department of that pathway.

Monitoring Student Progress

The Competency Progress Committee (CPC) will monitor and track student progress, in conjunction with the Assistant Dean for Pathway Innovation. View the Responsibilities and Expectations for the Three-Year Accelerated MD Pathway Program (3+ Track) in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

According to the LCME (DCI 2025-26), “Formative feedback is information communicated to a medical student in a timely manner that is intended to modify the student’s thinking or behavior in order to improve subsequent learning and performance in the medical curriculum. (Element 9.7)”.

For Phase I courses that are 4 weeks or more in length, course directors must provide formative assessment by the midpoint of the course. Formative feedback in Phase I courses can be through formative quizzes, formative examinations, or other methods that either do not count as part of the grade or count as less than or equal to 10% of the grade.
For Phases II-III clerkships and acting internships that are 4 weeks or more in length, course/clerkship directors must ensurethat formative feedback is provided to each student by the midpoint of the course/clerkship, such as mid-clerkship narrative feedback, other forms of narrative feedback including ad hoc verbal feedback from clinical preceptors, or workplace-based assessments that either do not count as part of the grade or count less than or equal to 10% of the grade.

View the Formative Assessment by Mid-Point policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

As stated in Penn State University Senate Policy 47-20, the basis for grades is the course or clerkship director’s “professional judgment of scholastic achievement.”

On rare occasions, a disagreement may arise in the assignment of a grade for an individual item or a final grade between the student and the course/clerkship director. If there is such disagreement, it is expected that the course/clerkship director and the student will try to work out any disagreements. The following guidelines govern the grade appeals process:

Within five business days after posting of the final course grade, the student must submit written communication, via pennstatehealth email account, to the course/clerkship director, indicating 1) The reason(s) for the grade appeal, 2) A request to meet to review the disputed grade
During the meeting, the course requirements and grading policies and the student’s performance will be reviewed.
Within 5 business days of the meeting, the course/clerkship director will inform the student of the decision. The decision may be to maintain the original grade or to change the grade.

If the above fails to resolve the dispute, the student should request a grade mediation from the Vice Dean of Educational Affairs (or his/her designee) who will review and take appropriate action. As per Penn State University policy G-10 (Grade Mediation and Adjudication), “Some examples for a legitimate disagreement leading to mediation could include, but are not limited to the following:

The instructor did not inform the student of the basis for calculation of grades as required in 47-20.
The instructor did not calculate the student's grade for an assignment or in the course in accordance with the instructor's stated policy for calculating grades.
There is an error in the computation of the grade that was not corrected.
The student, through no fault of their own, was not provided with the same opportunity to complete the requirements for the course in terms, for example, of time, access to course or lab materials, or access to the instructor as the other students.”

As per Penn State University policy G-10 (Grade Mediation and Adjudication), “It is important that grade mediation cannot be used to overturn the instructor's professional judgment (i.e., believing that a piece of work deserves a better grade is not, in itself, sufficient grounds for an adjudication request.).”

Any student wishing to appeal their grade to the Vice Dean of Educational Affairs must fill out a Grade Adjudication Petition Form. The Vice Dean will follow Penn State University Policy G-10 (Grade Mediation and Adjudication) including that the petition can be submitted any time during the semester but no later than ten weeks following the submission of the final grade in the course. and that the petition must provide clear evidence that the assignment of the grade was based upon factors other than the academic judgment of the instructor.

The decision of the Vice Dean for Educational Affairs will be final.

View Grade Mediation and Adjudication in the policy manager (Penn State Health login required).

All final course and clerkship grades, inclusive of comments, must be submitted and available to the students within 6 weeks after completion of the course or clerkship.

This policy applies to all College of Medicine Medical School courses and clerkships.

See grade timelines information in the policy portal here. (ePass login required).

Phase I

One (1) DNM/ID

For the Knowledge for Practice Competency: If a student earns a DNM/ID in one course during a semester:

The student must take a remediation exam at the earliest re-assessment time period
1. For year 1 (Phase I) core courses (TTMS 711, SPM 711, HDHR 711, FPCC 711, SHS 711, FHH 711): Immediately after Winter Break, coordinated by the Office of Evaluation and Assessment.
2. For all other year 1 courses: During the summer, coordinated by the Office of Evaluation and Assessment.
3. For any year 2 (Phase 1) course: At the end of the Fall II semester and before taking Step 1, as coordinated by the Office of Evaluation and Assessment.
If the student successfully passes the remediation exam, the student may continue into the next semester and the transcript will reflect a grade of Pass for the course.
If the student does not successfully pass the remediation exam
1. The student will earn a Fail for the course, which will be reflected on the transcript, and the student will be placed on an extended absence/leave of absence by the Office of Student Affairs. The PSCOM Leave policy (GP-29) describes restrictions and requirements.
2. Following the absence, the student will repeat the course the following year and if successful, continue their course work.
3. Upon repeating the course, if the student earns a “Meets”, the transcript will reflect a Fail for the first course and a Pass for the repeat course. The student may continue with the remaining courses.
4. If the student earns a DNM/ID and/or fails to meet expectations in any aspect of the course on repeat, the student will be referred to the APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.

For any Competency Domain other than Knowledge for Practice (PC, PBLI, ICS, PB, SPB, HH): If a student earns a DNM/ID in any competency domain other than Knowledge for Practice in one course during a semester:

Depending on the nature of the issue, the student may have the opportunity to remediate the DNM/ID through successful completion of a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) and will be followed for at least 8 weeks from the time the PIP was submitted to the Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment/Assistant Dean for Foundational Medical Sciences.
If successful (no additional DNM/IDs or failure to meet expectations), the DNM/ID will be considered remediated. The transcript will reflect a grade of Pass for the course.
If the student fails to meet expectations within the specified time period, the student will earn a Fail for the course, which will be reflected on the transcript, and the student will be placed on an extended absence/leave of absence by the Office of Student Affairs. The PSCOM Leave policy (GP-29) describes restrictions and requirements.
1. Following the absence, the student will repeat the course the following year and if successful, continue their course work.
2. Upon repeating the course, if the student earns a “Meets”, the transcript will reflect a Fail for the first course and a Pass for the repeat course. The student may continue with the remaining courses.
3. If the student earns a DNM/ID and/or fails to meet expectations in any aspect of the course on repeat, the student will be referred to the APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.
If the issue is egregious, the student will be recommended to APC for consideration of dismissal. Egregious behavior is defined in the following policies: The Penn State University Student Code of Conduct, the Academic Progress Committee policy (GP-02), and the Penn State University Academic Integrity Policy (G-9).

Two (2) DNMs/IDs

For the Knowledge for Practice Competency Domain: If a student earns a DNM/ID in two courses during a semester:

The student will be placed on an extended absence/leave of absence by the Office of Student Affairs and the student will be recommended to the APC. The PSCOM Leave policy (GP-29) describes restrictions and requirements.
If the student is allowed by APC to remediate the two courses (as opposed to the entire semester):
1. During the absence, the student must take and pass a remediation exam for each course they earned a DNM/ID.
2. All remediation exams for each course must be taken within 6 months following the start of the leave. The Office of Evaluation and Assessment will coordinate the remediation process, including administration dates for remediation exams.
3. If all exams are not taken and passed within 6 months following the start of the absence, the student will be referred to APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.
If the student successfully passes the remediation exam for each of the courses:
1. The transcript will reflect a Pass for both courses.
2. The student will be encouraged to audit each of the courses in which they initially earned a DNM/ID when they re-enter Phase I after their absence. The student should check with the bursar for tuition and fees that may apply.
If the student earns a DNM/ID on one of the remediation exams, but is successful in other:
1. The student will earn a Fail for the course in which they earned a DNM/ID which will be reflected on the transcript.
2. The student will be placed on an additional extended leave/leave of absence by the Office of Student Affairs. The student will be referred to the APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.

For any Competency Domain other than Knowledge for Practice (PC, PBLI, ICS, PB, SPB, HH): If a student earns a DNM/ID in any competency domain other than Knowledge for Practice in two or more courses during a semester:

Depending on the nature of the issue, the student may have the opportunity to remediate both of the DNM/IDs through successful completion of a PIP for each course and will be followed for at least 8 weeks from the time the PIP was submitted to the Associate Dean for Evaluation and Assessment/Assistant Dean for Foundational Medical Sciences:
If successful for both (no additional DNM/IDs or failure to meet expectations), the student may continue to progress and the transcript will reflect a grade of Pass for both courses.
If the student is not successful for one course, they will earn a grade of fail for the course, which will be reflected on the transcript, and the student will be placed on an extended absence/leave of absence by the Office of Student Affairs. The student will be referred to the APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.
If the issue is egregious, the student will be recommended to APC for consideration of dismissal. Egregious behavior is defined in the following policies: The Penn State University Student Code of Conduct, the Academic Progress Committee policy (GP-02), and the Penn State University Academic Integrity Policy (G-9).

Three (3) DNM/IDS

If a student earns a DNM/ID in any competency domain in three or more courses during the entirety of Phase I, the student will be referred to APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.

Phase II AND Phase III

One (1) ID

If a student earns a failing score on an NBME shelf/customized exam on first attempt:

The student will earn an ID temporarily for the course.
The student must remediate the exam by taking a (one) remediation exam.
If the student has already started the next clerkship when they are notified of the failure, the student will complete the clerkship/course rotation and enter a 4-week study period, during which a remediation NBME shelf/customized exam will be administered. The student is eligible to take the study elective, Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge, if they have not already completed this elective. The remediation exam must occur within 12 weeks of notification of the failing NBME shelf/customized exam score or as soon as possible outside of this 12 week window should additional remediations be required.
If the student successfully passes the remediation exam:
1. The student may continue their Phase II coursework.
2. The transcript will reflect a Pass (the highest grade possible on remediation is a Pass).
If the student does not successfully pass the remediation exam:
1. The student will earn a Fail for the course, which will be reflected on the transcript.
2. The student will be required to repeat the clerkship in full and earn at least a Pass grade.

If a student earns an ID (a temporary grade) in one area in a course/clerkship for reasons other than a shelf failure:

Depending on the egregiousness of the ID, the student may be allowed to remediate the ID in one area through remediation activities as designated by the clerkship director, such as additional clinical rotations, etc.
If the student successfully remediates the ID on first attempt, the remediation of the ID will be noted in the OASIS gradebook, indicating that the student remediated the ID. The ID will not be noted on the transcript. The remediation grade will follow the policies/procedures outlined in the syllabus.

If a student earns an ID in 2 or more areas (inclusive of a shelf failure) within a course/clerkship, the student will earn a Fail in the course/clerkship and be required to repeat it. This will be reported as a Fail on the transcript.

Two (2) IDs

If a student earns a failing score on 2 NBME shelf/customized exam on first attempt across clerkships or if a student earns a failing score on an NBME in a clerkship they are repeating, the student will be referred to APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.

If a student earns an ID across two clerkships (for reasons other than failing 2 NBME shelf/customized exams on first attempt), the student will be referred to the APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.

ID(s) IN PHASE III

If a student earns an ID (or two ID) grade(s) across courses:

For 1 (one) ID, depending on the nature of the ID, the student may be referred to the APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.
For 2 (two) IDs across courses, the student will be referred to the APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.

ID ON OSCE III

If the student earns a failing score on OSCE III on first attempt, the student must participate in remediation activities.

If the student successfully passes the remediation OSCE III, the student may continue their Phase III coursework
If the student does not successfully pass the OSCE III remediation exam:
1. The student will earn a Fail for the OSCE III which will be indicated on the MSPE.
2. The student will be referred to APC for consideration of dismissal from the PSCOM.

View the Remediation in the MD Curriculum policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Introduction

The MD degree course of study for all students at Penn State University College of Medicine (COM) is designed as a four-year developmental, competency-directed progression in learning and professional identity formation that facilitates the students’ achievement of the graduation competencies of the COM. We recognize that learners in our COM educational programs will develop along the competency-directed MD course of study through a combination of common and individualized educational experiences. Given the opportunity for individualization in progression towards the MD degree, there will be learners whose time- frame for progression due to personal circumstances, and in learning and professional identity formation will vary from the four-year framework. Students in the COM MD program must complete all required educational experiences and achieve graduation competencies of the COM in a time period that does not exceed seven (7) years from the year of matriculation, unless the student is in the MD/PhD program.

The Extended Directed Study Option offers time to complete the educational program under specific circumstances. Examples of situations in which this option might be considered include:

Needing to leave the academic setting during a semester for medical reasons or family emergencies
A change in specialty preference requiring additional rotations
Failure to obtain a residency match with desire to add clinical rotations prior to another attempt to match
Completion of two semesters as a full-time student in the Clinician Scientist Training Program (CSTP)

Students may, with the approval of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs, use the Extended Directed Study Option for no more than two additional semesters of study. In addition, students who are considering taking advantage of the Extended Directed Study Option should meet with the Office of Financial Aid to clarify the potential implications of this decision on financial aid status.

This status is not intended for students in combined degree programs or for students who have funded fellowships for research outside Penn State University or for any student needing additional time to complete COM competencies due to actions by the Academic Progress Committee, due to academic difficulties (need for repeated courses or clerkships) or for students needing additional time for USMLE preparation.

Application process

Students must apply for the Extended Directed Study Option at least 4 (four) weeks prior to the beginning of the semester (June 1 for summer, December 1 for winter) of Extended Study. Applications are made to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. Once approved, the application will be reviewed by the Office of Financial Aid.

Fees

Students who are granted an Extended Directed Study Option are required to be enrolled in and pay for eight full-tuition semesters of study prior to graduation and prior to taking advantage of the tuition reduction that is part of the Extended Directed Study Option. The Extended Directed Study Option can be used for a maximum of two semesters. The Extended Directed Study Option rates per semester are:

Extended Directed Study Fees for College of Medicine Per Semester = 10% current full-time tuition per semester

Fees for Extended Directed Study Option do not include insurance, living expenses, etc., so the figures listed above are not the full cost to the student.

We wish to acknowledge and thank Pritzker School of Medicine for allowing us to adapt their model for Extended Study Options for use at Penn State College of Medicine.

View the Extended Directed Study Option policy and the Extended Directed Study form in the policy portal (ePass login required)

All medical students in the College of Medicine must take and pass USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2—Clinical Knowledge (CK) of the USMLE in order to graduate.

Information, application materials, sample questions and the USMLE Bulletin of Information can be found at the NBME website.

The following applies to all medical students except as indicated:

USMLE Step 1

Timing of USMLE Step 1 test:

Students in the PSCOM program are eligible to take USMLE Step I exam after the successful completion of Phase I coursework and Phase I assessments including OSCE I and OSCE II.
Students must take USMLE Step 1 exam prior to Phase II coursework, except for Transition to Clerkships and the Phase II Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge elective course, which may be taken prior to completing USMLE Step 1.

Study period for USMLE Step 1:

Study Period: Students are provided with a study period of up to eight weeks for USMLE Step 1, which includes the four-week/four-credit Consolidation course. By the end of the eight-week study period, students must take USMLE Step 1unless a study extension is granted.

Study extension (4 weeks) with Enrollment in the Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge elective:

Students who are predicted to need more than 8 weeks of dedicated USMLE Step 1 study period at the outset of the study period will be enrolled in a mandatory 4-week study elective, Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge as their first Phase II rotation. The PSCOM USMLE Study Committee, composed of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, Associate Dean for Assessment and Evaluation, Director of Cognitive Skills Program and Associate Dean for Medical Education Hershey Campus, will make that determination through review of the student’s performance on the Comprehensive Basic Science Self-Assessment (CBSSA) exam and Phase I examinations. If a student in this group takes the USMLE Step 1 examination within the initial 8-week study period, their first rotation will be converted from the Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge to another elective or clerkship. The Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge course will count toward a Phase II elective but does not count toward a Phase III elective. Students are strongly encouraged to work with the Director of Cognitive Skills Program.
Students who were not initially identified as needing a study extension, but whose subsequent practice exams predict the need for a study extension, or who, at the end of the 8-week period, have other compelling, extenuating circumstances to delay their USMLE-1 exam, may request up to a four-week extension for study through the Associate Dean for Medical Education at Hershey or University Park respectively. The PSCOM USMLE Study Committee will determine whether an extension will be granted. Their decision is final. Students granted the study extension will be enrolled in a mandatory 4-week study elective, Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge. This course will count toward a Phase II elective but will not count toward a Phase III elective. Students are strongly encouraged to work with the Director of Cognitive Skills Program. Students’ course schedule will be altered.

Study extension beyond 4-weeks:

For students entering USMLE-1 study period AY25-26:
- Students who require additional study time beyond this four-week extension must request and be approved for an additional study extension. They will take an “Extended Absence,” processed through Student Affairs, until USMLE Step 1 is taken and a passing score is received by the COM, within a timeline not to exceed 7 weeks. After the COM is notified of the “Pass” status, students will enter clerkships at the start of the next available rotation, dependent on clinical site availability. Students’ curriculum schedule will be altered. Graduation timeline may be altered.
- Students who do not take and receive a “Pass” on USMLE Step1 within this additional 7-week timeline (total of 19-weeks of USMLE Step 1 dedicated study time) will be continued on extended absence. Students may return from the leave only after the COM is notified of a “Pass” status on USMLE Step 1. The student will be offered two potential reentry points to the clerkships:
  1. At the mid-point of Phase II, typically the beginning of September, dependent on clinical site availability. A “Pass” score must be received two weeks prior to the mid-point entry to allow for schedule selection and processing.
  2. At the beginning of the next cohort of Phase II students, typically in March. As per PSCOM Leave of Absence Policy, students whose leave extends a full semester will be placed on a Leave of Absence. Students in this group, who successfully passed USMLE Step 1, may be offered optional Phase II elective courses immediately prior to reentry to clerkships, typically in January and/or February, with the intent to prepare the student for clerkships given the long delay from Phase I studies.
For students entering USMLE-1 study period in AY26-27 and thereafter:
- Students who do not take Step I within the 8-week study + 4-week study extension (total of 12-weeks of dedicated study) timeline will be placed on extended absence. Students may return from the leave only after the COM is notified of a “Pass” status on USMLE Step 1. The student will be offered two potential reentry points to the clerkships:
  1. At the beginning of the mid-point of Phase II, typically the beginning of September, dependent on clinical site availability. A “Pass” score must be received two weeks prior to the mid-entry point to allow for clerkship scheduling and processing.
  2. At the beginning of the next cohort of Phase II students, typically in March. As per PSCOM Leave of Absence Policy, students whose leave extends a full semester will be placed on a Leave of Absence. Students in this group, who successfully passed USMLE Step 1, may be offered optional Phase II elective courses immediately prior to reentry to clerkships, typically in January and/or February, with the intent to prepare the student for clerkships given the long delay from Phase I.

