Medical Student Handbook

Technical Standards

Table of Contents Handbook Homepage POLICIES & GUIDELINES - Privacy & Access to Academic Records - Disabilities Technical Standards Policy - Assistance for Individual w/Disabilities - ADA Ombudsperson - Mistreatment of Medical Students - Sexual Harassment - Assessment Data - Religious Observance - The U.S. Medical Licensing Examination - Alcohol Use On School of Medicine Property - Impairment Due to Substance Abuse - Self Disclosure in the Course of Learning - Confidentiality - Teaching Exercises with Student Subjects - Video Equipment Use - Regulatory, Health and Other Requirements --- Infection Control --- In-Service Education Competency Exam --- Certification in Use of Clinical Information System --- Medical Student CPR Certification --- University Health Requirements MD Student Responsibility, Conduct, & Academic Policies ACADEMIC ISSUES - Verification of Eligibility for Matriculation - Verification of Academic Credentials - Completion of Required Experiences - Remedial Work - Completion of Academic Deficiencies - Grading Policy up to Class of 2002 - Double Helix Grading Policy - Student Assessment Guide --- Comprehensive Assessments - MD with Distinction - AOA and Dean's Letter Rankings - In-Depth Experience - Plagiarism - Absences from Classes & Academic Responsibilities - Policy on Time Away From Clerkships - Class Attendance - Leaves of Absence - Year-Out Fellowships - Drop/Add Deadline Policy SUPPORT SERVICES - Academic Support Services - University Health Service - Counseling and Mental Health Services - Chaplain's Office - Division of Medical Informatics - Women in Science, Dentistry & Medicine (WISDM) - Assistance for Pregnant Medical Students - Miner Library ADVISING & STUDENT ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS - Advisory Dean Program - Student Enrichment Programs - Student-Sponsored Symposium CONSUMER & LEGAL ASSISTANCE - Integrity Hotline - University Housing - Executing Legal Documents - Consumer and Legal Assistance OFFICES FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION - Medical Education - Student Services Center - Advisory Deans - Student Affairs Office - Registrar's Office - Financial Aid Office - Bursar's Office - Office for Ethnic & Multicultural Affairs - Admissions Office - Medical Alumni Affairs - Student Enrichment Programs - Graduate Studies - Offices for Educational Research - Curricular Affairs Office - Facilities for Students - Student Computing DOUBLE HELIX CURRICULUM MEDICAL EDUCATION OBJECTIVES

All candidates for the M.D. degree must possess essential skills and abilities necessary to complete the medical school curriculum successfully either with or without reasonable accommodations for any disabilities the individual may have. Note: The use of an intermediary that would in effect require a student to rely on someone else's power of selection and observation will not be permitted. The School of Medicine's Technical Standards are as follows:

• Ability to:
  • Record historical information
  • Detect, understand, and interpret physical findings
  • Communicate physical findings, develop and record diagnoses as well as treatment plans
• Ability to manipulate equipment and instruments traditionally used by physicians and physicians-in-training.
• Ability to recognize, understand, and interpret instructional materials required during undergraduate medical education.
• Ability to detect and appreciate alterations in anatomy, or other abnormalities encountered as part of the general physical examination.
• Ability to recognize, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic studies.
• Ability to review and interpret notes prepared by other members of the health care team.
• Ability to perform calculations necessary to deliver appropriate care to the patient.
• Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families and other health care personnel.
• Ability to perform all of the above skills within a timeframe that is appropriate for a clinical setting.

April, 1997

TECHNICAL STANDARDS POLICY

All applicants accepted to the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry must be able to meet the School's technical standards. Students are asked to review the standards and to sign a form certifying they have read, understand, and are able to meet the standards.

The School of Medicine is prepared to provide reasonable accommodations to students who are accepted by the School and who have physical and learning disabilities (e.g.: mobility impairments, chronic illnesses, dyslexia and other learning disabilities). The University will review the information in order to determine whether a reasonable accommodation can be made. The University reserves the right to reject any requests for accommodation, that in its judgment would involve the use of an intermediary that would in effect require a student to rely on someone else's power of selection and observation, fundamentally alter the nature of the School's educational program, lower academic standards, cause an undue hardship on the School, or endanger the safety of patients or others.

Questions should be directed to Dean Brenda D. Lee, (585) 275-5910.