Mar 28, 2024  
Graduate Record 2020-2021 
    
Graduate Record 2020-2021 [ARCHIVED RECORD]

Academic Rules Medicine


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Admission Requirements


General Requirements

All applicants must have completed a minimum of 90 semester hours of course work, at the time of application, in an accredited in a U.S. or Canadian or United Kingdom college or university.
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. are eligible to apply provided they have completed at least 90 semester hours of coursework, at the time of application, in a U.S. or Canadian college or university.
We strongly prefer a bachelor’s degree from those that have attended college in the U.S.
Admissions Policies and Procedures (PDF)

Course Recommendations

The University of Virginia School of Medicine no longer has required pre-requisite courses
We have no science or humanities requirements. However, it is recommended that students consider courses in Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Human Behavior and Statistics as students find these courses to be helpful during medical school.
MCAT Requirements:
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required of all applicants. We will accept the current version of the MCAT and the future version of the MCAT.  We will not give preference to either.  All applicants must present scores from tests taken no later than September 30th of the year prior to matriculation, and no earlier than April 1st of the three years prior to matriculation.
Information regarding the MCAT and registration materials are available from premedical advisors or from MCAT Registration, phone: (202) 828-0690, http://www.aamc.org/.

AP Credit

The University of Virginia will accept AP credit, provided your undergraduate institution awarded you credit towards graduation (not just exemptions) and those credits appear on your official transcript.

Technical Standards

All matriculants and current students (“Candidates”) must possess the physical, cognitive, emotional and interpersonal capabilities necessary to complete the medical education program and to provide highly effective patient care within the medical education program. These capabilities are called Technical Standards, the essential functions that all medical students must demonstrate to meet the requirements of a general medical education. Candidates whether for admission, academic promotion, or graduation must meet these Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.
See for details of these capabilities.
These technical standards are predicated on the school’s learning objectives that are considered essential for completion of the M.D. degree. They have been approved by the Curriculum Committee and the Dean of the School of Medicine.

Criminal Background Check Requirement

If legal or criminal proceedings are filed against you prior to matriculation, or if you are the recipient of any institutional disciplinary action, it is your responsibility to inform the Admissions Office immediately. Additionally, all students must undergo a mandatory criminal background check as a condition of acceptance to the School of Medicine. See the full Criminal Background Check Policy here.


Academic Advising


Students in pursuit of a Doctor of Medicine are divided into 4 “colleges” within each cohort. Each college is lead by a Dean of Student Affairs providing the students with academic and career advising. The current deans are:

  • Dunglison College - Dr. Meg Keeley
  • Hunter College – Dr. John Densmore
  • Pinn College – Dr. Christine Peterson
  • Reed College – Dr. Sean Reed

Academic Standing


Definitions of Academic Status

A student may be placed on academic warning by ASAC during a specified period in which the student’s academic and/or professional deficiencies must be remediated or they will risk progression to academic probation. 

A student may be placed on academic probation by ASAC during a specified period in which the student’s academic progress and/or professional behaviors are monitored closely with periodic required reviews by ASAC. The student remains enrolled during this time. The committee may appoint specific faculty to implement remediation and evaluate the student’s progress. If deficiencies or failures are not rectified according to the remediation plan set by ASAC within the specified period of time, the student is subject to dismissal from the University.  Academic probation is reflected on the MSPE.

Definitions of Academic Standing

A student is in good academic standing if the student makes satisfactory progress, defined as progressing at a pace of completion allowing the student to meet academic requirements to achieve the Doctor of Medicine degree within a six-year limit (150% of the program length) set from matriculation.

A student  is not in good academic standing if making inadequate academic progress that threatens their ability to achieve the Doctor of Medicine degree within a six-year limit set from matriculation as determined by the Academic Standards and Achievement Committee. 

The following are standards for each phase of the curriculum to determine whether or not students are maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Pre-clerkship Phase

  • A student is declared not in good academic standing if they have failures or an unsatisfactory in any course or system that are not successfully remediated at the time of the first day of class, third semester.
  • A student is declared not in good academic standing if they have greater than 2 course Incompletes and/or Withdrawals and if the Incompletes or Withdrawals are not remedied at the time of the first day of class, third semester.
  • A student is declared not in good academic standing if they have failures or an unsatisfactory in any course that are not successfully remediated at the time of the first day of period one of the clerkships.
  • A student is declared not in good academic standing if they have greater than 2 course Incompletes and/or Withdrawals and if the Incompletes or Withdrawals are not remedied at the time of the first day of period one of the clerkships.
  • A student is declared not in good academic standing if he/she does not pass USMLE Step 1 on the second attempt. 

Clerkship Phase

  • A student is declared not in good academic standing if they have greater than 2 deficiencies (failing 2 or more clerkships with an F) and if the deficiencies are not remediated at the time of four months from the end of the 48-week clerkship period (*).
  • A student is declared not in good academic standing if they have greather than 2 Incompletes or Withdrawals and if the Incompletes and/or Withdrawals are not remedied at the time of four months from the end of the 48-week clerkship period (*).
  • A student is declared not in good academic standing if they fail to pass  either part of USMLE Step 2 on the second attempt.