USMLE Step1 Test Failure:

A student who is unsuccessful in their attempt to pass USMLE Step 1 must produce a Pass USMLE Step 1 score prior to the student’s return to their studies. If a student receives notification of a failure while in a 4-week clerkship, they will be permitted to complete the 4-week clerkship followed by return to dedicated USMLE Step 1 study. If a student receives notification of a failure while in an 8-week clerkship, they will be removed from the clerkship and return to dedicated USMLE Step 1 study. The student must repeat the 8-week clerkship in its entirety. Upon return to USMLE study, the student will be required to take the Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge course, if they have not already completed this course. A student who needs additional study time beyond the Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge course, or who has already taken this course and therefore is not enrolled in coursework, is placed on Extended Absence. Students will follow study timelines and return to COM as noted under “study extensions” above.
Graduation timeline may be impacted if the student has failed USMLE Step 1.
Students are strongly encouraged to work with Director of Cognitive Skills Program.

USMLE Step 1 Timeline and Number of Allowable Attempts:

All students must take USMLE Step 1 and the COM must receive verification of a “Pass” score by December 31 of the year of USMLE1 study, or they will be referred to Academic Progress Committee for consideration of dismissal from the College of Medicine. Students who are placed on medical leave, approved through the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, will be granted an equivalent amount of study time that does not include the medical leave time. Medical leave time will not be granted retroactively.
Students must pass USMLE Step 1 within three attempts, or they are referred to the Academic Progress Committee for dismissal from the College of Medicine.
Graduation timeline may be impacted if a student’s USMLE Step1 study timeline has been extended or if a student is unsuccessful in passing on their first attempt.

USMLE Step 2CK

Timing of USMLE Step 2CK:

Students are eligible to take USMLE Step 2CK after the successful completion of Phase II coursework with the exception of Systems Conscious Humanistic Medicine (SCHM).
USMLE Step 2CK must be taken no later than the start of Phase III Rotation 7 (on or around August 31) of their graduation year.
Students are strongly encouraged to take USMLE Step 2CK early in their Phase III studies since their score may impact career choice and academic schedules.

USMLE Step 2CK study extensions:

Students who have extenuating circumstances may request an extension for USMLE Step 2CK study through the Associate Dean for Medical Education at Hershey or University Park respectively. The PSCOM USMLE Study Committee will determine whether an extension should be granted. Their decision is final. Students granted a study extension will be required to enter a 4-week study elective, which will not count toward Phase III Graduation Requirements. Students are not permitted to take additional coursework during their study extension until verification of a USMLE Step 2CK pass is received by PSCOM. Students are strongly encouraged to work with the Director of Cognitive Skills Program. Graduation timeline and course schedule may be impacted.
Students who do not take USMLE Step 2CK within the extended 4-week timeframe will be referred to the Academic Progress Committee who may grant a further extension for compelling, extenuating circumstances or may consider the student for dismissal. Students granted a further extension by Academic Progress Committee will be placed on Extended Absence and are not permitted to complete Phase III course work until USMLE Step 2CK is taken and verification of a pass score is received by the College of Medicine. Students’ schedules will be altered, and Graduation timeline may be impacted.

USMLE Step 2CK Examination Failure:

Students who are unsuccessful in their first attempt to pass USMLE Step 2CK will be required to enter a 4-week study elective, which will not count toward Phase III Graduation Requirements. Following that study elective, the student needing additional study time must take an extended absence.
Students are not permitted to take additional coursework during their study period nor until verification of a USMLE Step 2CK pass is received by the school.
The student must retake the USMLE Step 2CK examination within a period of 8 weeks for each attempt. Students who do not take USMLE Step 2CK within the 8-week timeframe for each attempt will be referred to Academic Progress Committee who may grant a further extension for compelling, extenuating circumstance or may consider the student for dismissal. However, a student may choose, with guidance from their Longitudinal Academic Counselor to request deceleration to the next graduating class. If deceleration is approved, the student must take and produce a passing score within 1-year from their initial attempt or by the USMLE Step 2CK deadline of that graduating year, whichever comes first. If the student does not produce a pass score by this timeline, the student will be referred to the Academic Progress Committee for consideration of dismissal.
Students’ schedules will be altered and Graduation timeline may be impacted.
Students are strongly encouraged to work with Director of Cognitive Skills Program.

USMLE Step 2CK Timeline and Number of Allowable Attempts:

Students must pass USMLE Step 2CK within three attempts or they are referred to the Academic Progress Committee for dismissal from the College of Medicine.
All students must take USMLE Step 2 CK and the COM must receive verification of a “Pass” score within 1-year of dedicated study or they will be referred to Academic Progress Committee for consideration of dismissal from the College of Medicine.

3+ Early Entry to Residency Track Students

Students in the 3+ track must take and pass USMLE Step 1 within a 6-week timeframe following Phase I. Students whose practice scores are not within passing range as determined by review of performance on practice exams by the Director of the Cognitive Skills Program, or who, at the end of this 6-week period, have other compelling, extenuating circumstances to delay, may request up to a 2-week extension for study through the Associate Dean for Medical Education at Hershey. The PSCOM USMLE Study Committee will determine whether an extension will be granted. Their decision is final.
Students in the 3+ track must take and Pass USMLE 2CK no later than March 10th of their graduation year.
Students who fail to comply with these timelines will be referred to Academic Progress Committee and considered for deceleration to the 4-year program.

MD/PhD Students

MD/PhD students follow the same study and study extension timeline as MD students.
MD/PhD students must take USMLE Step 1 and the COM must receive verification of a “Pass” score for MD-PhD students to successfully meet Phase I MD requirements and to enter the graduate school. Furthermore, the USMLE Step 1 is considered at the COM to be equivalent to the candidacy/qualifying exam for the PhD program, a requirement for continuation in the PhD program.
MD-PhD students who require a study extension will not take the Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge course for credit but will be eligible to receive all Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge course materials and Cognitive Skills resources.

Appendix to USMLE Policy

Students in the University Park curriculum in the graduating class of 2027 or prior may only enter Phase III coursework following taking USMLE Step 1 and at the beginning of the next Phase III rotation. A student who is unsuccessful in their USMLE Step 1 attempt will be removed from coursework and must produce a Pass score prior to reentering coursework. This appendix policy expires on 3/31/2027.

View USMLE Student Requirements in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Narrative assessment, according to the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME), is defined as “written comments from faculty that assess student performance and achievement in meeting specific objectives of a course or clerkship, such as professionalism, clinical reasoning.” Narrative assessment must be provided in all required courses and clerkships of 4 weeks or longer in which students work in faculty facilitated, small groups of 12 or less for a substantive period of the course or clerkship. View the narrative description information in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Pathways in the College of Medicine offer medical students the opportunity to gain additional learning and experience in specific areas of interest through a structured longitudinal curriculum. Participation in a Pathway entails a selective entry process. Students must consistently meet ongoing requirements due to the additional requirements placed upon them compared to non-pathway students. For the Global Health Scholars Pathway (GHSP), these requirements include regular attendance, participation, and completion of assignments in all GHSP courses, completion of additional required activities and assignments within the GHSP, as well as adherence to the medical school’s professional conduct standards, and maintenance of satisfactory academic standing. Given the additional rigorous requirements of the GHSP, students must achieve a final passing grade in all courses throughout all three phases of medical school in order to remain in the Global Health Pathway program. In the first semester of Phase I in medical school, students may remediate only one Does Not Meet (DNM) summative exam, including any OSCEs, for any course in which grades are released before winter break. The student must remediate the failing score by taking a remediation exam at the earliest re-assessment time period as stated in the Penn State College of Medicine Grading and Remediation Policy. Failure to successfully remediate that exam within the prescribed time period will result in dismissal from the GHSP. For the remainder of Phase I, all GHSP students must pass all summative exams, including OSCEs and anatomy exams, on the first attempt and pass all course requirements on first attempt. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the GHSP. Within Phase II and Phase III, the GHSP student may remediate only one summative exam or identified deficiency; repeated summative exam failures or identified deficiencies will result in dismissal from the GHSP. To remain in the GHSP, students must pass OSCE III on first attempt. Any student placed on probation by the Academic Progress Committee (APC) at any point during medical school will be dismissed from the GHSP. Note that dismissal from the Global Health Program means that a student is no longer eligible for international travel credit and travel scholarships through the GHSP from the College of Medicine. View Maintenance of Good Academic Standing in Global Health Scholars Pathway in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Purpose

To provide a structured process for medical students to submit scholarly projects, scholarly presentations, and grant applications ensuring compliance with ethical and institutional requirements and adherence to the requirement to secure faculty sponsorship.

Scope

This procedure applies to all medical students enrolled at Penn State College of Medicine who wish to submit scholarly projects, presentations, or grant applications.

Written scholarship include original research articles, case reports, review articles for publication in healthcare or medical education journals. Scholarly presentations include research abstracts, posters, presentations to local/national/regional meetings. Grant applications include any application for funded research that will be performed onsite (at a Penn State campus) or offsite (at another national or international institution).

Policy and Procedure Statements

Procedure for Medical Student Submissions to Scholarly Journals

Procedure:

Project Development and IRB Approval/Exemption:
- Students must initiate discussions with a faculty sponsor early in the project development process.
- All research projects involving human subjects must obtain IRB approval/exemption before data collection begins.
- Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to all IRB guidelines and regulations.

Here is the link to the Medical Student Research page.

Faculty Sponsorship:
- Students must secure a faculty sponsor who is willing to oversee and support their project.
- The faculty sponsor should be knowledgeable about the project area and have the capacity to provide guidance and mentorship to the student.
- The faculty sponsor will review and approve the final manuscript before it is submitted to the journal.
Authorship Guidelines:
- Authorship should be based on substantial contributions to the conception, design, execution, analysis, or interpretation of the data, as well as drafting or revising the manuscript.
- It is best to discuss authorship at the time of project planning to set expectations and revise as necessary at the end to incorporate any changes if necessary.
- All authors must approve the final version of the manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work, before submitting the manuscript to the journal.
- The order of authorship should be determined by the contributors through open discussion and consensus.
- It is expected that, except under extraordinary circumstances, the faculty sponsor shall serve as a corresponding author and responsible academic party (having been engaged throughout the process).
- Students are encouraged to consult the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) guidelines for authorship.
Journal Selection and Vetting:
- Students and faculty sponsors are responsible for carefully selecting target journals that are appropriate for the scope and quality of the work.
- Factors to consider include the journal's reputation, impact factor, audience, and relevance to the student's field of study.
- Students should review the journal's author guidelines and publication policies before submission.
Manuscript Preparation and Submission:
- Students should work closely with their faculty sponsors to prepare the manuscript according to the target journal's guidelines.
- Ensure that all data are accurately represented and that the manuscript is free of plagiarism or other ethical concerns.
- Obtain necessary permissions for any copyrighted material used in the manuscript.
- Submit the manuscript through the journal's online submission system, following all instructions carefully.
- Decisions should be made, at the outset, for who would provide funds for journals that charge a publication fee.
Peer Review and Revision:
- The manuscript will undergo peer review by experts in the field.
- Students should be prepared to respond to reviewer comments (in consultation with their faculty sponsor) and revise the manuscript as needed.
- The faculty sponsor will provide guidance and support throughout the revision process.

Procedure for Medical Student Submissions of Scholarly Presentations to Meetings

Project Development and IRB Approval/Exemption:
- Students must initiate discussions with a faculty sponsor early in the project development process.
- All research projects involving human subjects must obtain IRB approval/exemption before data collection begins.
- Students are responsible for understanding and adhering to all IRB guidelines and regulations.

Here is the link to the Medical Student Research page.

Faculty Sponsorship:
- Students must secure a faculty sponsor who is willing to oversee and support their project.
- The faculty sponsor should be knowledgeable about the project area and have the capacity to provide guidance and mentorship to the student.
- The faculty sponsor will review and approve the final submission before it is sent to the meeting.
Abstract/Proposal Submission:
- Students should adhere to the specific guidelines and deadlines outlined by the meeting.
- The faculty sponsor's name and contact information should also be included in the submission.
- Students should inform the relevant department or program chair about their submission.
- Students should obtain approval from the faculty sponsor prior to submission.
Time Away Requests:
- If the submission is accepted, students should submit a formal request for time away to their course directors or program administrators well in advance of the meeting.
- The request should include the meeting dates, location, and the student's role (presenter, co-author, etc.).
- Time away requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, considering the student's academic progress, attendance policy, and the importance of the meeting.
Venue Vetting:
- Students and faculty sponsors are responsible for vetting the meeting to ensure its legitimacy and relevance to the student's field of study.
- Factors to consider include the meeting's reputation, the quality of its scientific program, and the opportunities for networking and professional development.
Presentation Preparation:
- Students should work closely with their faculty sponsors to prepare their presentations. This collaboration will include the formal approval of the final product (poster or oral presentation) by the faculty mentor.
- Participants should practice presentations and seek feedback from peers and faculty members.
- Ensure that all presentation materials are professional and adhere to the meeting's guidelines.

Procedure for Medical Student Grant Applications

Faculty Sponsorship:
- Medical students must identify and secure a faculty sponsor who is willing to oversee and support their proposed project.
- The faculty sponsor should be knowledgeable about the project area and have the capacity to provide guidance and mentorship to the student.
- Students are encouraged to initiate discussions with potential sponsors early in the project development process.
- If the faculty sponsor is off site (a non Penn State, national or international Institution), students should contact the Office for Research Affairs (ORA, ORA@pennstatehealth.psu.edu) for specific instructions, as an onsite co-sponsor Penn State faculty might be required depending on the granting mechanism/agency.
Proposal Development:
- Students should work closely with their faculty sponsors to develop a well-defined project proposal that includes:
  - A clear statement of the project's objectives and significance.
  - A detailed description of the project's methodology and timeline.
  - A budget outlining the anticipated expenses and justification for each item.
  - A plan for disseminating the project's findings or outcomes.
- Students should contact the ORA, at least two months prior to the submission deadline and work with them closely to ensure adherence to University’s guidelines and deadlines.
Internal Review:
- Prior to submitting the grant application, students must obtain approval from their faculty sponsor and the relevant department or program chair.
- The internal review process is intended to ensure that the proposed project aligns with the school's mission and priorities and that the student has the necessary resources and support to carry out the project successfully.
Grant Submission:
- Students should adhere to the specific guidelines and deadlines outlined by the granting agency.
- The students should also adhere to the submission guidelines/deadlines of the relevant College’s ORA, https://pennstateoffice365.sharepoint.com/sites/ORA.
- The faculty sponsor's name and contact information should be included in the application.
- Depending on the granting agency, the ORA and not the student may be in charge of the grant submission.
- If the grant application is successful, the student and faculty sponsor will be responsible for managing the grant funds and ensuring that the project is implemented as proposed. Financial management of the grant is through an assigned post-award specialist usually assigned by the Faculty sponsor department
Progress Reporting:
- Students are expected to provide regular progress reports to their faculty sponsors and the granting agency, as required; and notification sent to the ORA.
- Any significant changes to the project scope or budget must be vetted and approved by the faculty sponsor, institutional IRB/IACUC, and the granting agency; and notification sent to the ORA.

Related documents and references

Medical Student Research page

View Medical Student Research Submissions Procedures in the policy portal (ePass login required).

It has been established by the College of Medicine that course credits are calculated based on the following criteria:

For both the MD and PA programs, for classroom teaching (non-clinical rotations), completing either 15 hours of didactic instruction (lecture), or 30 hours of any other instructional method, is considered equivalent to earning 1 credit hour.
For the MD program, 1 week of clinical instruction in required clerkships is equivalent to 1.5 credit hours and 1 week of any other non-required elective clinical experience is equal to 1 credit.
Whereas in the PA program, 1 week of required clinical instruction equals 1 credit hour.

It is crucial to note that any modifications to the academic duration or credit hour determination must be evaluated and authorized by the program's curricular governing committee. These committees are responsible for reviewing and approving significant changes to course offerings, such as new courses and adjustments to existing ones. View Credit Hour Determination in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

The Penn State College of Medicine MD program does not forward feed information to the next course or clerkship that a student is enrolled.

The Penn State College of Medicine MD program ensures longitudinal tracking and support of student progress towards competency attainment primarily through longitudinal academic counselors (LAC) and the Competency Progress Committee (CPC).

View the Forward Feeding Policy in the policy portal (ePass login required).

Generative AI tools in classroom learning environments

Course Directors must include course rules, outlined in the course syllabus, for use of generative AI tool use. Three possible syllabus statements approved by the College of Medicine are included here. These syllabus statements are suggestions; instructors are responsible for creating course rules concerning AI use that fit the learning objectives of the courses and are approved by program leaders.

When students may use generative AI tools to complete certain assignments: Students may not use generative AI tools to complete multiple-choice, matching, fill-in the blank, open-ended, or essay exam questions, or for written assignments such as SOAP or procedure notes. Students may use generative AI tools for other assignments but must indicate which generative AI tool they’ve used and how they've used it. To do that, students must include a statement at the end of the submitted assignment that adequately captures the extent of generative AI tool use. This policy applies to the use of all generative AI tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Grammarly, Copilot, and other AI tools, including those provided by the university.
When students may use generative AI tools only for specific constructive processes: Students may not use generative AI tools to complete multiple-choice, matching, fill-in the blank, open-ended, or essay exam questions, or for written assignments such as SOAP or procedural notes. Students may use generative AI tools to brainstorm ideas, to create an outline or headings for their paper, and to improve their use of grammar.Other uses of generative AI tools are prohibited. This includes the use of AI tools to create content for coursework, including the AI tools embedded in Grammarly. Students must also list the AI tools they’ve used as a “Sourced Tool” at the end of the paper or project. This policy applies to the use of all generative AI tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Grammarly, Copilot, and other AI tools, including those provided by the university.
When the use of generative AI tools is prohibited: Students may not use generative AI tools to assist with the completion of any coursework. This policy applies to the use of all generative AI tools, including but not limited to Chat GPT, Grammarly, Copilot, and other AI tools, including those provided by the university.

Generative AI tools in clinical learning environments

Students may not use generative AI tools to assist with completion of patient care or patient write-up assignments, unless specifically endorsed by clerkship program directors or clinical preceptors and in accordance with HIPPA guidance and ethical standards.

Accountability and Integrity

Students are fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and ethical integrity of all submitted work, regardless of whether AI tools were used in the preparation process. Submitting AI-generated work as one’s own without disclosure will constitute an academic integrity violation and misconduct.

Clinical, Scholarly, and Professional Implications

As future professionals, students are expected to develop the skills necessary for autonomous critical thinking (e.g., clinical reasoning, systems thinking, etc.), patient and/or team communication, ethical professional behavior, and evidence-based decision-making. Overreliance on generative AI during the learning process may hinder the development of these essential competencies.

Faculty Review and Enforcement

Faculty are discouraged from using AI text and image detectors due to the imperfection of these tools and the risk of false positives. Emerging research at Penn State shows that faculty and students benefit the most from having explicit AI policies in course syllabi and having conversations about proper use and expectations in the classroom. If you do believe that a student has used AI in a way that violates academic integrity, you are encouraged to communicate with the student and, if necessary, file an official academic integrity violation and misconduct.

Ongoing Review

This policy will be reviewed periodically to reflect advances in AI capabilities and evolving educational standards.

View this policy in the policy portal (Penn State Health ePass login required).

