26.3. Medical Clearance

Students who experience temporary illness, such as the flu or common cold, should exercise judgment in deciding when to return to the clinic – taking into account the site, type of patients, and clinical responsibilities. Students may find it helpful to contact the preceptor for advice on when to return to the clinical experience. Students may also contact the DCE for guidance related to determining appropriate health related conditions for missing clerkships and appropriate health status for returning.

When the illness is contagious or the student has a physical disorder that restricts his/her physical activity in any way, the student must receive medical clearance from a health care provider and present it in writing to the preceptor and the DCE. In such instances, the health status requirements of both the clinical facility and the Program must be met in order for the student to return to the clerkship.