Post-Clerkship (Elective) Phase

  • The student is declared not in good academic standing if not making adequate progress to achieve the Doctor of Medicine degree within the time limit set from matriculation.
  • The student is declared not in good academic standing if they receive two or more unsatisfactory elective evaluations.

Covid Addendums to this Policy

The following modifications to the SOM curriculum and grading policy were each reviewed and approved by the Curriculum Committee in the Spring of 2020 during the COVID pandemic.

Phase 1/Pre-Clerkship changes:

  • FCM 1-B OSCE was postponed from spring 2020 to early fall 2020 semester given social distancing limitations. Students will be permitted to begin their third semester of medical education without completing this requirement.
  • Due to complications on a national level related to USMLE Board examination scheduling, students were allowed to progress to Phase 2 curriculum and/or PhD programing without having completed the Step 1 examination.

Phase 2/Clerkship changes:

  • SMD22 students were granted the ability to earn Phase 3 credit during the COVID furlough period prior to completing the Phase 2 curriculum.
  • Clerkship modifications for the remainder of 2020-2021:
    • Family Medicine and Ambulatory internal Medicine have been combined to create the Preventive, Acute, and Chronic Longitudinal Ambulatory Care (PACLAC).  It is four weeks in length and is graded P/F.
    • Neurology was shortened from four to two weeks and is graded P/F.

Phase 3/Post Clerkship changes:

  • Students in SMD21 and SMD22 were granted credit for Phase 3 courses that were one week in length.
  • Coursework completed during the COVID furlough period shall not be counted against the 8-week discipline limitations outlined in the Phase 3 elective handbook.
  • The Geriatrics Clerkship required in the post-clerkship curriculum was modified to a single week, virtual format given at two distinct times.  All members of the class of SMD21 were enrolled in the modified course at one of these times.  Completion of the requirements of the modified course satisfies the graduation requirement for the Geriatrics clerkship.
  • The DxRx course was modified to a single week, virtual format for SMD22.  Members of the class of SMD 22 participated in the modified course in April 2020.  Completion of the requirements of the modified course satisfies the graduation requirement for the DxRX course.
  • In May 2020, USMLE suspended the Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) Exam administration for 12-18 months. Until this examination is being administered, passing the Step 2 CS exam will not be a graduation requirement for the SOM. 

Appeals from Students


Numerical or Narrative Grading Challenge in Clerkships

If a student wishes to challenge the numerical calculation of their grade or the contents of the summary narrative written about them in a course or a clerkship, the request must be made to the course director or clerkship director within 4 weeks of the assignment of that grade. The student will need to meet to discuss their concerns with the course or clerkship director. If this does not resolve the issue, the student has the right to appeal in writing to the Associate Dean for Curriculum.  The decision of the Associate Dean for Curriculum will be final.

ASAC Decision Appeals

If ASAC requires a dismissal from the School of Medicine or repetition of an academic period, the notification to the student will provide the option of an appeal and a description of the appeals process.  This option will not be granted to those students failing to pass Steps 1, 2 CK or 2 CS* of the USMLE within three attempts.  The student may formally request that the Associate Dean for Student Affairs appoint an ad hoc Appeals Committee to review the decision of ASAC.  The student must file his/her appeal no later than 14 days from receipt of notification or lose the right to appeal.

The three-person ad hoc Appeals Committee is drawn from a pool of 10 faculty members named by the Associate Dean for Student Affairs, none of whom are current members of ASAC.  The student selects one member, the Senior Associate Dean for Education selects one member, and the Dean selects the third member (who chairs the ad hoc Appeals Committee).  The Associate Dean for Student Affairs serves as staff liaison, ex officio, without vote.

The student is permitted to inspect his/her entire medical school file, including any material upon which the decision of ASAC was based.

The student is permitted to have counsel, to submit affidavits and exhibits and to summon witnesses at the Appeals Committee hearing. Legal counsel may be present to provide advice, but legal counsel will not be permitted to participate actively in presentation of testimony, examination/cross examination of witnesses or oral arguments.

The Appeals Committee is to conduct a hearing as soon as possible (ordinarily within 14 days).  The Appeals Committee will provide the student with all the evidence against him or her, including the academic grades and written evaluations, and will base its decision upon the evidence presented at the hearing.  In its deliberations, the Appeals Committee must accord deference to the decision of ASAC. The Appeals Committee’s review shall be limited to: (a) compliance with the Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement and other applicable UME policies and procedures, and (b) whether there is sufficient evidence to support the decision of ASAC.  The Appeals Committee may uphold or reject the adverse action. However, before rejecting the adverse action, the Appeals Committee must conclude that: (a) there was a failure to follow the Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement and/or other applicable UME policies and procedures and that failure negatively affected ASAC’s decision, and/or (b) that there is not substantial evidence to support the decision.