Elective Site Options

GHP-Affiliated Sites (Preferred Path):
- Defined as international partners with which the Global Health Center has an established educational agreement and sends students regularly through the GHP.
- A PSCOM faculty must agree to serve as Course Director for every independent elective. The Course Director must be related to the intended specialty (i.e. Faculty from Surgery department if seeking surgery elective, etc.).
- If there is no PSCOM established course that fits the student’s learning needs, the student must request approval of a “Special Topics Course.” The student submits a “Special Topics Course Proposal” which includes the course learning objectives, assessments, and weekly course plan/educational activities. It is first vetted through the Global Health Center for initial approval. It is then reviewed by the Clerkship Leadership Team (CLT) for approval. The course must meet the necessary academic rigor to be considered for credit at PSCOM.
- Approval requires 1) Global Health Center review of learning objectives and course plan and 2) Curriculum Leadership Team review and approval of Special Topics Course Proposal if the student is pursuing an individualized experience beyond current course offerings.
Non-Affiliated Sites (Case-by-Case):
- Students may request an independent elective at a site not affiliated with GHP. These requests will be considered only on a case-by-case basis.
- VSLO electives: Students are encouraged to consider locations that are affiliated with Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) as they are vetted by AAMC and have clinical rotations for visiting students already established. The VSLO course is offered by another medical school with the school’s designated course director. Students can earn PSCOM credits within VSLO offerings.
  - Approval requires: 1) Global Health Center review of logistics.
- Non-VSLO opportunities at Non-Affiliated Sites: The student must:
  - Identify a PSCOM Course Director in the relevant specialty.
    - Submit a “Special Topics Course Proposal” which includes the course learning objectives, assessments, and weekly course plan/educational activities. The course must meet the necessary academic rigor to be considered for credit at PSCOM.
    - Submit logistics information (i.e. plan for housing and daily transportation, etc.) and site contact acknowledgment with the elective request.
- The Global Health Center reviews the proposal for academic appropriateness and logistics.
- Once the student’s materials are reviewed by Global Health Center, the Curriculum Leadership Team vets the Special Topics Course Proposal.
- Final approval is required from the Associate Dean for Medical Education.
- Approval by the College of Medicine does not override Penn State University restrictions on travel. Students must comply with PSU’s Global Safety Network (GSN) and U.S. State Department travel advisories.

Student Responsibilities

Initiate Process: Contact the Global Health Center to review affiliated site options and requirements.
Secure Course Director: Identify and confirm a PSCOM Course Director to oversee the independent elective in the relevant specialty, if the elective is not a VSLO elective.
International Independent Elective Request Form: Submit a completed Off-Site Elective Request Form with:
- Logistics Plan (housing, daily transportation, etc.),
- Course Director signature and contact information, and
- On-Site contact information and acknowledgment signature for Learner Expectations.
Special Topics Course Proposal Form: Complete and submit the form for electives that are not currently approved courses at PSCOM or through VSLO.
Deadlines:
- GHP-and VSLO affiliated site requests must be submitted at least 60 days before departure.
- Non-affiliated site requests must be submitted at least 90 days before departure.
- Late submissions will not be approved unless extraordinary circumstances exist, and the Associate Dean for Medical Education provides written approval.
GSN Registration: All students must register their travel through Penn State’s Global Safety Network (GSN) for risk and safety review.
Pre-Travel Preparation: Complete travel clinic visit, CDC country guidance, visa and entry requirements, and any required pre-travel sessions.
Post-Travel: Submit the Global Health Post-Trip Report within 30 days of return. Students who received scholarship funding must also submit a thank-you letter to the donor(s).

Course Director Responsibilities

The Course Director must:

Approve the student’s learning objectives, course plan and travel logistics information.
Maintain communication with the international site contact and student while traveling.
Define deliverables and assessments (reports, presentations, logs, etc.) required for grading.
Assign and submit the final grade to the Registrar.

Global Health Center Responsibilities

The Global Health Center will:

Maintain a list of GHSP sites that will allow elective rotations.
Provide guidance to students on elective options and procedures.
Review elective proposals for academic appropriateness.
Determine whether the proposed elective meets the goals and necessary rigor of an academic Global Health experience.
Following determination of appropriateness of the offering, forward the elective requests:
- GHP affiliated site -PSCOM approved course or VSLO site requests → Registrar.
- GHP affiliated site - Special Topics Course → Curriculum Leadership Team → Registrar
- Non-affiliated site requests- Special Topics Course → Curriculum Leadership Team → Associate Dean for Medical Education → Registrar.
Ensure Registrar receives only fully approved requests.
Coordinate, upon request, the issuance of an HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) starter kit to approved traveling students in collaboration with the Office of Medical Education (OME).
- PEP kit provides brief indications on dosing, side effects, and when to seek medical care.
- Students must ensure return of any unused PEP kit to OME within five business days of the student’s return.

Approval Flow

GHP and VSLO - Affiliated Site:
- Student & Course Director prepare International Elective Request form → GHC review & approval → Registrar processing.
Non-Affiliated Site:
- Student & Course Director prepare International Elective Request → GHC approval → Associate Dean approval → Registrar processing.

Compliance and Consequences

Students who fail to meet requirements (deadlines, GSN registration, pre-travel preparation, approvals) will not be permitted to travel for academic credit.
Electives undertaken without approval will not be recorded for credit.
Decisions of the Associate Dean for Medical Education regarding non-affiliated sites are final.

View the Student International Travel Policy (Independent Electives) on the policy portal (Penn State Health ePass login required).

At the end of each Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III (MD Program), a slate of students who have met competency requirements for promotion to the next portion of the curriculum or for graduation will be reviewed and approved by the Academic Progress Committee.

Phase I Competency Requirements

In order to achieve Phase I competency requirements for advancement into Phase II, the students must:

Pass all Phase I courses at an overall grade of 70% or above.
Pass OSCE I (passing determined by the OSCE committee benchmarking process).
Pass OSCE II or have a remediation plan in place (passing determined by the OSCE committee benchmarking process).
Meet minimum professional behavior standards as recommended by Competency Progress Committee and approved by the Academic Progress Committee.
Have taken or have scheduled USMLE- Step 1 exam
- Students who require additional time for USMLE- Step 1 exam may take the Phase II Transition to Clerkships Course and the Phase II Intensive Review of Medical Knowledge study elective. Advancement to clerkships is dependent upon meeting PSCOM policy CA-08, USMLE Requirements.
Students in the Three Year Accelerated MD Pathway (3+) advance into a blended Phase II/Phase III curriculum. Students in the 3+ pathway must have taken USMLE-Step 1 exam to proceed into Phase II/III curriculum and if the student is unsuccessful in their first attempt, they will decelerate into the 4-year curriculum.

Phase II Competency Requirements

In order to achieve Phase II competency requirements for advancement into Phase III, the students must:

Pass all Phase II courses and clerkships (grading criteria, including passing standard, determined by each clerkship director and approved by CUMED). Students may petition APC for deferral of Systems Conscious Humanistic Behavior course into Phase III.
Pass OSCE III (passing determined by the OSCE committee benchmarking process).
Meet minimum professional behavior standards as recommended by Competency Progress Committee and approved by the Academic Progress Committee.

Graduation Requirements are outlined in Policy CA-05 Penn State College of Medicine Graduation Requirements.

View Standards of Achievement in the policy portal (ePass login required).

Personal Improvement Plan (PIP) Form

Phase I

View a full overview of the Phase I Hershey curriculum.

Introduction

At Penn State College of Medicine, students are considered junior colleagues. Preparation, participation, attendance, and timeliness are fundamental professional behaviors and curricular responsibilities that are expected of all students. On-time attendance and full participation is required for all educational activities where students collaborate with other students in the learning experience, where students actively participate with patients/standardized patients and/or from which learning outcomes cannot be readily recreated. Four (4) types of absences are recognized:

Military Absences
Religious Absences
Medical Absences
General Absences

All absences, in all circumstances must be requested using the Absence Request Form. If you are experiencing a critical illness requiring hospitalization or death of a family member, please also contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (Hershey Campus students), or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs (University Park Campus students) Discussion of an absence with staff or faculty does not take the place of submitting the required Absence Request Form. Students must not make travel arrangements until they have received approval for their Absence Request. Out of respect for others engaged in the learning experience, the student must alert faculty and students involved (e.g., PBL group, course director) of absence. The student should ask the other students/facilitator how he/she can contribute to the group’s work before and/or following the absence.

Military Absence

An absence due to military service must be requested at least seven (7) calendar days in advance by submitting an Absence Request Form and receiving approval.

Religious Absence

An absence due to a religious holiday must be requested at least seven (7) calendar days in advance by submitting an Absence Request Form and receiving approval.

Medical Absences

Students with unplanned absences for health-related issues are not expected to participate in course experiences when they are ill and should not report to their courses if they are symptomatic with a communicable respiratory illness. Students must report their medical absence as soon as possible and within 24 hours with an Absence Request Form and supply medical documentation from a provider for their absence at that time. Students are permitted up to five (5) medical absence days each semester. If more than five (5) continuous medical absence days are requested, the student must apply for a Short-Term Leave (see Leave Policy, GP-29). A student who may anticipate needing more than five (5) non-continuous medical absences days due to a chronic medical condition should seek assistance from Disability Services disabilityservices@pennstatehealth.psu.edu. Special Circumstance: Medical Appointments. Obtaining medical appointments may be challenging, but it is expected that every reasonable attempt be made to obtain appointments outside required learning sessions. In the event that a student must miss an educational activity due to a personal non-emergent medical appointment, a request must be placed with an Absence Request Form seven (7) calendar days prior to the appointment and receive approval. The student must supply documentation for that appointment. The student is expected to attend class prior to and upon conclusion of the appointment. Personal medical appointments anticipated to be less than a full day are not counted toward medical absences. Failure to report an unexpected medical absence within 24 hours will be marked as an Unexcused Absence. Per policy, campus security must be informed about any student who is unaccounted for more than 24 hours so that a search can be initiated to confirm that the student is safe.

General Absences

We expect you to be at all required learning sessions. You are allowed to take up to two (2) non-continuous General Absence Days for each semester of Phase I (2 in the first semester of MS1, 2 in the second semester of MS1, and 2 in the first semester of MS2 (Hershey Campus) or PS4 (UP Campus). General Absence Days should be reserved for unexpected events including mild personal illness not requiring medical attention, transportation limitations, family/home emergencies, or personal commitments (including conference/poster presentation attendance) that cannot be rescheduled to times outside required learning sessions. Students must report unexpected General Absence Days as soon as possible and within 24 hours with an Absence Request Form. Scheduled General Absence Days must be requested seven (7) calendar days in advance and obtain approval. For weather related events: The College of Medicine is open unless there is an official announcement of closure from the Dean. Unless the College of Medicine has a weather-related closure, a student’s weather-related absences will be marked as a General Absence Day. Students must not attempt to commute in unsafe driving conditions. Students must follow the procedures for a general absence. Special Circumstance: Essential Activity at Research Conference. Students who have been accepted for an oral research podium presentation or who are on a national committee where their active input is critical, may request up to two (2) additional General Absence Days each semester of Phase I, if needed. These additional General Absence Days for essential conferences must be requested seven (7) calendar days in advance by submitting an Absence Request Form and receiving approval. Documentation of acceptance for an oral presentation or committee membership must be supplied at time of request. Failure to report an unexpected general absence within 24 hours will be marked as an Unexcused Absence. Per policy, campus security must be informed about any student who is unaccounted for more than 24 hours so that a search can be initiated to confirm that the student is safe. Please note there are important limitations to requesting General Absence Days, with or without an associated essential conference attendance. Students are not eligible for these absences on “Black Out Days."

“Black Out Days” include:
- Days immediately prior to or after a holiday/vacation.
- Any educational activity whose learning outcomes cannot be recreated. These sessions include, but are not limited to: OSCEs, Simulation Center sessions, interprofessional education events, exams, Neurology Day, Transition to Clerkship sessions, group presentation days.

Consequences of Unexcused Absences or Tardiness

Unexcused absences or consistent tardiness (more than 1 tardy and/or any single tardy of over 15 minutes) will be considered as lapses in professional behavior. Students who have unapproved absences or tardiness for a given activity will earn a final course grade of “Does Not Meet Expectations.” Given the activity, students must contact the course director and determine how to remediate the DNM.

Contacts

For any questions about absence requests, please contact:

Hershey: Email medstudentabsence@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
University Park: Curriculum manager at the University Park Office of Medical Education at 814-689-6717 or email UPCOM@pennstatehealth.psu.edu in the University Park Office of Medical Education.

Note: Students who wish to appeal an absence decision or to request an exception to the above policy due to compelling circumstances must directly reach out to the Associate Dean of Student Affairs. See attendance information on the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

During anatomy laboratory safety training, students are informed about allergens, and respiratory irritants present in the learning environment.
Students with known allergies or respiratory conditions that could be exacerbated by materials in the anatomy laboratory, and students who are pregnant or breastfeeding, are requested to schedule an evaluation with the Office of Student Health’s Nursing Supervisor.
The Student Health Nursing Supervisor will perform an Occupational Health and Safety screening with the student and provide recommendations for additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including mask fit testing, as needed. The equipment itself will be provided to the student.
The student will wear the recommended additional PPE as directed and monitor their condition, making sure to seek medical care and further consultation with the Student Health Nursing Supervisor, if they have concerns, or if allergy symptoms or respiratory conditions worsen, despite PPE use.
This procedure will be distributed to all students during laboratory safety training and signs will be posted within the anatomy laboratory with contact information for the Student Health Nursing Supervisor (Student_health@pennstatehealth.psu.edu).

View Phase I Anatomy Laboratory Guidance for Students with Medical Conditions that Could be Exacerbated by the Laboratory Environment and Students Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding in the policy portal (ePass login required).

Scheduled class activities, averaged over the course of the academic year, should not exceed 28 hours per week. Students in the HC3+ parallel track may spend an additional 6 hours of required parallel track coursework per week.
Additional activities may be assigned to be completed outside of class time. The total time of all required in class and out of class activities should not exceed 34 hours per week averaged over the course of the academic year.

View the Phase I Scheduled Time guidelines in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Background

Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State Health are committed to enhancing the quality of life through improved health, the professional preparation of those who will serve the health needs of others, and the discovery of knowledge that will benefit all. Penn State College of Medicine aims to ensure the medical learning environment is safe for patients and supportive for learners and educators. The Penn State College of Medicine MD program requires that students undertake the examination of all patients, regardless of their personal, social, religious, cultural, or individual characteristics, with the professional manner to develop competence in these examinations. Peer physical examination is an accepted educational method supported in contemporary medical education literature and used in many medical schools across the United States and abroad to improve clinical skills training. This policy identifies the benefits of peer physical examination, clarifies the expectations of students and staff participating in peer physical examination, and details the procedures addressing an unexpected event or unprofessional behavior.

Benefits of Peer Physical Examination

Penn State College of Medicine MD program students must demonstrate competency in a wide range of clinical skills including performing an appropriate physical examination on patients. Students begin physical examination training early in Phase 1 during the Foundations of Patient-Centered Care (FPCC) course via physician-supervised examination of peers, standardized patients, and real patients. Peer physical exam is supported by evidence in contemporary medical education literature with benefits including:

Helping students to appreciate the patient perspective, i.e. what it feels like to be physically examined, the importance of clear communication and instructions to a patient throughout an examination, how a patient can feel vulnerable or embarrassed, and the importance of proper draping to ensure minimal body exposure.
Enabling clinician students (meaning, the student performing physical examination on a peer) to receive feedback on their physical examination skills from fellow students, clinical skills educators (CSEs), and, most importantly, the patient student (meaning, the student who is being examined by their peer) who can give feedback from the patient’s perspective.
Enabling students to improve their technique by practicing the same examination multiple times which is not typically possible with real patients who are ill or tired.
Enabling students to develop confidence and skill in a safe environment examining peers before examining real patients.
Fostering a culture of respect and understanding of appropriate professional behaviors, including obtaining consent.
Enabling students to study normal anatomy and appreciate normal physical examination findings on many different subjects rather than just learning on patients, many of whom have abnormal physical examination findings.

From studies of students’ attitudes toward peer physical examination, it is known that a number of factors including age, gender, ethnicity, cultural and religious beliefs, and personal experiences mean that some students may be more anxious about participation in peer physical examination sessions than others. At Penn State College of Medicine, we value the diversity of our student body. In order to balance individual preferences regarding their level of participation in peer physical examination with ensuring that all students have an opportunity to practice their skills (and thus become competent), Penn State College of Medicine expects that all students treat one another with respect and dignity.

Expectations

Each Penn State College of Medicine MD candidate will be allocated to an FPCC clinical skills group and, when possible, will work with that same group of students and CSE across the first- and second-year FPCC curricula. Students will receive their group assignments prior to the start of the FPCC course and may discuss any concerns with FPCC Course Directors or their assigned CSE at any time. Students should not feel pressured to be examined at any time. Students are expected to participate in peer physical examination as 1) the “clinician” student who conducts the physical examination, 2) the “patient” student who is being examined, and 3) the “observing” student who provides thoughtful feedback to the clinician student. To maximize learning, students will rotate through these roles in each clinical skills session. Students must understand that peer physical examination sessions constitute a “clinical” environment where they must behave in the same professional manner as they would on any other clinical rotation. All students must sign and agree to abide by the professional behaviors outlined in the Peer Physical Examination Agreement (see below). Students must show the same respect and care to peers as they would to patients. Students must respect the modesty of the patient student and ensure they gain verbal consent prior to every physical examination, just as they would with real patients. The clinician student must ensure that exposure of the patient student is restricted to the relevant body part, for the shortest time possible, thus ensuring the comfort, dignity, and modesty of the patient student, exactly as with real patients. It is recommended that students rotate positions and peer partners, thereby ensuring a variety of examination experiences. However, we recognize that students may feel anxious about peer physical examination and are entitled to make autonomous choices about their own bodies. Students may choose to work with a peer of the same gender identity, for example. If such an adjustment is unacceptable to a student for a specific physical examination, the student may act just as the observing or clinician student. Students must respect the decisions of their peers regarding the specific physical examinations for which they decline to be examined, and no rationale need be provided for declining to be examined. Students should dress in comfortable clothing that will best facilitate physical examination. Examples of acceptable clothing include athletic shorts, tank tops, sports bras, leggings or yoga pants, and loose-fitting pants. Clinical skills educators are all trained physicians and educators and their role is to demonstrate a physical examination on a volunteer patient student at the beginning of a session and then provide ongoing feedback to all students in a clinical skills group to increase student competence and confidence with examinations. Clinical skills educators should therefore not routinely offer themselves to be examined.

Ensuring Non-participants Receive Comparable Learning

It is important to remember that while participation in peer physical examination should be at the level of each student’s comfort, it is an absolute requirement of the Penn State College of Medicine MD program that students undertake examination of all patients, regardless of their personal, social, religious, cultural, or individual characteristics. If a student is uncomfortable with a specific physical examination as a patient student, they should discuss their discomfort with their CSE. The student might request to work with a student of the same gender identity, or have the examination take place behind a curtain, for example. If these suggested adjustments are unacceptable to the student, they may act as the observing or clinician student without rotation to the patient student role. If a student must opt out of the majority of peer physical examinations, they must complete an alternate assignment designated by the course directors with the goal of achieving the peer physical examination learning objectives.

Procedure for Discovery of a Possible Clinical Abnormality

In the event that a clinician student incidentally discovers a possible abnormality upon examination of the patient student (e.g. heart murmur, thyroid nodule, suspicious-looking skin lesion), the clinician student should discretely and confidentially discuss this finding with the CSE. The CSE may consider confirming the exam finding or reassuring the student of the absence of the exam finding, depending on his/her comfort. The CSE will ask for consent to examine the patient student , and if granted, may choose to proceed with examination. If no abnormality is detected, the CSE can provide reassurance and then give feedback on the examination technique. If, however, a possible abnormality is confirmed or there is some concern, the CSE will recommend follow up with a primary care physician. If the student patient declines to be examined by the CSE, then they are advised to seek evaluation by a primary care physician. There is no expectation that this interaction establishes a physician-patient relationship. CSEs are not to act as the students’ physician and cannot provide clinical care to students. There is no requirement that a student must act on the recommendation of the CSE. If any concerns remain, a student should seek a full evaluation of a possible abnormality with a physician. Students will be given resources to find a primary care physician if they do not have one.

Procedure for Unprofessional Student Behavior

As discussed previously in this document, students are expected to behave professionally during peer physical examination. Any concerns regarding unprofessional behavior (e.g. breaking confidentiality, discussing a fellow student’s medical history/examination outside of the clinical skills session, etc.) will be reported to 1) FPCC course directors, and 2) the Penn State College of Medicine Competency Progress Committee via the formal Concern Form.

Procedure for Unprofessional CSE Behavior

Penn State College of Medicine CSEs are all trained physicians. If a student has any concerns regarding unprofessional behavior of their CSE, they should discuss with the FPCC course directors. Students also may report concerns of unprofessional behavior to The Office for Respectful Learning Environment. View Peer Physical Examination Policy and Procedures in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Phases II and III

Students may progress to Phase III courses including Acting Internships according to the planned curriculum of the Accelerated Program. The requirement to complete Phase II prior to taking Phase III courses will be waived. The student’s readiness to enter advanced courses will be assessed and their performance monitored.

View the Accelerated Track AI and Phase III Course Policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Changes to Phase II Clerkship Core Rotations

Students have several opportunities to modify their Phase II core rotation schedule and site selection during the lottery process. Immediately following the lottery for site selection, students may switch sites with other students during a defined period of time as guided by the registrar. Once that period is completed, the assignment is considered final.

Students who require a modified schedule or a modification of site due to compelling circumstances should make a request in writing to the Assistant Dean for Clinical Learning Environment (Hershey students) or the Associate Dean for Medical Education at University Park (University Park students). The respective Dean will weigh the circumstances of the student against available resources, site availability, and potential impact on other students. The resolution might be a change in site, a rescheduling of the clerkship to another time to accommodate the student’s needs, or no change.

Changes to Phase III Courses (Acting Internships, Electives and Humanities Selectives)

Phase III provides flexibility in course choices and students may make changes in courses up to 4 weeks prior to the start of the course using the add/drop process. Students are asked to plan ahead and be mindful of this time period. All course changes are reviewed and signed off by the student’s Academic Advisor for Hershey campus students or the Associate Dean for Medical Education, University Park or their designee, for University Park campus students. Students who require a change within that 4-week time window due to unforeseen circumstances or need to fulfill an educational requirement should make a request in writing to the Director of UME-GME Transition (Hershey students) or the respective Associate Dean for Medical Education at Hershey or University Park (University Park students). The respective Dean will weigh the circumstances of the student against available resources and potential impact on other students. The resolution might be a change in the course or no change.

View the Procedure for Student Request for Alternative Educational Site or Clinical Assignment in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Purpose

To provide guidance regarding students taking an elective under the auspices of another medical school, institution or organization.

LCME Standard (11.3)

If a medical student at a medical school is permitted to take an elective under the auspices of another medical school, institution, or organization, a centralized system exists in the dean’s office at the home school to review the proposed extramural elective prior to approval and to ensure the return of a performance assessment of the student and an evaluation of the elective by the student.

Scope

College of Medicine students, faculty and staff.

Policy and Procedure Statements

Established electives at any LCME-accredited U.S. medical school may be used to satisfy the PSCOM elective requirement. Students must complete the “Away Elective Form” and submit to the Registrar’s Office at least one month prior to the beginning of the rotation.
Established electives at affiliate institutions of the Penn State College of Medicine may be used to satisfy the PSCOM elective requirement.
Established electives at institutions which are not LCME accredited U.S. medical schools must undergo additional review and approval before they may be used to satisfy PSCOM elective requirements. Students must complete the “Away Elective Form” and submit to the Registrar’s Office at least two months prior to the beginning of the rotation. Students must submit the following:
- Course Description. A detailed description of the elective educational experience, including a statement detailing the number of hours the student will spend weekly in clinical work. Electives must include a minimum of 40 hours of work per week.
- Course goals and objectives.
- Description of assessments used to determine grade.
- Documentation of the course director or faculty responsible for educational experiences and evaluation at that site.
- A letter from the course director or supervisor attesting that they have reviewed the required documentation as representative of the requested elective.

It is the responsibility of the student to gather the required documentation. The course description, goals and objectives should come from the organizers of the elective.

For established electives at institutions which are not LCME accredited medical schools, all materials must be reviewed by the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment (Hershey campus) or the Associate Dean for Medical Education (University Park campus) prior to approval.

Assessment

The Registrar of PSCOM tracks receipt of performance assessments of the student from outside away electives. If the performance assessment is not received within a 4-week time frame, the Registrar communicates with the outside institution and the PSCOM Assistant Dean for the Clinical Learning Environment is contacted. All grades must be assigned within a six-week time frame.

Evaluation

Students complete an away elective evaluation through the PSCOM course evaluation system. The Office of Evaluation and Evaluation (OEA) tracks evaluations of away rotations.

Applicability

This policy applies to students taking an elective under the auspices of another medical school, institution or organization.

View the full away elective approval document in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

All requests for absences should be initiated by submitting a request through the absence request form. The form can also be found in the Phase II or III Events and Resources Canvas pages.
Planned Absences for issues not related to health, religious observances or residency interviews: Students with requests for approval of planned absences are expected to make requests to the clerkship/course director at least four weeks prior to the proposed absence date, so that schedules may be adjusted appropriately whenever possible.

Approval of absences is at the discretion of the clerkship/course director(s). If a student has compelling circumstances and an absence is not approved, they may request an exception by the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education.
1. Students will receive no more than one day of excused absence from any two-week elective, two days of excused absence from any four-week clerkship, and 3 days of excused absence from any 6-week clerkship. Students enrolled in any of the longitudinal integrated clerkship (LIC) options will receive no more than two days of excused absence from any one of the clerkships within the LIC.
2. Excused absences may include attending the wedding of an immediate family member (parents or siblings) or those in which the student is an integral part of the wedding party (attending weddings under other circumstances must be discussed with, and approved by, the clerkship director and/or the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education). Excused absences may be requested to attend scientific conferences for which the student is orally presenting at the conference (including an oral presentation of a poster) or receiving an award, or to complete required military service. All such excused absences (including any associated travel time) are subject to the excused absence limits as described in Section 2A.
3. In the event of inclement weather, all students should make every attempt to continue their responsibilities if the hospital or clinic site is open. If the student is unable to travel because of hazardous conditions, they must complete the absence request form AND notify their team members as well as the clerkship director.
4. The College of Medicine recognizes that additional time may be required for residency interviews and/or second-look days during the fourth year. In Phase III, students are permitted up to 2 excused days per two-week rotation, or up to 4 excused days per four-week rotation, for the purpose of residency interviews and/or second-look days. Students must notify the course director about any scheduled interview or second-look date as soon as they are scheduled, ideally at least 1 week prior to the interview or second-look date. Due to attendance requirements, students should not schedule interviews or second-look days during Humanities selective weekly or bi-weekly sessions. All absence requests for interviews or second-look days must be submitted via the absence request form. The student is expected to complete all required elements, assessments, clinical shifts, and course objectives of the rotation in order to pass the course. Course directors may assign additional shifts or make-up work as needed to make up for time missed on the rotation. If excess absences interfere with meaningful participation in the course or prevent completion of required elements of the rotation, then students may be assigned make-up work and/or be asked to re-schedule the rotation at the discretion of the course director.
5. Students with excused absences in excess of the amounts stated above will work with the course/clerkship director to determine additional clinical responsibilities needed for successful completion of the course/clerkship in order to receive a final grade. All unexcused absences require remediation prior to distribution of grades for the course and may result in an incomplete or failure for the rotation, as well as submission of a professionalism citation.
Absences for Health Related Issues
1. There may be times when, unexpectedly, students become ill and are unable to participate in the course experiences for some period of time. Students must inform the clerkship director, the faculty attending and team resident, as relevant, as soon as possible. Students who are ill are not expected to participate in course experiences while they are ill; however, because of the importance of the experiences to clinical training, it must be understood that time missed due to illness may need to be made up. Therefore, it is very important to discuss these absences and make-up requirements with the clerkship/course director as soon as possible after the absence.
2. There may be times when a student needs to access health services, and knows in advance when this will happen. Such needs for health services are considered approved absences. Absences should be for the minimum time practicable; for example, when possible, the student should attend a scheduled medical appointment and return thereafter, rather than taking off the entire day. Students with planned absences for health related issues must inform the clerkship or course director, in advance, and as soon as possible. Students are not required to divulge the health issue that requires an absence. Requests for absences because of the need to access health services during clinical duty hours will be approved, but such requests must be submitted to course/clerkship director. These will be recorded as excused absences. In certain circumstances, a student may need a more prolonged absence than one day of excused absence for health reasons. In such cases, the student should meet with the course/clerkship director, the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment, or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education to develop a plan to meet course requirements.
3. A student may also need time to care for an ill or hospitalized family member, or to attend the funeral of a family member. In such cases, the student must inform the clerkship director and the clinical team of the absence. Particular situations may require approval from the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education. In these circumstances, it is very important to discuss the make-up requirements with the clerkship/acting internship director as soon as possible before or after the absence.
Planned Absences for Religious Observances: Requests for absences in order to observe Penn State College of Medicine recognized religious holidays will be approved. Absence will be approved for the religious observance itself and not for associated travel. In such cases, the absence will not be counted toward the allowable number of absences in a clerkship/course. Students should discuss such plans with the course/clerkship director as far in advance as possible and no less than four weeks in advance. The student is expected to complete all assignments, shifts, clinical encounters and assessments in the respective course/clerkship and meet course objectives in order to pass the course. Therefore, students who anticipate using several days for religious observance within a period of time coinciding with a block course/clerkship should choose rotations that allow completion of all requirements within that period of time and/or meet with the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment or respective Associate Deans for Medical Education for schedule planning.
Absence Reporting: Completing the absence request form will automatically notify the Office of Medical Education, and for Hershey campus students, the course/clerkship director and coordinator. Absentee requests for clinical rotations at the University Park campus and Kaiser Permanente Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship will be processed at those sites. Once an absence is approved, a student is required to notify their preceptor and team. If the absence is an emergency or unexpected, the student should complete the absence request form and contact their preceptor and team. Absence requests and absence approvals will be tracked by the Office of Medical Education.
Required Sessions: Certain sessions in each clerkship are mandatory; excused absences should not be planned during these sessions and will not be excused. Students should consult the clerkship schedule on OASIS and/or contact the clerkship director to ensure that absences do not occur during these sessions. If there is an unanticipated event or compelling circumstance that requires absence from a session, the student must discuss with the clerkship director and design a plan to make-up the work. Students are expected to report on time to all orientation and examination sessions. Required sessions may include, but are not limited to:
1. Onboarding and course orientation activities
2. Offboarding assessments and activities including exams
3. Required formative or summative assessments, such as OSCE or EKG sessions
4. Patients and Sciences III (Marsh Rounds) for University Park students
5. In addition to mandatory course sessions, all students are required to attend mandatory courses and events as prescribed by the Office of Medical Education. Examples include:
  1. Transition to Internship course
  2. Translating Health Systems course
All students will be responsible for any session material missed during an absence.
Students are expected to attend all scheduled conferences and participate in all of the clinical experiences scheduled in each clerkship or acting internship. Students are expected to report on time to all clinical assignments, whether in clinic, hospital wards, operating suites or lecture rooms. Students who are repeatedly late or absent from assigned conferences or clinical activities may receive an incomplete or failing grade for the rotation, and/or a professionalism citation.

View the full Clinical Phase attendance policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Penn State College of Medicine recognizes and supports the importance of developmental responsibility in medical student education and the need for appropriate medical student supervision in order to protect the safety of patients and students. The level of responsibility delegated to the student must be congruent with the level of training and experience of the student and should increase as the student’s knowledge, skills and overall competence builds. This policy outlines the requirements to meet these needs.

Supervisors of Medical Students in the Clinical Setting

Supervisors for medical students in hospitals and clinics may be physicians, residents, and other health care providers appropriately certified and working within the scope of practice of their profession.

Responsibility

It is the shared responsibility of the supervising physician, the clerkship/course director or site director as well as the respective chair of the department to ensure this policy is followed. Faculty, residents and students must adhere to this policy.

Supervisors of Medical Students in the Clinical Setting

Supervisors for medical students in hospitals and clinics may be physicians, residents, and other health care providers appropriately certified and working within the scope of their professions.
Supervisors in required clerkships who are attending physicians or advanced practice providers must have a faculty appointment at the College of Medicine.
Supervisors for Phase III medical students must be credentialed by their corresponding hospital in the procedures/skills that they are supervising.

Supervision

Supervisors of medical students must be aware of their student’s level of training and the learning objectives of the course or clerkship. Students may only participate in procedures when they are judged to be ready and prepared by their supervisor.
While obtaining a patient history or conducting a physical examination, a supervisor must be either physically present with the medical student or readily available.
Medical students may enter findings and notes in the patient’s medical record adhering to regulation per training of placement of student notes. The supervising healthcare professional will review medical student documentation and provide feedback for educational purposes.
Clinical decisions and orders are never enacted by medical students without a supervisor’s approval.
A supervising healthcare professional is required to directly supervise through direct presence or availability, all procedures in which a medical student is involved. The degree of supervision (direct supervision with supervising health professional present or available) will take into account the complexity of the procedure, potential for adverse effects, and the demonstrated competence, maturity and responsibility of each student in order to ensure the safety and comfort of the patient. The supervising health professional must be credentialed in the procedure being supervised.
The principles and practice of informed consent must be followed at all times. Patients should provide consent to have medical students participate in their care.

Monitoring

The course/clerkship director, site director, supervising faculty and respective chair of the department share responsibility to ensure this policy is followed.
Students with concerns about the adequacy and availability of supervision should contact their course/clerkship director or the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment.
Penn State College of Medicine faculty scope of practice is reviewed every two years in the credentialing process. Verification of faculty’s training and competence in procedural skills is verified and signed off by the chair of the respective department.

Distribution

This policy will be distributed annually to all health professionals who supervise medical students in the clinical setting in any Penn State College of Medicine rotations; the educational leadership at affiliate sites; and all medical students.

View the supervision of medical students in clinical settings policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

The Clinician Scientist Training Pathway was developed to provide students with the opportunity to complete a one-year, mentored research project(s) while maintaining active student status at the Penn State College of Medicine. This is distinct from a Research Leave of Absence (LOA) where a student is not registered for any courses and therefore does not have access to PSCOM resources such as library, email, or medical liability insurance. Students in the CTSP may choose to perform research in any health-related area, including basic science, clinical science, systems science, humanities, medical education or social sciences research.

In order to participate, the student candidate must:

Be an active medical student at PSCOM in good academic standing.
Have successfully completed all Phase II coursework.
Have successfully passed USMLE-1.
Have been accepted into CSTP with a preliminary project proposal approved by the Director of Medical Student Research and the student’s research mentor.
Plan to complete research at Penn State University and wish to maintain an active full time student status.

In order to successfully complete the CSTP the student must:

Complete 1 year of CSTP research over two contiguous semesters.
Complete a minimum of two longitudinal 16-credit courses, namely Clinician Scientist Research-1 (CSR-1) in the student’s first semester in the pathway, followed by Clinician Scientist Research-2 (CSR-2) in the second semester of the pathway. This constitutes a minimum of 4 months of research each semester for curricular credit.
Meet all CSTP deliverables including quarterly reports within designated timelines and complete all CSTP requirements by the end date of the CSTP.
Adhere to all policies concerning safe and ethical conduct of research.
Act with honesty, integrity, accountability, reliability, and self-regulation, adhering to ethical norms and principles.

In addition to research requirements, the student in the CSTP is eligible to take up to two clinical Phase III courses during each CSTP semester. Students may count one clinical course (up to 6-credits) toward PSCOM graduation requirements. Research courses taken during CSTP are not counted toward Phase III course requirements or graduation requirements.

CSTP students who have completed 8 semesters of full-time course work are eligible for extended study with semester 9 and 10 at 10% tuition.

The procedures for acceptance in CSTP are as follows:

Students are accepted into the CSTP annually in late Spring. The year-long pathway runs from July 1 through the following June. Determinations of acceptance into the CSTP will be made by June 15^th of each academic year.
The preliminary project proposal is due no later than May 1^st prior to the intended July entry.
The preliminary project proposal must:
- Be in a health-related area, including basic science, clinical science, systems science, humanities, medical education or social sciences research.
- Include a concise statement of the research question, background and significance, methods, and a statement of student and mentor responsibilities.
- Be able to be completed within a one-year timeframe.
- Include the following parts (Up to 1.5 pages total length):
- Concise statement of research question (1-3 lines)
  - Brief background/literature review (1/2 page)
  - Significance (1-3 lines)
  - Innovation (1-3 lines)
  - Concise Research strategy including methods to address the research question (1/2 page)
  - Statement of Student and Advisor Responsibilities (2-5 lines)
  - Timeline for the project, including quarterly progress reports (timeline or table)
Preliminary Proposal Process:
- The research advisor will complete an evaluation form for the preliminary proposal approval (Clinician Scientist Research - Advisor Proposal Review).
- After the research advisor submits their evaluation of the preliminary proposal, the Director of Medical Student Research conducts an evaluation of the proposal using the FINER criteria: Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, and Relevant (FINER: a Research Framework | Elsevier Language Services Blog).
- The student is then informed that the project proposal is approved or needs to be revised.

Once the preliminary proposal is approved, the student will complete the Clinician Scientist form and return it to the Director of Medical Student Research to obtain electronic signatures from the Student, Research Advisor, Director of Medical Student Research, Associate Dean of Medical Education, Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Registrar, Director of Finance/Student Aid and Bursar.

View Clinician Scientist Training Pathway Policy and Procedures in the policy portal (ePass login required).

Clerkship students must be observed, by faculty or clinician-educators, performing essential components of history and physical exams in each clerkship. These observations will be monitored centrally by the College of Medicine. Students and faculty will be provided with clear expectations of the essential components of a history and physical exam. Shared responsibility between student and faculty in seeking out the experiences early in the rotation is expected and required. View the direct observation of clinical skills document on the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Medical students in Phase II: In order to foster the appropriate balance of experience and education, the weekly time spent on clinical and on-site educational responsibilities should be determined by the clerkship director and Assistant Dean for Clinical Medicine and must comply with the following maximum limits:
1. maximum of 80 hours per week
2. one day free from clinical experience or on-site educational responsibilities in seven averaged over 4 weeks
3. on call duties no more frequent than once weekly averaged over 4 weeks
4. a maximum of 24 continuous work hours with an additional 4-hour window for on-site educational activities, sign- out and handoffs.

2. Medical students in Phases III: In order to foster the appropriate balance of experience and education, the weekly time spent on clinical and on site educational responsibilities should be determined by the course director and Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment and must comply with the following maximum limits averaged over four weeks: a maximum of 80 hours per week; one day free from clinical experience or on-site educational responsibilities in seven; on call duties no more frequent than every third night; and a maximum of 24 hours continuous work hours with an additional 4-hour window for on-site educational activities, sign-out and handoffs.

3. Students should report duty hour violations during Phase II through III rotations to the Clerkship/Course Director or the Assistant Dean for the Clinical Learning Environment and log in OASIS where applicable.

View the duty hours in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Purpose

To effectively guide students in the design of their academic course of study, specifically in choosing electives to ensure a broad range of interests in addition to their preparation for their chosen specialty

Scope

Policy applies to Phase III of the curriculum

Policy and Procedure Statements

LCME Standard: 6.5. Elective Opportunities

The faculty of a medical school ensure that the medical curriculum includes elective opportunities that supplement required learning experiences and that permit medical students to gain exposure to and expand their understanding of medical specialties, and to pursue their individual academic interests.

LCME Standard: 11.2. Career Advising

A medical school has an effective career advising system in place that integrates the efforts of faculty members, clerkship directors, and student affairs staff to assist medical students in choosing elective courses, evaluating career options, and applying to residency programs.

Policy and Procedure Statement

In order to effectively guide medical students in the design of their academic course of study

and comply with LCME standards, students must meet with their Longitudinal Academic Counselor to discuss their choices for elective and acting internship courses. Students are encouraged to select electives to enhance their learning and preparation for internship. Graduation Requirements including types of elective requirements are included in Policy CA-05 Graduation Requirements and CA-32 Elective Requirements in Phase II-III.

The Longitudinal Academic Counselor must document that the advising meeting has occurred and that the Counselor approves the choice of courses. The documentation must be submitted with the list of courses to the College of Medicine’s Registrar, located in the Office of Student Affairs, on or before the deadline for course selection in the electronic course selection system (OASIS). The list of courses should include all of the courses that will be entered into the lottery system for possible enrollment. A student will not be entered into the lottery system for courses until the form is submitted with documentation that the choice of courses has been discussed with and approved by the advisor.

Students are encouraged to meet with their Longitudinal Academic Counselor and/or other faculty members for additional advice and guidance, but these meetings are supplemental to the meeting with the Faculty Advisor described above. Information about the Career Advising Program (CAP) is available from the Office of Student Affairs.

View the elective choice policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

To meet graduation requirements, students in Penn State College of Medicine must successfully complete
1. All Phase II elective requirements in their track:
  - Students must complete the equivalent of 4 weeks of electives.
  - For students participating in the Hershey Curriculum 3+ Track, the requirement for Phase II electives is waived.
2. A minimum of 24 weeks of Phase III elective rotations
  - Students will complete two 4-week clinical courses with active patient care (this includes appropriate clinical electives, Acting Internships, or Critical Care courses) within five months prior to graduation.
  - Students participating in the Hershey Curriculum 3+ Track must complete the Phase I Clinical Confirmation elective and the equivalent of 8 additional weeks of electives. The remainder of the 24-week elective requirement is waived. Based on extenuating circumstances, students may apply for a waiver of 4 weeks of the 8 weeks of electives through the Associate Dean for Student Affairs which will then be reviewed for approval by the Academic Progress Committee. Certain Phase III electives may be offered in an accelerated fashion as developmentally appropriate in Phase I.
  - A maximum of 8 weeks of Phase III research electives will count towards the graduation requirement.
Any listed pre-requisites must have been successfully completed prior to beginning the elective.
Changes for Phase II-III elective rotations are not permitted within four (4) weeks prior to the start date of the rotation without approval of the Associate Dean for Medical Education or Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment.

View elective requirements in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

It is required that all residents and fellows attend a Resident and Fellows as Educator (RFAE) orientation or equivalent asynchronous education to appropriately participate in the teaching of learners and to develop skills as effective educators.

Definitions

The goal of the RFAE orientation is to instruct all Penn State Health residents and fellows in evidence-based basic teaching skills to prepare them for working with all learners.

Principles

The content for the RFAE sessions will include but not be limited to the following:

Recognize ways to promote a positive learning climate
Discuss competencies and ways to locate rotation specific learning objectives
Examine the teaching evaluation tool components.

Procedures

All residents and fellows will complete/attend a scheduled in-person GME orientation or an equivalent asynchronous activity. Participation will be recorded and tracked by the Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME) and the Woodward Center for Excellence in Health Sciences Education.
Residents are encouraged to attend additional synchronous, virtual core GME development The attendance for those who attend the RFAE sessions virtually is recorded by Teams and then tracked in New Innovations by the Office of GME. These sessions are recorded and can be viewed after the session. If an individual views the recording after the session they are required to complete an evaluation in order to receive “credit” for attending

View Preparing Residents and Fellows as Educators in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Required Acting Internship Courses

Students must take one acting internship from each of the two lists - ward courses and critical care courses.

The total number of students (PSCOM or visiting) that can be accommodated for any given elective is set by the elective course director for a given department, based on the educational capacity for the elective. This includes an evaluation of the projected number of learners and their educational needs. No additional positions are added to accommodate visiting students. These available slotsare first opened to PSCOM students and if there are any remaining positions, these are offered to visiting students via VSLO. All departments must first accept PSCOM students for elective Phase III/fourth year courses and then accept visiting students based upon remaining teaching capacity.

Applications for visiting students are first reviewed by the Registrar’s office. If there is capacity, the Registrar sends the applications to the appropriate department.

To ensure sufficiency of resources, the Assistant Dean for Education in the Clinical Learning Environment reviews the data annually. This includes the percentage of PSCOM medical students who were able to get their top 3 choices in their Phase II clerkship order as well as the percentage of PSCOM medical students who were able to get their first choice in electives in Phase III. The Assistant Dean presents this information to CUMED for approval annually.

View Resources Used by Visiting Medical Students in the policy portal (ePass login required).

Security/IT

View the full Active Shooter/Extreme Violence Incident Management Policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

View the University policy on Computer and Network Security (AD-20).

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the College of Medicine will utilize the on-campus telephone extension 8888 as an emergency number that can be used to report extremely serious events observed by our campus community, while still maintaining established campus extensions for non-emergency security or facilities related calls. If you are not using a campus phone (i.e., if you're on your cell phone), you can call 717-531-8888. Extension 8888 should be called in an emergency situation to report:

violent or extremely serious security incidents;
fire, chemical, or other serious building safety related emergencies;
medical emergencies.

Calling extension 8888 will place the caller in immediate contact with the medical center switchboard who will then appropriately direct the call. For other Security incidents or service requests from Security, extension 8711 should be called to reach the 24-hour Security Operations Center (SOC). Facilities-related issues are received at the Buildings Operation Center (BOC), extension 8096.

View the crisis response telephone numbers in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Students shall only access the records of individuals for whom they are providing direct patient care.
Students shall follow the privacy regulations set forth in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) at all times.
Students are expected to document medical care in the EHR during clinical rotations within Penn State Health. Students may enter billable and non-billable patient documentation.
Attending physicians or Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) who are final signatories are responsible to ensure accurate documentation by students in the EHR. Attending physicians, APPs, or attending physicians’ resident designees shall review the student note to ensure appropriate content, accuracy, and professionalism and to provide teaching to the student.

Student billable notes: Student billable notes should include the following statement under the header of the note: “This note was written by a _____(medical/PA) student. Preliminary report status should be regarded as NOT reviewed by an attending physician or supervising APP. Finalized report status indicates that the attending/APP has reviewed the note and agrees with the plan.” The attending/APP of record may use the student’s documentation for billing purposes IF physical presence is satisfied by:

The attending, APP or resident is physically present while the student performs the history and physical examination, OR
The attending, APP or resident re-performs and verifies the history and exam with the student present.

Faculty and residents must attest to their own physical presence for student billable notes in the following manner: For example, language in each attestation may include

Attending presence with student: “I was physically present with the____ (medical/PA) student and patient, having personally performed/re-performed the physical exam and medical decision-making activities for the service. I verify that the history, physical exam and medical decision making as documented in the note by the (medical/PA) student are accurate except…”
Advanced Practice Provider supervising the student: “I was physically present with the ___(medical/PA) and patient, having personally performed/re-performed the physical exam and medical decision-making activities for the service. I verify that the history, physical exam and medical decision making as documented in the note by the (medical/PA) student are accurate except…”
Resident physical presence with student: “As the resident, I was physically present with the (medical/PA) student, having personally performed/re-performed the physical exam, and medical decision-making. I verify that the (medical/PA) student’s note is accurate and reflects the services provided except…” The attending then provides attestation of the resident’s note: “My resident was physically present with the (medical/PA) student at the encounter, and I have personally performed/re-performed the physical exam and medical decision- making activities for the service. I verify that the history, physical exam and medical decision making as documented in the note by the (medical/PA) student are accurate except…”

Medical Student and PA Student non-billable notes: Medical students and PA students may document their notes in the EHR without the physical presence of the attending, resident, or APP, but these notes may not be used for billing purposes. However, as per CMS guidelines, physicians of record as well as residents may refer to the nonbillable medical student note for documentation of the Review of Systems, Past Medical History, Family History, or Social History. Attending physicians or residents must personally document all other components of a History & Physical, including the Chief Complaint, History of Present Illness, Physical Examination, Assessment and Plan in a separate electronic note in order to meet CMS guidelines and to ensure accurate billing and coding. As per CMS guidelines, APPs may not refer to the student note as documentation of the Review of Systems, Past Medical History, Family History or Social History but rather must document all components of their note in the EHR. The nonbillable student note is entered in the EHR system with the title of “Medical Student Note” or “PA Student Note” respectively. Final signature of the nonbillable student note may be from the supervising attending or resident or APP as determined by the respective chair in each respective department.
Students may not serve as scribes.
Students may complete the Discharge Instructions and Discharge Summary.
Students rotating outside of the Penn State Health system shall follow the policies and procedures for medical student documentation of the host facility.
Publishing Status. Medical student notes shall be viewable to all after completion by the student and before final signing.

View the Documentation in Electronic Health Records policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Definitions

Communication strategy – Within the context of this policy, communication strategy refers to the event-specific communication plan that is devised for a crisis or emergency caused by humans or a natural phenomenon.

Crisis or Emergency – Defined broadly, a crisis or emergency is an event which can negatively impact (including serious damage) participants of Penn State College of Medicine. These terms can be used interchangeably in reference to any situation that:

Requires immediate and coordinated action to minimize impact on the student population
Has a significant impact on the operation or reputation of Penn State College of Medicine

Internal constituent – A member of a group associated with Penn State College of Medicine that has an interest or stake in the outcome of the events, i.e., PSCOM students, faculty, and staff

Timely warning – refers to Penn State College of Medicine’s obligation to provide a warning to students, faculty and staff at risk when a serious incident occurs that may pose a continuing threat to others. Timely warnings will be issued in collaboration with Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State University offices.

Penn State Health Alerts and PSUAlert Systems – primary emergency notification systems for students, faculty and staff within the Penn State College of Medicine and Penn State University organization. These systems allow internal constituents to receive urgent notifications via phone call, text message, mobile app, e-mail and more.

Decision Plan

Emergency Operations Plan

Penn State College of Medicine’s emergency response team will activate an emergency operation plan when a significant event threatens normal operations and/or the safety of our patients, students, faculty and staff. System administrators have been designated to carry out an emergency communications plan.

Weather Emergency Operations Plan

The possibility of severe weather conditions during the academic school year requires Penn State College of Medicine to be prepared to modify its normal academic schedule from time to time.

When a weather emergency is called by the national weather bureau, Penn State College of Medicine may decide to cancel in-person or all classes when the local authorities determine that roads are unsafe and suggest the closure of schools and non-essential business in the area.

The decision to close school or delay the start of classes at the College of Medicine is made by campus leadership at respective locations after a thorough examination of current and predicted weather conditions.

Initial Notifications

Penn State College of Medicine, along with Penn State University may use various methods of communication to alert students, faculty and staff of imminent threats to health and safety as well as informational notifications that may affect your work or training locations, or require you to take some action. System administrators will send notifications about events such as security-related incidents, severe weather, mass casualty incidents in the community where we play a role, infrastructure failures at our facilities or technology systems, clinic closures or class cancellations.

Penn State College of Medicine encourages all students, faculty and staff to register and indicate their notification preferences to ensure the timely delivery of accurate and important messaging. Participation in both alert systems will guarantee students, faculty and staff are receiving pertinent messages regardless of their location within Penn State College of Medicine.

Communication Plan

Penn State College of Medicine’s system administrators are responsible for devising the appropriate communication strategy during a crisis or emergency. Components of the communication strategy may include:

Identification of internal and/or external audiences
Key messaging and communication tools that will be used
Frequency of communications

To avoid confusion, reduce uncertainty and help ensure that all information being released is factually accurate and consistent, all Penn State College of Medicine representatives should adhere to the following:

All actions and messaging will be coordinated through the system administrators.
Official messages will be timely, honest, concise, and professional
Communications will comply with confidentiality laws and be sensitive to the privacy of PSCOM students, faculty and staff
Messaging may be delivered via the following channels:
1. Penn State Health Alerts (phone calls, emails, text messaging and mobile app)
2. PSUAlerts (phone calls, emails, text messaging)
3. Penn State College of Medicine website
4. Via e-mail from college leadership and/or departments

Weather Related Closure Information

Should Penn State College of Medicine experience a weather closure at any of its locations one of the following messages will be made:

Web-site/E-mails:

Delay for Penn State College of Medicine: Two-hour delay for medical student and physician assistant student classes. Medical students and physician assistant students should make all attempts to continue their patient care responsibilities if they can travel to and from the patient care facility safely. Graduate students should check with their thesis advisors for laboratory activities.
Cancellation for Penn State College of Medicine: Classes are cancelled for medical students and physician assistant students. Medical and physician assistant students should make all attempts to continue their patient care responsibilities if they can travel to and from the patient care facility safely. Graduate students should check with their thesis advisors for laboratory activities.

In November of each year, this plan for handling weather emergencies will be issued to the medical students, physician assistant students, graduate students, faculty and staff.

View Emergency Communication Policy in the policy portal (ePass login required).

It the students’ responsibility to ensure that the appropriate contact information, including emergency contacts, is up-to-date on LionPath. In the event of an emergency, Penn State personnel may need to contact you or someone close to you. Approximately every six months, when you log in to LionPath, you will be required to provide or confirm your emergency contact information and, optionally, your cell phone number and carrier.

View the emergency contact information policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

View the Emergency Management Plan in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

View the lockdown procedure on the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Laptop feature requirements and recommendations

Students can use either a Windows or Mac laptop. Equivalent services are available to students using either platform.
Windows laptops should have a processor from the Intel “Core-I” Series family (Core i5, i7, or i9 recommended) or AMD A Series or Ryzen family.
Mac laptops should have a Apple M-series chip.
All computers should have 16GB of memory (RAM) or higher.
Windows laptops should run Windows 11 and be updated to the latest version for security and compatibility purposes.
Mac laptops should run at least Mac OS 13 (Ventura) and be updated to the latest version for security and compatibility purposes.
LINUX, UNIX, and other similar operating systems are not supported on our network.
Webcam: Built-in camera or external USB camera supported by your operating system
Microphone: Built-in microphone or external USB microphone supported by your operating system
We recommend a video monitor size of at least 13 inches diagonal with a video card of 256K video RAM or more. A display with either a standard aspect ratio (4:3) or a wide screen format (16:9) is acceptable.
Laptops must have the ability to connect to a data network using a wired Ethernet cable and/ or a built-in wireless network card. A laptop having a wireless network card that supports 802.11 a/g/n or better is required. Laptops with a wireless network card that does not support the "n" standard may experience difficulties connecting to our wireless network, especially in areas with a high density of wireless users (Lecture rooms, etc.).
Students are responsible for the maintenance of their laptops. We provide instructions and assistance for connecting your laptop to our wireless network. We do not provide software or hardware support for student owned laptops. There are several repair centers in the local Hershey area for PC support/repair. The nearest authorized Apple Store for repair of Macintosh laptops is in Lancaster, which is about 45 minutes from Hershey by car. You will be provided with a list of these repair centers.
Microsoft 365, which includes online versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, is available to students at no charge. Training classes are available for these software programs. Other "office productivity suites" (e.g., Open Office, Google Apps) may be of use, but they are not supported. Your educational material will be provided in Microsoft 365 format.
Students are expected to run antivirus software on their laptop.
- Mac: See the Software at Penn State site for download links to free antivirus programs
- Windows: Ensure that the built-in Windows Defender is enabled
We recommend you purchase support services for your laptop through the manufacturer of the laptop. Often, these vendors have available on-site support plans that are more convenient and expedient than standard "over the phone" support plans. Temporary loaner laptops may be available from the Office of Medical Education for short-term borrowing. Please note that the supply is limited and is provided on a first-come first-serve basis. We do provide access to public computers on a 24/7 basis in the George Harrell Library.
Our email system is Microsoft Outlook. Student access to their email and calendar will be available through the Outlook webmail client. Students are required to read email sent to them through the campus Outlook system.
We recommend downloading the Zoom desktop app and keeping the app up to date. Many learning sessions will be streamed live on Zoom. All meeting participants must be on the supported version or higher, or they will not be able to see or participate in an advanced poll or quiz. If unable to update to the minimum version, you will also have the option to join meetings using your internet browser.

Computer Recommendations

Note: These laptop options are recommendations only and are not required. Any device that meets the above requirements may be used, including a device you already own or a different PC or Mac laptop.

This section will provide a few device recommendations from our students and faculty. These devices are tested and confirmed to meet the requirements listed above.

Our staff and students have found that the following brands have worked well in their work: Dell Latitude/Pro and Apple MacBook Pro. We will also provide some specific recommendations below.

Additional information:

iPads: An iPad can only connect to our ATTWIFI wireless network, but other campus systems needed for your educational program may not be available on an iPad. An iPad (or Chromebook or similar) cannot substitute as a replacement for the laptop requirement.
Smart Phone Requirements: Smart devices need to meet the following:
- Apple devices must be running iOS 17+
- Android devices must be running Android OS 13+.
- Microsoft Authenticator Enrollment for Penn State Health (Infonet Job Aid)
- Microsoft Authenticator Enrollment is required for Penn State University application sign-in.

Software availability

You will receive an email to activate your Penn State Access Account user ID and password. This account will grant you access to Penn State's website, Software at Penn State, for software Purchases. The account will also give students access to the Penn State Information Technology Services website for free software downloads (antivirus, etc.).

Data Storage

We strongly recommend students either use an external storage device to backup files on their laptop or use the online storage facilities provided by Penn State. Loss of data can be very disruptive to your educational program. Each student is also provided with 5TB of free storage through Microsoft OneDrive.

Printers

Some students find it convenient to own a personal printer. The Harrell Health Sciences Library, however, provides B/W and color printing services on a “Pay to Print” basis. Through the campus data network, you can print to these printers from any location on campus after loading the printer driver(s) on your laptop

View the student laptop requirement on the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Student Health

Health Records

Penn State College of Medicine ensures that medical student health records are maintained in accordance with legal requirements for security, privacy, confidentiality, and accessibility. A record of care provided through Student Health is maintained electronically through the “Point and Click” health records system, as it relates to the services provided by the Student Health office described below. As patients, the medical records for students are not maintained by Student Health. For students who choose to get their health care through a Penn State Health provider, the Cerner/Oracle PowerChart medical record is the electronic medical record used. To respect the privacy and confidentiality of students and patients, if a Penn State Health provider or staff member opens the chart of a student, they receive the following warning before proceeding: You have accessed the chart of a Penn State University College of Medicine medical student, which may be restricted from your access. Refrain from navigating further within the chart if: you have any current involvement with the academic assessment or promotion of this student. you are a medical or physician assistant student. (Immediately advise your supervising physician who can obtain verbal permission from the patient before you continue access into the chart.) Note to providers: Once you provide services for this student, you may not have any future involvement in the academic assessment or promotion of this individual. In addition to the warning in PowerChart, the student performance assessment form that faculty complete for students on any clerkship or other clinical rotations has an attestation that he/she has not provided health and/or psychiatric/psychological services to the student whose form the faculty member is about to complete. If so, the faculty member does not fill out the student performance assessment form. The bylaws of the Academic Promotions Committee specifically state that faculty members must recuse themselves from any decisions about students who they have cared for as patients.

University Park

Penn State College of Medicine – University Park Campus provides all medical students with timely access to diagnostic, preventative and therapeutic health services at University Health Services (UHS) located at Penn State University, Student Health Center, University Park, PA. UHS is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for walk in appointments only. Students are encouraged to make an appointment via the online appointment system, or by calling the appointment line. UHS also offers students the ability to speak with an Advice Nurse (available 24 hours a day/7 days a week) who can help to determine if the student needs to be seen by a clinician, and offer tips on self-care, if appropriate.

Access to Diagnostic, Preventative and Therapeutic Services

University Health Services offers convenient, on-campus clinical care, as well as onsite support services, including lab, x-ray, physical therapy and pharmacy. Students can see a clinician, have appropriate testing and receive needed treatment in one efficient visit. The University Health Services Pharmacy provides prescription services and over-the-counter medications and health care products. Medication information and counseling sessions are also available upon request. Students may also access Penn State’s University Park pharmacy mail prescriptions. Preventative care is available through UHS and includes services such as immunizations, routine physical exams, GYN services, contraception choices, STI/STD testing, allergy injections, and immunizations. Many therapeutic services are made available at UHS. Referrals to specialists are made as appropriate. Diagnostic services are available through UHS at the onsite laboratory located at the Student Health Center, where students can have commonly ordered diagnostic services such as complete blood count, urinalysis, X-ray services, and ultrasound services. No appointments are necessary for general lab requests.

COMMpanion powered by Penn State Health is also available to University Park Campus students, as a telehealth-first option for diagnostic, preventative, and therapeutic services and is the same service as outlined in the above information or the Hershey Campus.

Hershey

Services

The Student Health Office is located on the main campus of the College of Medicine, a short walking distance from the main hospital, among on-campus student housing. The Student Health Office is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily Monday through Friday. Student Health is staffed by a dedicated Student Health registered nurse who is available to perform nursing assessment and triage. The nurse operates under the supervision of the Medical Director of the Office of Student Health, a family physician who is uniquely qualified to provide preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic services regardless of gender, age or organ system. Student Health provides the following services to all medical, graduate, physician assistant students enrolled at Penn State College of Medicine:

N95 mask fit testing
Away rotation medical form completion
OHSP & Biosafety Protocol Clearances
Pre-matriculation requirements and forms

Additionally, the College of Medicine ensures exceptional access to primary care through an agreement with COMMpanion powered by Penn State Health. This is a “telehealth-first” subscription-based primary care model, the cost of which is subsidized by the College of Medicine. Students receive access to primary care through video or telephone, with no additional charge for an unlimited number of video visits, phone visits, and electronic messages with the Penn State Health COMMpanion primary care physicians and CRNP. Students can access the service from home, rotation site, or anywhere with internet access or through an app on a smart phone. The service is available Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and manages urgent and acute, chronic, preventive care and travel-related care for students and their spouses and dependents over the age of 18. COMMpanion providers can access consultation with Penn State Health specialists through electronic communication within 3 days of consultation request. COMMpanion providers can order lab testing, diagnostic testing, prescribe medications and refer to specialists for conventional in-person appointments. The COMMpanion team includes RNs available for triage and education, and health navigators who assist student with coordinating medical tests and arranging referrals. Students also have the option to seek medical care at any Penn State Health site or other private physician though conventional health insurance. The Penn State Health Cocoa Outpatient Center is an Internal Medicine clinic located approximately 2 miles off campus. For students who do not have transportation, the office is accessible by shuttle services that can be arranged through the Penn State Health on Demand Shuttle service by visiting ondemand.transloc.com/ride or calling 717-599-6376.

Contact Information

Phone: 717-531-5998
Email: Student_Health@pennstatehealth.psu.edu
Office hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday

Location

The Office of Student Health is located at 20 Conference Drive, just off of Campus Drive (Parking Lot K) and to the east (or right) of the University Manor West (student housing). Please use the South Entrance (Across from University Manor West Housing). Badge swipe access required upon entry. The Penn State Health on Demand Shuttle provides transportation to local Penn State Health sites in Hershey. Students may book a ride with the shuttle by calling 717-599-6376 or scheduling via ondemand.transloc.com/ride (registration required). The shuttle runs Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

This policy closely complies with the most current evidence contained within the SHEA (Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America) guideline and CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Recommendations for Management of Medical Students who are infected with Hepatitis B Virus (2012). This policy also discusses policy for students with other blood borne pathogens including Hepatitis C Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Students are:

Required to comply with College of Medicine Blood Borne Pathogen Policies and Requirements.
Aware that they will be required to participate in the care of patients with various communicable diseases or infections including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.
Ethically and professionally responsible for knowing their serological status with respect to blood borne pathogens and to inform Student Health and the Associate Dean for Medical Education if they are positive for a blood borne pathogen infection. Confidentiality concerning the student’s state of health will be maintained to the greatest extent possible. An Expert Review Panel may be consulted for guidance, keeping the name of the student confidential if possible. Disclosure may be necessary if there is reason to believe that the infected individual has declined or has failed to follow the provisions of this policy in regards to personal notification of appropriate personnel or fails to respond within a reasonable amount of time to a recommendation that he/she personally notify the person in charge of a particular clinic or department.
Expected to be in a state of health such that they may participate in the academic programs, including patient care, without posing a risk to themselves of others.
Obligated to comply with Hepatitis B immunization policies and requirements as outlined by the College of Medicine and Student Health Department. This policy requires that all students receive the hepatitis B vaccine and test positive on the subsequent quantitative serology titer. Further testing is provided for those students who still do not respond to a second series of the vaccine.
Mandated to comply with the Communicable Disease Protocol as outlined by the College of Medicine according to the most current CDC recommendations.
Required to use standard precautions and additional practices in order to prevent the spread of blood borne pathogens and other infections. These practices are reviewed annually with all students under the Infection Control Procedures.
Required to disclose, as per school policy, if they are potentially exposed to a blood borne pathogen in a clinical setting and provide a blood specimen if indicated. This information is reviewed annually under the Sharps Injury/Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Policy.

The medical school faculty will:

Provide education and training to all students in appropriate methods to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases, including blood borne pathogens, that is consistent with the CDC’s guidelines for standard and additional precautions. This infection control training will be reviewed during the student’s initial orientation and on entry to Phase II (clerkships).
Maintain confidentiality to the greatest extent possible regarding information disclosed by students concerning their serological status and disclose relevant information only with appropriate consent..

The Expert Review Panel will:

Advise the student to apply for ADA (disability) status based on their medical condition which then allows the Panel to design accommodations to prevent these students from participating in Exposure Prone Procedures (EPPs), such as those encountered in Surgery or OB/GYN, without jeopardizing their medical education.
Designate contact personnel in departments that perform EPPs. Such personnel will be notified by the student of his/her disease status, if appropriate, and any applicable restrictions that may apply as recommended by the Expert Review Panel according to the CDC Guidelines.
Develop a plan of counseling and advice to assist the student regarding clinical practice and career choices. This information will be discussed with the student by the Associate Dean of Medical Education and/or the Director of Student Health.
Evaluate the student’s status and continued testing and/or treatment as indicated in the guidelines outlined in this policy.

Medical students infected with blood-borne pathogens:

Are professionally and ethically obligated to inform Student Health and the Associate Dean for Medical Education of any blood borne infection.
May pursue their studies only as long as their continued involvement does not pose a health or safety hazard to themselves or others. It is expected that all students can be accommodated as needed with some modification to their program of study to reduce the risks of blood borne pathogen transmission.
Will have their condition reviewed and monitored by an Expert Review Panel at the request of the Associate Dean for Medical Education. The members of the Expert Review Panel may be selected from, but not necessarily limited to, the Associate Dean, an infectious disease and hospital epidemiology specialist, liver disease specialist (gastroenterologist / hematologist) with expertise in blood borne pathogens and their infectivity, the Student Health Director, a person with Bioethics experience, and legal counsel. The student is responsible for ensuring the receipt of requested lab results and any pertinent physician notes (including those obtained from facilities outside the Penn State Health System) by the Director of Student Health.
May have clinical duties or clinical exposure modified, limited or abbreviated based on recommendations from an Expert Review Panel as outlined in the CDC guidelines - particularly as it relates to the performance of exposure prone procedures and the status of the blood borne infection (e.g. viral loads etc.).
Required to immediately disclose if he/she accidentally exposes a patient to their blood borne pathogen in a clinical setting. Pre-notification to patients is neither suggested nor required.
Must be offered advice and counseling that will assist him or her regarding clinical practice and career choices.
Have the right to appeal decisions made by the Associate Dean or Expert Panel by submitting, in writing or in person, a proposed amendment to the decision and the rationale supporting such amendment. The student may submit additional documentation from his/her personal physician or other healthcare provider in support of their appeal. In the case where the student’s appeal is denied by the Associate Dean of Medical Education or Expert Panel, the student may engage in the Student Appeal Procedure of his/her University to submit any additional appeals.

Medical students who are potentially exposed to a blood-borne pathogen are:

Required to seek medical attention immediately after the event as per the School’s Policy for HIV rapid testing and post exposure prophylaxis if indicated;
Required to report and document occurrence as per the Student Health Policy;
Required to follow post exposure testing and treatment. This information, including testing of the source patient, is outlined in the Sharps Injury/Blood and Body Fluid Exposure Policy and reviewed at PSCOM Orientation and at the start of Phase II with students.

Definitions

Blood borne disease: a disease caused by a microbial agent capable of being transmitted via contact with the blood of an infected individual. Most notably, this includes the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV).

Category I. Procedures known or likely to pose an increased risk of percutaneous injury to a. health-care provider that have resulted in provider-to-patient transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV). These procedures are limited to major abdominal, cardiothoracic, and orthopedic surgery, repair of major traumatic injuries, abdominal and vaginal hysterectomy, caesarean section, vaginal deliveries, and major oral or maxillofacial surgery (e.g., fracture reductions). Techniques that have been demonstrated to increase the risk for health-care provider percutaneous injury and provider- to-patient blood exposure include

digital palpation of a needle tip in a body cavity and/or
the simultaneous presence of a health care provider’s fingers and a needle or other sharp instrument or object (e.g., bone spicule) in a poorly visualized or highly confined anatomic site.

Category I procedures, especially those that have been implicated in HBV transmission, are not ordinarily performed by students fulfilling the essential functions of a medical or dental school education.

Category II. All other invasive and noninvasive procedures

These and similar procedures are not included in Category I as they pose low or no risk for percutaneous injury to a health-care provider or, if a percutaneous injury occurs, it usually happens outside a patient’s body and generally does not pose a risk for provider-to-patient blood exposure. These include:

surgical and obstetrical/gynecologic procedures that do not involve the techniques listed for Category I;
the use of needles or other sharp devices when the health-care provider’s hands are outside a body cavity (e.g., phlebotomy, placing and maintaining peripheral and central intravascular lines, administering medication by injection, performing needle biopsies, or lumbar puncture);
dental procedures other than major oral or maxillofacial surgery;
insertion of tubes (e.g., nasogastric, endotracheal, rectal, or urinary catheters);
endoscopic or bronchoscopic procedures;
internal examination with a gloved hand that does not involve the use of sharp devices (e.g., vaginal, oral, and rectal examination; and
procedures that involve external physical touch (e.g. general physical or eye examinations or blood pressure checks).

General recommendations

Students should not be prohibited from participating in patient care activities solely on the basis of their blood borne pathogen infection. Viral load burden may determine if a student should be restricted from performing certain exposure prone procedures.
Using Standard Precautions, the infected student may perform routine physical examinations provided there is no evidence of open or healing wounds, or eczema on the student’s hands.
If the skin of the hands is intact, and there are no wounds or skin lesions, then in examining a body orifice, whether oral, vaginal or rectal, the student must wear gloves as per Standard Precautions.
If the skin of the hands is not intact, whether from a healing laceration, or from any skin condition interfering with the normal protection afforded by intact skin, or cannot be covered with an appropriate barrier, then the affected student should not provide direct contact until they have received effective treatment and the condition is resolved.
A decision as to whether an affected student should continue to perform a procedure which in itself is not exposure prone should take into consideration the risk of complications arising which might necessitate the performance of an exposure prone procedure.
It is recognized that infection control precautions are not perfect. However, based on the guidelines outlined in this document, it is expected that the risk of transmission event occurring is low and if an event were to occur, remedial action can further minimize the risk to the patient.

Summary for Managing Medical Students Infected with Hepatitis B (HBV) as indicated by current CDC Recommendations

Anonymous Viral Load testing results should be submitted to the Expert Review Panel by Director of Student Health in order to ensure confidentiality for the student. Restrictions and subsequent monitoring, if warranted, will be recommended by the Expert Review Panel in accordance with the guidelines outlined in this policy and the information will be conveyed to the student by the Associate Dean and /or the Director of Student Health.

The summary for managing students infected with Hepatitis B applies to Hepatitis B blood borne pathogens. In 2021, the state of the art is that every effort should be made to eradicate Hepatitis C and/or completely suppress HIV viral levels through the use of antiretroviral therapy. Achievement of these goals for Hepatitis C and/or HIV should mitigate the risk of transmission during Exposure Prone Procedures. The student with Hepatitis C and/or HIV will be evaluated on a case by case basis by the Expert Review Panel.

The above summary of management of Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV provides a framework within which to consider such cases. However, each case is sufficiently complex that each should be independently considered in context by the Expert Review Panel.

Resources

CDC recommendations for the Management of Hepatitis B Virus Infected Health Care Providers and Students. MMWR, Vol. 61, No. 3. July 6. 2012.
Updated U.S. Public Health Service guidelines for the management of occupational exposures to HIV and recommendations for postexposure prophylaxis. Personal Author(s): Kuhar, David T.; Henderson, David K.; Struble, Kimberly A.; Heneine, Walid; Thomas, Vasavi; Cheever, Laura W.; Gomaa, Ahmed; Panlilio, Adelisa L.; Corporate Authors(s): USPHS Working Group on Occupational Postexposure Prophylaxis.; National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (U.S.). Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion.; Published Date: 9/25/2013; URL: https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/20711
Henderson et al. SHEA Guideline for Management of Healthcare Workers Who are Infected with Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus and/or HIV Virus. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, Vol. 31, No. 3, pages 203-232. March 2010.

See full policy in the policy portal (Penn State Health ePass login required)

Faculty members who provide any type of health care including physical, mental, behavioral, or emotional health services to a medical student must not be involved in the academic assessment, grading, or promotion decisions for that student.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Participation in assessment, grading, or promotion committees
Serving as course directors, clinical preceptors, or evaluators

This policy will be carried out by ensuring the following:

Designated student health providers are available at both the Hershey and University Park campuses to offer health and/or psychiatric/mental health services to medical students. This includes COMMpanion virtual health care services for students at any location. At Hershey, behavioral and mental health providers are clinical faculty members within the Department of Psychiatry serving in the Office for Professional Mental Health. At University Park, healthcare services are provided through University Health Services and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). These designated student health providers have no involvement in the academic assessment of or decisions about the promotion of medical students.

If a faculty member provides physical, mental health and/or counseling services to medical students they will subsequently have no current or future involvement in the academic assessment of, or in decisions about the promotion of, the students receiving those services.

Should emergent or urgent conditions or consultations arise for which a student must see a provider who is not a designated student health provider, that provider must recuse him/herself from any subsequent involvement in the academic assessment and/or promotion decisions for that student.

When students are on away rotations and need health care services, a preceptor should refer a student to a designated student health service provider if available. If not, the preceptor should refer the student to another member of the practice or physician in the community who can competently care for the student and who is not involved in the academic assessment of or promotion decisions for that student.

Students, faculty members and staff members will be informed of this policy on a yearly basis.

View the care of students in the College of Medicine policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) notes healthcare workers “are not at greater risk for diphtheria, tetanus ... than the general population.” However, the “ACIP recommends that all adults be protected against diphtheria and tetanus,” and so all students are expected to demonstrate diphtheria and tetanus immunity. The ACIP notes that “pertussis is highly contagious” and that “transmission of pertussis in hospital settings has been documented in several reports.” The College of Medicine therefore requires students to be immune to tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis.

Procedure

Prior to matriculation, students must be considered immune against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
A student will be considered immune by demonstrating all of the following:
- Documentation of appropriate vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis: 5 doses of DTaP or 4 doses of DTaP if the fourth dose was administered on or after the fourth birthday.
- At least one TDaP vaccination in lifetime.
- At least one Td or Tdap vaccination in the five years prior to matriculation.
If a student does not meet these criteria, they must receive an appropriate primary vaccination series if that is lacking, or a Td or Tdap booster vaccine.
If a student has further concerns about their immune status, they are encouraged to consult an infectious disease specialist.

View the Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis Vaccination Policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

All students enrolled in the College of Medicine’s educational program leading to an MD degree are required to have the disability insurance which is arranged through the College of Medicine.

Coverage is provided by Med Plus Advantage, which is sponsored by the American Medical Association.
Insurance rider can be found at www.amainsure.com/groupltd; enter ID number 644220.

The Disability Insurance premium is charged directly to the student account by the Bursar in the Office of the Bursar of the College of Medicine. The student is responsible for paying this charge the same as any other charge on their account. Late fees will accrue on this fee if not paid by the due date of the statement when the charge is reflected. A hold will be placed on the account for any past due balance. View the disability insurance requirement in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Hepatitis B is a viral infection transmitted through blood or sexual contact which can result in cirrhosis and liver cancer. By nature of their clinical education, College of Medicine students are at risk of exposure to hepatitis B infection. Although their exposure is educational rather than “occupational,” the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendations on preventing occupational exposure in healthcare professionals should be applied to College of Medicine students. This is consistent with the recommendations of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration mandate for employees at risk of exposure.

Procedure

Prior to matriculation, students must provide Student Health with the record of their completion of a Hepatitis B vaccination series. This submission must include the type of vaccine and the dates of vaccination.
Prior to matriculation, students must provide documentation of a quantitative Hepatitis B titer collected at least 1-2 months after the final dose of the vaccine series.
If the documentation is consistent with completion of a Hepatitis B vaccinations series and the quantitative titer measures >= 10 mIU/mL, the student will be considered immune. Immune students may begin clinical education.
If the quantitative titer measures < 10 mIU/mL after the primary vaccine series is complete, the student will be recommended to be revaccinated through administration of one additional dose of a hepatitis B vaccine (available data do not suggest a maximum number of booster doses). A quantitative Hepatitis B titer should be collected at least 1-2 months after the revaccination. If the quantitative titer measures >= 10 mIU/mL, the student will be considered immune. Immune students may begin clinical education.
If a student’s Hepatitis B titer measures < 10 mIU/mL 1-2 months after the one booster dose, they should receive a second series (usually 6 doses total), followed by a quantitative Hepatitis B titer collected at least 1-2 months after the final dose in the series.
Additionally, if a student’s Hepatitis B titer measures < 10 mIU/mL after the second series, the student will be counseled to undergo medical assessment which may include testing for active hepatitis B infection.
If a student’s quantitative Hepatitis B titer remains less than 10 mIU/mL after 2 complete series, they are considered a “non-responder.” Such students should be considered susceptible to HBV and should be counseled regarding precautions to prevent hepatitis B viral infection and the need to obtain prophylaxis for any known or probable parenteral exposure to hepatitis B surface antigen-positive blood or blood with unknown HBsAg status.
Medical authorities differ with respect to interpretation of a hepatitis B titer >= 10 mIU/mL when not accompanied by documentation of a completed, properly-spaced hepatitis B vaccination series. Association of immunity with a Hepatitis B titer >= 10 mIU/mL has only been demonstrated in the context of receipt of a completed hepatitis B vaccination series. Therefore, a student with a hepatitis B titer >=10 mIU/mL but lacking documentation of vaccination is encouraged to receive a hepatitis B vaccination series, but vaccination is not required.
Documentation of a “positive” or “reactive” titer alone, without accompanying indication of a quantitative titer >10 mIU/mL is not considered evidence of immunity.

View the Hepatitis B Vaccination Policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

All students are required to meet the immunization requirements set forth by the College of Medicine’s Office of Student Health. Failure to complete the required immunizations by the established due date will result in the following escalating consequences:

Inability to begin classes or clinical rotation at the beginning of the semester.
If in a clinical rotation, the student will be removed immediately from that rotation.
Scheduled meeting with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
Documentation of the College of Medicine’s professionalism report form.
Inability to register for a new semester of classes
Revoking of University privileges including but not limited to issuance of grades, issuance of transcripts, registration for subsequent semesters, participation in graduation ceremonies, awarding of a degree and participation in classroom examinations. Access to LionPath and/or CANVAS may be suspended.

If a student has an extenuating circumstance that makes it impossible to meet the immunization due date, the student must contact the Office of Student Health at least one (1) week before the due date. The contact information for the Office of Student Health is 717-531-5998.

View the immunization requirements in the policy management tool. (ePass login requirement)

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) notes that “All persons aged greater than or equal to 6 months without contraindications should be vaccinated annually [against influenza]. However, emphasis also should be placed on vaccination of persons who live with or care for those who are at increased risk for medical complications attributable to severe influenza, including the following: health care personnel, including all paid and unpaid persons working in health care settings who have the potential for exposure to patients or to infectious materials. These personnel might include but are not limited to students and trainees.” The College of Medicine therefore recommends but does not require students to receive immunization against influenza and COVID annually to prevent the nosocomial spread of illness to patients, visitors and healthcare workers of seasonal influenza from unvaccinated students and other viral respiratory illnesses.

This policy is derived from Penn State Health policy EH-22 and applies to all College of Medicine students who work with patients. It is the goal of Penn State Health to afford maximum protection against the spread of influenza, COVID and other viral respiratory illnesses. All students are offered the influenza vaccination free of charge by PSH Employee Health offices. Though medically able, some students decline vaccination. Rarely, some students cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, such as vaccine allergies.

Policy and Procedure Statements

Respiratory hygiene/cough etiquette is recommended for all individuals with signs and symptoms of respiratory infection and includes covering the mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, using tissues to contain respiratory secretions, disposing of tissues appropriately and immediate hand hygiene (e.g., alcohol-based hand gel).
Perform frequent hand hygiene, especially before and after patient contact or contact with respiratory secretions.

Symptomatic Students (moderate to severe symptoms):

Students experiencing fever (Temperature at or above 38 degrees Celsius or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) and respiratory symptoms (e.g., severe/frequent cough, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat) AND/OR positive test must:

Refrain from reporting to rotation or class.
If symptoms begin while at rotation or class, immediately:
- Cease patient care activities.
- Don a surgical/procedure mask.
- Notify their supervisor or instructor.

Return-to-Rotation or Class Criteria:

Students may return to rotation or class when:

At least 3 days have passed since symptom onset (or since first positive test if asymptomatic).
At least 24 hours have passed without fever (without the use of fever-reducing medications).
Symptoms are improving.
The student feels well enough to resume rotation or class.
Day 4 is the earliest return-to-rotation or class date. (Day zero is day of symptom onset or first positive test)
Students caring for stem cell transplant recipients should be reassigned until 7 days after symptom onset.
Students caring for immunocompromised patients should discuss temporary reassignment with their supervisor for 7 days or until symptoms resolve

Masking Requirements for Return to Rotation or Class:

Students must wear a surgical/procedure mask in all patient care and common areas for 7 days following symptom onset (or positive test if asymptomatic).
Day 8 is the earliest date to resume rotation or class without a mask.
Students with mild symptoms, not meeting the definition for exclusion from rotation or class above, who continue to rotation or class, must wear a mask until symptoms resolve.

Exposure Guidelines:

Asymptomatic students with known or suspected exposure to respiratory viruses may continue attending rotation or class but must wear a mask for 5 days following the last exposure.

For household exposure(s), the rotation or class restriction timeline above repeats for each exposure to each infected person(s) in the household, through the last exposure.

NOTE: If household members have COVID, student is presumed to be repeatedly exposed to COVID during the household member’s illness

Additional Guidance:

If reassignment is not feasible, alternative arrangements should be discussed with instructor or rotation supervisor
This guidance is intended for students with moderate to severe symptoms of respiratory viral infection and may not be necessary for students with non-infectious conditions that cause similar symptoms (e.g., seasonal allergies, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
If attendance restriction is not possible due to staffing shortages or other issues, wear a face mask for source control in all patient care and common areas of the facility
Students with severe or critical respiratory viral infections and those who are moderately or severely immunocompromised might shed virus for prolonged periods and should mask for minimum of 20 days unless guided by their provider to be longer.

Masking and Hygiene Protocols

When symptomatic, students must:

Wear a well-fitting surgical/procedure mask covering the mouth, nose, and chin.
Practice excellent hand hygiene:
- After touching shared surfaces (e.g., doorknobs, phones).
- Before touching the face.
- Before eating or drinking.
- Before and after handling masks.
Masks should remain clean and should not be touched on the inside unless hands are sanitized.

Responsibilities:

Vaccination is a key preventive measure. Students are strongly encouraged but not required to stay current with influenza, and COVID-19 immunizations.

Influenza vaccines are provided free of charge by PSH Student Health.

Students should adhere to the absence management policy should an absence from rotation or class be necessary.

Students are required to input their vaccines received in Student Health’s Point and Click electronic medical record, regardless of whether they receive the vaccine: Student Health, Employee Health, or an external source such as a pharmacy.

Students are required to follow these guidelines but are not required to report COVID-19 exposure or infection to Student Health or Student Affairs.

Definitions:

Confirmed Infection: Positive test for a specific respiratory virus.
Suspected Infection: Upper respiratory symptoms without a confirmed test, defined by at least two of the following: fever, malaise, cough, rhinorrhea, sore throat.
Immunocompromised: Factors to consider in assessing the general level of immune competence in a patient include disease severity, duration, clinical stability, complications, comorbidities, and any potentially immune-suppressing treatment. For additional information about the degree of immune suppression associated with different medical conditions and treatments, providers can consult Altered Immunocompetence | Vaccines & Immunizations | CDC, the Yellow Book | Yellow Book | CDC, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America policy statement, 2013 IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for Vaccination of the Immunocompromised Host | Clinical Infectious Diseases | Oxford Academic. Ultimately, the degree of immunocompromise for HCP and students is determined by the treating provider, and preventive actions are tailored to each individual and situation.
Source control: The use of well-fitting facemasks or respirators to cover a person’s mouth and nose to prevent the spread of respiratory secretions when they are breathing, talking, sneezing, or coughing.

View Influenza and other Viral Respiratory Illness Policy for College of Medicine Students who Work with Patients on the policy portal (ePass login required).

Prevention

Wear all required protective gear for every session, during class hours or after hours. Students must wear long pants or long skirts and close-toed shoes whenever they are in the anatomy lab. Open-toed or perforated shoes (e.g., sandals) and shorts are not to be worn in the anatomy lab. When using hammers, chisels, bone pliers and saws, students must wear safety goggles and a mask.

Eye Contamination

If any chemicals or fluids contact the eye, students and faculty should thoroughly flush the eye using the Eye Wash Station for 15 minutes.

Small Lacerations

Wash the wound with soap and copious amounts of water. Place a dry sterile dressing over the area. A band-aid is appropriate and antibiotic ointment may be used. A student’s tetanus immunization should be within five years, if you are unsure call Student Health at 717-531-5998 to verify the date. After hours call nurse triage - CARELINE 717-531-6955 for triage advice.

Watch the area for signs of infection such as worsening redness, pus, soreness and red streaks on skin as the area heals.

Larger Lacerations

Larger lacerations are those roughly approaching 1 centimeter or above. The wound should be washed with soap and copious amounts of water. If bleeding can be controlled use a bandage and watch for signs of infection as listed above. If bleeding cannot be stopped in 5 – 10 minutes, cover the area with a clean and absorbent towel and keep the area elevated. If surgery is needed a student may go to an urgent care clinic or the Emergency Department.

Serious Injuries and Wounds

These injuries should go to the Emergency Department, calling extension 8888 (717-531-8888) for transport when appropriate.

Loss of consciousness with trauma to the head should go directly to the Emergency Department. If students are unable to walk, extension 8888 should be called for assistance.

Large wounds with rapid blood loss or involving nerves, tendon or bone should go to the Emergency Department for treatment.

For injuries requiring Emergency treatment, the College of Medicine will pay the student’s remaining patient bill after the student demonstrates that their health insurance carrier has fulfilled their payment responsibilities.

After Hours Injuries

When an injury occurs in the anatomy lab after regular hours, students should first seek proper medical care and then report the injury to Penn State College of Medicine staff.

Financial Responsibility

For fees incurred due to the cost of medical care related to the injury, students should first submit to their personal health insurance. The balance of costs of medical care incurred due to the exposure will be paid by Penn State College of Medicine.

View the policy for injuries in the anatomy lab in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

See details on International Student Waivers on the University's Student Affairs site.

Penn State College of Medicine students should not be treated by health care providers who are responsible for their education and academic evaluation. An ill student could be treated by a colleague who is not involved in the student’s academic evaluation. An urgent care clinic or emergency department services at affiliate sites may be used when appropriate. Medical care provided to medical students at affiliate institutions is the financial responsibility of the student and their medical insurance carrier.

Medical students should be allowed time away from their clerkship to seek appropriate medical care. Make up of time missed is based on Penn State College of Medicine individual department clerkship requirements.

Medical students experiencing mental health issues while at PSCOM or its affiliate institutions should be referred to the Office for Professional Mental Health at Penn State College of Medicine. It is an LCME standard that:

The health professional that provides psychiatric/ psychological counseling or other sensitive health services to medical students must have no involvement in the academic evaluation or promotion of the students receiving those services. In the rare instances when a medical student is acutely psychiatrically ill, including being suicidal, homicidal or psychotic an affiliate institution should take several steps. First and foremost, the student’s and the public’s safety should be considered. A student may be taken to an emergency department or available psychiatric services and involuntary commitment may be pursued when appropriate. In a severe case where a student is a danger to themselves or others the following individuals should be notified:

1. Vice Dean for Educational Affairs, 717-531-3876

2. Office for Professional Mental Health, 717-531-8658

This policy will be reviewed with students prior to going into the clinical years. It will also be distributed annually to affiliate institutions.

For additional guidance during a crisis situation, information can be found in the Red Folder on the .

View Medical Students Experiencing Health Needs at Affiliate Institutions in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

Every effort will be made to care for a medical student’s inpatient psychiatric needs in a way that will avoid potential compromise of the individual’s right to confidentiality. Medical students are preferentially admitted to inpatient psychiatric services at facilities other than our affiliate teaching hospital, Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute (PPI). If no alternative facility is available, admission to PPI will be pursued. To ensure adherence to this procedure, several steps have been taken:

The Clinical Social Work staff within Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center’s Emergency Department have been informed of the Procedure. They will not refer medical students for admission to PPI unless no alternative is available.
Contact: Maria Radwanski, Emergency Dept Social Work Manager, (717-531-0003x282035)
Dauphin County Crisis has been informed about the Procedure. During their assessment and referral for placement, they ask about employment and education; therefore, Penn State medical students should be identifiable. They will not suggest admission to PPI unless no alternative is available.
Contact: Lauren Davis, Dauphin County Crisis Supervisor (717-780-6743) or 717-232-7511
Director: Dave Desanto (717-780-6473) / 2nd Shift Super: James Cooper (717-780-6676)
If a student chooses to have inpatient psychiatric care at PPI because of lack of available beds at other institutions; the Director of the Office for Professional Mental Health will contact and work with the Chief Medical Officer and/or the Adult Service Line Director of PPI to develop a treatment plan that will create minimal impact to student confidentiality.
Contact: Admissions (717-782-6493) (717-782-2380) Charles Mormando, Medical Director of PPI (717-782-2380) Elisabeth Kunkel, Chief Medical Officer of PPI (717-782-4796)
Contact with the Chief Medical Officer of PPI, Dauphin County Crisis, and Clinical Social Work staff in Hershey Medical Center’s emergency department will be made at least on a yearly basis to ensure that the Procedure is still acknowledged and supported.
These guidelines are provided to protect student confidentiality and safety. Patient care is held at the highest priority.

To address administrative concerns, the following procedures have been put in place:

Given the University’s policy on missing student notification, students will be urged to contact the appropriate Dean to inform them that they are having a medical emergency that will prohibit them from attending class. If they are unable to provide this information, the director of the Office for Professional Mental Health will inform the appropriate Dean.
The Director of the Office for Professional Mental Health will address any additional administrative concerns until the student is able to return to their educational program.

View medical student inpatient psychiatric admission information in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) notes meningococcal infection can cause rapidly developing meningitis, bacteremia, pneumonia, arthritis, pericarditis, and other disorders among previously healthy persons, with high morbidity and mortality. Even with appropriate antibiotic therapy, the rate of death and long-term sequalae in survivors exceeds 10%. Adolescents and young adults serve as reservoirs through nasopharyngeal carriage. Groups considered to be at increased risk of meningococcal disease due to biological factors include persons with persistent complement component deficiencies, persons who use complement-inhibiting drugs, persons with anatomic or functional asplenia, and persons with HIV infection. Social, demographic and behavioral factors can also increase risk, which is higher among microbiologists exposed to N. meningitidis isolates, men who have sex with men, travelers to countries where meningococcal disease is hyperendemic or endemic, military recruits, and undergraduate college students with specific risk factors of age 18–20 years, attendance at a 4-year college, freshman class year, and on-campus residence. Vaccinations have proven to be effective in reducing meningococcal disease. Therefore, the ACIP recommends that first-year college students living in residence halls should receive at least one dose of MenACWY vaccination within 5 years before college entry. It is preferred this be given around the 16th birthday but if administered prior to the 16th birthday, a second booster dose should be administered before enrollment. The ACIP does not recommend MenB vaccination to all persons aged 16-23 years, but recommends vaccination be considered as part of shared decision-making between patients and their health care provider. Additionally, the State of Pennsylvania required meningococcal vaccination for students residing in on-campus housing through the College and University Student Vaccination Act on June 26, 2002. Penn State requires: “All incoming Penn State students must provide proof of immunization against measles, mumps, and rubella. In accordance with Pennsylvania state law, students living in on-campus housing must also provide proof of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (Menveo, Menactra, MCV4), which protects against infections caused by serogroups A, C, W and Y.”

Procedure

MenB vaccination is recommended for all students upon enrollment.
MenACWY vaccination is required for students living in on-campus housing. Adequate vaccination will be documented by demonstration of:
- One dose received on or after the 16th birthday
- If administered prior to the 16th birthday, a second booster dose should be administered before enrollment.

In accord with Act 83, a student residing in on-campus housing may request an exemption from meningococcal vaccination for religious or other reasons, through completion and approval of the Penn State University Health Services Meningococcal Waiver Request form. View Meningitis Vaccination Policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) notes poliovirus infection can cause poliomyelitis and permanent paralysis. Although the ACIP had recommended adult polio vaccination for only adult considered to be at high risk for exposure, the ACIP changed its recommendation in 2023 to recommend that all U.S. adults aged ≥18 years who are known or suspected to be unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated against polio complete a primary polio vaccination series with IPV. The College of Medicine requires that all students demonstrate documentation of immunization against polio. It is noted that the CDC states “Adults who received any childhood vaccines almost certainly were vaccinated against polio. Thus, most adults who were born and raised in the United States can assume they were vaccinated against polio as children, even if they do not have written documentation of vaccination, unless they have specific reasons to believe they were not vaccinated.”

Procedure

Prior to matriculation, students must demonstrate vaccination against polio.
The following will be considered demonstration of immunity:
- Receipt of ≥3 appropriately spaced doses of OPV (trivalent oral vaccine) or IPV in any combination, with the final dose in the series administered on or after the fourth birthday.
- Documentation of physician-diagnosed polio disease.
Serologic screening is not necessary for students who have documentation of appropriate vaccination or documentation of physician-diagnosed polio infection.
In exceptional circumstances in which students are unable to produce documentation of vaccination, demonstration of reception of other child vaccinations may be considered evidence of polio vaccination at the discretion of the Director of Student Health.

View Polio Vaccination Policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

In the event that a student is involved in an invasive incident with a needle or scalpel or exposed to another person’s blood or body fluid, the following procedure should be followed.

General Guidance:

Sharps Injury/Blood or Body Fluid Exposure at Penn State Health locations:

Wash needle sticks and cuts with soap and water.
Flush splashes to the nose, mouth or skin with soap and water.
Irrigate eyes with clean water.
Students should seek care immediately after the incident.
Report injury/exposure to the supervising physician, who is then responsible for arranging source testing.
Notify appropriate unit clinical leadership to assist with source testing.
Report the incident to the Employee Health Department via ReadySet. View ReadySet instructions (ePass login required).
Graduate students should follow the Biosafety Protocol guidelines of the laboratory they work in.

Specific Location-Based Guidance:

Penn State Health Locations in Hershey Region

During normal business hours, if at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, report to Employee Health office.
Anytime Employee Health is not open (after regular business hours, weekends and holidays) report to a Penn State Health Emergency Department to receive care, and then notify HMC Employee Health about the incident on the next business day in person or via email.

Penn State Health Locations in the State College Region

If a needle stick or other invasive incident occurs while at a Penn State Health Outpatient Clinic, students will visit University Health Services located at Penn State University, 438 Student Health Ctr, University Park, PA 16802, telephone number 814-863-0774.

If the incident occurs after business hours or on weekends at any University Park site, go to the Emergency Department at Mount Nittany Medical Center for initial testing.

Follow up with HMC Employee Health on the next business day in person, via email HMCEmployeeHealth@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or by phone @ 717-531-8280.

Mount Nittany Medical Center

If a needle stick or other invasive incident occurs while at Mount Nittany Medical Center (MNMC), then MNMC will have the initial evaluation and baseline testing completed through their usual process for all invasive incidents, such as needle sticks. Medical students must report incidents to the provider they are working with, followed by the Employee Health Service Department, who can direct them to the Emergency Department and process testing for the source patient. When seen at the Emergency Department, the student will need to provide their medical insurance information so that charges can be processed.

Students will need to complete an electronic MNMC non-employee event report by typing “event report” in the search bar located on the connect home page. This form can be printed and completed or completed electronically.

The completed form must be turned into the Director of Risk Management. For questions please contact the Employee Health Service Department at 814-234-6731.

Mount Nittany Physician Group Outpatient Clinics

If a needle stick or other invasive incident occurs while at a MNMC Outpatient Clinic, students will contact and visit Mount Nittany Physician Group (MNPG) Occupational Health. MNPG Occupational Health is located at 1850 E. Park Avenue, Suite 302 State College, PA 16803, telephone number 814-231-7094. This is separate from Penn State University Occupational Health, which is located in the same building.

Exposure at all other Clinic Sites or Other Institutions (sites not associated with Penn State Health or Penn State College of Medicine):

The student should report any injury or exposure directly to the Supervising/Attending physician, who is then responsible for initiating source testing.
Follow the institution/hospital's established policy for exposure; leverage nursing leadership at clinical location for assistance if needed.
Students should seek care immediately after the incident.

Policy: Follow Up Care:

Exposure victims are expected to follow the recommendations of the healthcare provider managing the exposure. Care may be managed by the institution/provider who handled the initial exposure, or may be the student’s personal healthcare provider.

Financial Responsibility:

It is the MD and PA student’s responsibility to submit any costs incurred due to the exposure to their personal health insurance. If they wish to be reimbursed by the College of Medicine for any remaining balance after health insurance, they must submit the Student Exposure Financial Reimbursement for Sharps Injuries form and any relevant request documentation to the Penn State College of Medicine Bursar’s Office.Self-pay graduate students should follow the MD and PA student guidelines above; graduate students appointed as graduate assistants or fellows should follow up with the Graduate Education Office (Rachel Reager, Director) to complete a Worker’s Compensation Claim.

View sharps injury/blood and body fluid exposure information in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

In accordance with recommendations of the Association of American Medical Colleges and standards of the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, the Penn State College of Medicine requires all medical students to have continuous health insurance coverage.

This policy is in place to maintain the health and wellness of our students and provide protection from the financial risk of health care expenses.

Student health insurance is billed to the student’s account in two parts; once in Fall and again in Spring around the same time as Fall/Spring tuition bills are generated. At the beginning of each academic year, all students will be charged for the PSCOM Administered Health Insurance Plan (also referred to as the University’s plan) unless they are enrolled in another PSU Administered Insurance Plan (MD/PhD students) or are granted an approved insurance waiver.

Students who are married and/or have eligible dependents may elect to enroll their dependents in the insurance plan by completing an online application and personally paying the required premium. Students should contact the Bursar office for the enrollment form and instructions.

Students have the option of enrolling in the PSCOM-Administered Health Insurance Plan or requesting a waiver for an alternative health insurance plan. If a waiver is granted, the selected insurance policy will provide the same minimum care as the University’s plan and provide uninterrupted coverage throughout the year. Requirements are listed on the waiver form and shown below (international students have additional waiver requirements-see appendix). A signed waiver form will be maintained by United Health Services Waiver (UHS) team.

An acceptable health insurance plan will:

Include coverage for both accidents and sicknesses. Insurance that covers only emergencies will not be acceptable.
Include coverage for all pre-existing conditions: (ACA)
Have a deductible not in excess of $3,000 per individual per year.
Have maternity benefits. These should be the same as benefits for an illness. If they are not the same, the maternity benefit must meet all applicable waiver standards (e.g., deductible, maximum benefit, etc.)
Have an unlimited maximum benefit per incident: (ACA)
Have inpatient and outpatient, and mental health benefits.
Pay benefits worldwide.

Certain insurances and Medicaid plans (not from PA) do not meet these standards and cannot be accepted. Students that have a regional HMO insurance policy must request a guest membership or purchase a plan that allows the student to have coverage in the central PA area.

Enrollment Procedure: New Students

During the orientation period students must complete a Penn State College of Medicine Insurance Enrollment Form via LionPATH Or
Complete a Waiver of Health Insurance Form and provide proof of appropriate insurance coverage via LionPATH.

Enrollment Procedure: Continuing Students

At the beginning of each academic year, continuing students will need to complete either an Insurance Enrollment Form for the PSCOM-Administered Health Insurance Plan or complete a waiver if opting not to purchase the PSCOM insurance plan via LionPATH.Students requesting not to participate in the PSCOM-Administered Health Insurance Plan must complete an Insurance Waiver Form at the beginning of each academic year to ensure that the

College of Medicine has documented appropriate insurance coverage. Waivers are not automatically renewed from one year to the next. If a waiver form is not submitted by the assigned insurance deadline (see below), students will be enrolled and charged for the PSCOM-Administered Health Insurance Plan. If no waiver is received by the deadline, students are responsible for the insurance charges and can only be removed from the University’s Insurance Plan within the Open Enrollment period designated by UnitedHealthcare. Additionally, if students are enrolled in the University’s plan and use the benefits within the first thirty days of coverage and also present a waiver, they will not be permitted to be dropped from the University’s plan and are responsible for the premium charges.

Deadline and Where to Submit Forms

If you plan on enrolling in the plan, there is nothing you need to do. You will be automatically enrolled. If you do not plan on enrolling, the deadline for submitting the waiver Form via LionPATH is listed on the health insurance website each year. Ideally forms should be received by the due date listed to ensure coverage is in place for the year (Medical and PA Students).

An enrollment or waiver form must be submitted online via LionPATH under “My Information – Health Insurance” by the established deadline date to avoid being charged for the PSCOM- Administered Health Insurance Plan. Please contact the bursar office or SR Waiver Verification if you have any problems with the waiver process.

Premiums Payment Schedule

Student premiums will be charged to the student account each semester to coordinate with fall (coverage period August 13 – December 31) & spring (January 1 – August 12 tuition and fee charges.

Dependent Coverage

Students enrolled for coverage in the PSCOM-Administered Health Insurance Plan may also enroll eligible dependents. An eligible dependent is a spouse, domestic partner and/or any unmarried child(ren) under the age of 26 who are not self-supporting. Dependent eligibility expires concurrently with that of the insured student. Students must personally pay premiums for dependent coverage. Their payment is also due in 2 installments for Fall/Spring. Please be sure to make both payments. Contact the bursar office for the enrollment form and instructions.

View the student health insurance policy in the policy tool. (ePass login required)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that Tuberculosis (TB) screening programs are in place for “anyone working or volunteering in healthcare settings.” It further recommends that “all U.S. health care personnel should be screened for TB upon hire, and the College of Medicine similarly applies this policy to medical and physician assistant students upon matriculation. The CDC also notes that “annual TB testing of health care personnel is not recommended unless there is a known exposure or ongoing transmission.” These procedures therefore support the recommendations to prevent and manage exposure to tuberculosis among College of Medicine students.

Tuberculosis Prevention

TB testing result is required within 8 weeks prior to matriculation.
Prior to matriculation, an IGRA (T-SPOT or QuantiFERON Gold) or a two-step PPD is required. A two-step PPD is performed by placing a second PPD one to three weeks after an initial negative PPD.
For those with a history of BCG vaccination or anyone who is immunocompromised, an IGRA TB blood test is recommended.
Students with a history of a past positive PPD skin test or positive IGRA (T-SPOT or QuantiFERON Gold) TB blood test, treated or not treated prophylactically, must obtain a chest x-ray and submit the result 8 weeks prior to matriculation. Annually thereafter these students are required to complete an annual TB symptom questionnaire.

Latent Tuberculosis (Positive PPD):

If a student has a positive PPD that has not previously been managed, the must obtain a chest x-ray, which can be billed to Student Health. If the chest x-ray is negative, they may attend educational activities but they must be referred to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and they must seek medical care from an infectious disease specialist.
Treated PPD-positive students should provide physician documentation of completed prophylactic therapy to Student Health.
Students with a positive PPD (treated or untreated) are required to complete an annual TB symptom questionnaire annually. If responses to the questionnaire indicate that symptoms are present the student must enter the care of an infectious disease specialist for management.

Tuberculosis Exposure

If a student with a previous negative TB test result is exposed to TB, they should immediately have an IGRA (T-SPOT or QuantiFERON Gold) TB blood test performed by their health care provider, and repeated 8-10 weeks after the last known exposure, and report the results to the Office of Student Health.
Students are also expected to monitor for signs or symptoms of TB: a bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer, pain in the chest, coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs), weakness or fatigue, weight loss, decreased appetite, chills, fever, sweating at night;
If the student develops signs or symptoms of TB or a positive blood test, they must notify Student Health immediately and enter the care of an infectious disease specialist.
Students who convert to a positive tuberculin test during medical school should be treated with the necessary medications, blood work monitoring and studies as determined by their personal physician and submit the bills to their health insurer for reimbursement. Outstanding medical bills for TB exposure after insurance payment should be emailed to Student_Health@pennstatehealth.psu.edu which will in turn forward them to the Bursar’s Office for payment.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. TB Screening and Testing of Health Care Personnel. Accessed January 3, 2024

View the tuberculosis policy in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) notes that nosocomial varicella infections have been reported in a variety of healthcare settings, and “...[A]ll susceptible hospitalized adults are at risk for severe varicella disease and complications, certain patients are at increased risk: pregnant women, premature infants born to susceptible mothers, infants born at less than 28 weeks' gestation or who weigh less than or equal to 1000 grams…and immunocompromised persons of all ages.” Further, “Only personnel who are immune to varicella should care for patients who have confirmed or suspected varicella or zoster.” Because College of Medicine students are expected to encounter susceptible patients, students must have documented immunity to minimize the risk of nosocomial varicella infections.

Procedure

Prior to matriculation, students must demonstrate immunity against varicella.
Any of the following will be considered demonstration of immunity:
- Documentation of appropriate vaccination against varicella
  - First dose administered on or after 12 months of age, second dose administered at least 4 weeks after first dose
- Laboratory evidence of varicella immunity. A serologic test interpreted as “indeterminate” or “equivocal” does not indicate immunity
A stated history of chicken pox infection is not sufficient, this must be supported by serology or documentation of vaccination.
If a student is unable to demonstrate immunity, they should receive the routine varicella vaccination series.
If a student has further concerns about their immune status, they are encourage to consult an infectious disease specialist.

View the Varicella Vaccination Policy in the policy tool. (ePass login required)

Student Services

All students must secure their own transportation for their clinical rotations and experiences. There is minimal public transportation in the Hershey area and most clinical sites beyond Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center are not accessible via public transportation. Therefore, maintaining use of a personal vehicle is highly recommended. Clinical rotation and clerkship sites are made via a lottery process. Schedule changes of clinical rotation sites will not be made for transportation issues.

View Clinical Rotation Transportation in the policy management tool. (ePass login required)

University Manor is a housing complex situated on the campus of Penn State College of Medicine at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. University Manor apartments are divided into two sections, University Manor East and University Manor West. University Manor East consists of 248 garden-style apartments. There are 24 one-bedroom apartments, 208 two-bedroom apartments, and 16 three-bedroom apartments. University Manor West consists of 31 four-bedroom (furnished) apartments. The four-bedroom suites have a closed hallway separating the bedrooms from the living area, allowing privacy to each tenant. All of the apartments are solidly constructed, designed to make them as soundproof and fireproof as possible.

Parking Information

The patient/visitor parking areas are designated for patients and visitors only. Employees/students parking in these areas other than to attend a clinic visit will be ticketed.
Students should park in their assigned parking area only.
Vehicles owned or operated by employees/students must have a valid Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center/Penn State College of Medicine parking sticker displayed on the back-rear passenger window at all times.
The acceptance by the employee/student of the privilege to park or drive a motor vehicle on campus shall constitute acceptance of the responsibility to see that any vehicle owned or operated in their name is not parked in violation of these regulations. It also shall constitute acceptance of the appropriate penalty when violations are cited.
Parking tickets/violations will be issued by Security for violation of campus parking regulations. If penalties/fines are not paid or appealed within ten calendar days of the violation being issued, your student account will be placed on hold and will remain on hold until all outstanding citations have been paid in full.
Employees/students who repeatedly violate any provision of the Parking Rules and Regulations may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination.
The fact that other vehicles are parked improperly shall not constitute an excuse for parking any part of the motor vehicle outside or over a prescribed parking space.
It is not feasible to mark with signs or paint all areas of Medical Center or College of Medicine property where parking is prohibited. Parking is prohibited on walks, grassy areas, dirt areas, parking lot curb areas, graveled areas (unless specified for parking), in fire lanes, in loading zones, in service drives, at yellow curbs, at hatched-painted areas, at any posted prohibition, in traffic lanes, at traffic signs or signals, by fire hydrants, at building egress points, or in any other area that is not designed specifically by marks as a parking space.
Vehicles may not be stored on campus at any time. Any vehicle found to be stored may be towed at the owner’s expense.
Any vehicle parked on campus shall be parked at the owner’s risk. Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center assumes no responsibilities for theft, damage, or personal injury.
Employees/students may find it necessary to use a rental/temporary car. Anyone using a rental/temporary vehicle should contact Parking Services with the vehicle information for every rental/temporary vehicle in order to obtain a temporary permit.
If you are living on campus at University Manor East (UME) or University Manor West (UMW) you must park in your Housing assigned parking space only. Those living on campus at UME or UMW may not park anywhere else on campus per Housing’s Rules and Regulations.
To accommodate our growing campus, it may be necessary for Parking Services to change or adjust any of the parking rules and regulations. Parking Services reserves the right to alter any of these rules or regulations at any time. For the most up to date information regarding parking, see the Parking Services Infonet page (ePass login required) or contact Parking Services at parkingservices@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-3713 with questions.

Penn State Health On-Demand Shuttle Service Do's and Don'ts

Do’s:

Use the App: On-Demand Shuttle Service is a Ride-sharing service that offers incredible convenience. You don’t have to drive your car when you’re going to selected Penn State Health System locations, saving time and fuel and providing convenience. The app also includes information on which vehicle is coming and how soon. You can track the vehicle as it nears your location!
Check Information: As there are multiple on-demand vehicles, always double-check your information to ensure you get into the right one.
Ride-sharing: As the word indicates, the service can make stops to pick up other riders. This is not a personal car service.
Safety Features: On-demand drivers are Penn State Health employees who are very experienced and friendly. There is never a non-employee providing transportation. You can feel safe with our on-demand shuttle service during every ride.

Don’ts:

Personal Transportation: Do not use the service for start/end of day transportation. The service is NOT to take you to your assigned workspace at the beginning of your day or to return you near your home at the end of your day.
Avoid Quick Turnarounds: Be mindful that the service cannot wait for you to run in/out of a location. Many others need the service. There is a one-hour window required for return trips.
Don’t Ignore Changes: Let your carpool partners know in advance so they can make other plans if your plans change or you no longer need transportation.

Penn State College of Medicine University Park offices and classrooms are located on the third floor of the Centre Medical Sciences Building, 143 Hospital Drive, State College, PA 16803. Students and residents are asked to reserve parking spaces closest to the building for patients. Parking permits are not required to park in the Centre Medical Services Building lot.

Mount Nittany Medical Center is located at 155 Wellness Way, State College, PA 16803. Medical students and residents are asked to park in Lot B2. Students and residents are not permitted to park in the physicians’ lot. Permits are not required to park in the Mount Nittany Medical Center lots.

Parking at Penn State University Park is permitted in several locations with a Student Commuter Parking Pass. Students must obey all Penn State parking policies. The Penn State Parking page has more information.

Local public transportation is provided through CATARIDE. See CATARIDE schedule, RIDEpass application and additional information here.

The Office for Professional Mental Health (PMH) is designed to meet the mental health support services of Penn State College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center students, medical residents and fellows, physicians and faculty with compassion, honesty, and confidentiality. All issues are taken seriously – no problem is “too small” to talk about. The PMH provides individual counseling, couples counseling, psychiatric services, consultation, crisis counseling, and outreach programing. All Penn State College of Medicine and Milton S. Hershey Medical Center students, medical residents and fellows, physicians and faculty are eligible for services within the PMH.

Hershey students

The University Fitness Center offers a friendly atmosphere with support to help you achieve your personal fitness goals. Membership is free for students defined as full-time Penn State students that are enrolled in one of the following Penn State College of Medicine programs:

Medical school
Graduate school
Physician Assistant program
College of Nursing
Student spouses or significant others, dependent children of students, non-campus affiliated Penn State students, and visiting students are eligible for membership for a fee.
Penn State College of Medicine or Graduate School alumni, including those who have completed residency at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center

Click here for more information about the University Fitness Center

University Park

Penn State College of Medicine University Park students have the ability to access three recreation facilities on campus at Penn State University Park. The student Campus Recreation membership will allow access to all three fitness centers (White Building, IM Building and Hepper Fitness Center), most fitness classes, and open recreation areas (indoor track, basketball, racquetball, squash, volleyball, table tennis, badminton, etc.) in the IM and White buildings. Patrons of any of the campus recreation facilities will be required to swipe into the building using a valid Penn State ID card or membership card with an active Campus Recreation membership.

See more about the recreational facilities here.

See more health and wellness options in University Park here.

MD Student Handbook

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Competencies, Subcompetencies and Milestones

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Competency Domain 1. Patient Care

Competency Domain 2. Knowledge for Practice

Competency Domain 3. Practice-Based Learning and Improvement

Competency Domain 4. Interpersonal and Communication Skills

Competency Domain 5. Professional Behaviors

Competency Domain 6. Systems-Based Practice

Competency Domain 7. Health Humanities

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Five Key Abilities and Skills

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Students with Disabilities

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Promotion from the MD Program (Phase I) to the PhD Program and from the PhD Program to the MD Program (Phases II-III)plus icon

Promotion (hand-off) from the MD Program - Phase I to the PhD Program:

Promotion from the PhD Program to the MD Program Phase II-III

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Responsibilities and Expectation of the Student

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