The Appeals Committee’s decision must be submitted to the student, the chair of ASAC, and to the Dean and/or the Dean’s designated chief academic officer within ten (10) calendar days of the close of the hearing and copied to the Office of Educational Affairs and the registrar. A written record of the proceedings will be sent to the Dean and/or the Dean’s designated chief academic officer.

The decision of the Appeals Committee will be final.


Awards for Academic Excellence


Honorary Societies

Alpha Omega Alpha

Alpha Omega Alpha is the only national honor medical society in the world. Membership in AOA recognizes and perpetuates excellence in the medical profession. At UVa the goal of AOA is also to promote contact between the students and members who are practicing physicians, both here in the University and in private practice.

From the top quartile of students, each chapter may elect to AOA membership up to one-sixth of the projected number of students that will graduate. Those students chosen from the top quartile for election are picked not only for their high academic standing, but as well for leadership among their peers, professionalism and a firm sense of ethics, promise of future success in medicine, and a commitment to service in the school and community.

Approximately 6-9 students are elected following their second year based on a vote of peers and overall academic performance in an unweighted manner. Approximately 17 more are elected after their third year based on a vote of peers and cumulative academic performance in an unweighted manner.

Gold Humanism Honor Society

Started in 2003, the Gold Humanism Honor Society recognizes approximately 20 students in each class (1/6th) nominated by their peers for the following qualities and characteristics:

  • Cares for patients with obvious compassion and empathy
  • Maintains thoroughly professional demeanor and highest ethical standards
  • Respects everyone
  • Engenders patients’ trust and confidence
  • Listens and communicates well, establishing good rapport with patients
  • Shows cultural sensitivity to all personals, especially those of different ethnic/racial/spiritual backgrounds
  • Seeks to help patients and families understand nature and impact of illness and treatment
  • Attends to patients’ psychological well-being
  • Advocates on behalf of patients with attending physician and team
  • Works collegially as member of interprofessional health-care team
  • Seeks and accepts help, criticism, and advice in order to improve performance
  • Is committed to reflecting on and evaluating own attitudes, skills, and behaviors
  • Engages in community activities and volunteer service

The Raven Society

The Raven Society was founded at the University of Virginia in 1904. The Society’s objective is to promote fellowship among people of similar intellectual interests beyond the limits of the classroom. It has the interests of the University at heart and directs its efforts toward expansion of Virginia’s influence and prestige. Undergraduates, graduate students, and members of the faculty and alumni are eligible for membership; they are selected on the basis of excellence in their field and contributions to the University. The Society meets regularly during the year to conduct business meetings, hear speakers, and hold elections for new members. Its activities culminate each year in a formal Spring banquet at which officers are elected, new members are initiated, and highly-coveted Raven awards are presented to people outstanding in their manifold contributions to the University. Each year four students from the medical school are elected.

Omicron Delta Kappa

ODK, founded in 1914, is a national honor society with a threefold purpose: to recognize students who have attained a high standard of leadership in collegiate activities; to bring together individuals representing all phases of college life; and to bring together members of the faculty and the student body on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and helpfulness. Each year two or three students from the medical school are elected.

Awards

  • Medical Student Teaching Award
    The award was established in 2002. Students participating in any of the Basic Science or Clinical Science teaching electives are eligible for the annual Medical Student Teaching Award. Awards are given each year to one or more students demonstrating excellence in attaining or surpassing the self-directed goals of the elective. Winners are selected by a committee of faculty and medical students.
  • Robert M. Blizzard Pediatric Scholar Award
    The award was established by the Department of Pediatrics to honor Dr. Robert Blizzard, who served as chair from 1974 through 1987. The recipient is an individual who is committed to a career in Pediatrics and has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, particularly during the Pediatric clerkship.
  • C. Richard Bowman Scholarship Award
    The award is made in memory of C. Richard Bowman, 1974 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The award is based upon performance during the clerkships and is awarded to the student who embodies the ideals and spirit of Dr. Bowman.
  • Class of 1954 Community Service Award
    The award is sponsored by the graduating class of 1954 and is awarded to the graduating student who has done exemplary work in the community.
  • The Richard F. Edlich Medical Student Research Award in Emergency Medicine
    The award was established in 1995 to recognize the contributions of Dr. Richard F. Edlich, Alumni Distinguished Professor, to Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia. The award is presented to a graduating medical student whose innovative research in Emergency Medicine has resulted in significant improvement in patient care.
  • Award for Excellence in Practice of Medicine-2 (formerly Introduction to Clinical Medicine)
    This award is presented to the graduating student who achieved the highest grade in the second year course, Practice of Medicine-2 (2002-2011); (Introduction to Clinical Medicine, 1986-2001).
  • Samuel Michael Brooke Memorial Award in Hematology
    The award is made in the memory of Samuel M. Brooke, Class of 1994. The award recognizes scholastic excellence in Hematology (as of 2012, The Hematology System).
  • James R. Cash Pathology Book Award
    The award was created by alumni and faculty on the occasion of the retirement of Dr. James R. Cash, Walter Reed Professor of Pathology for 32 years. It is awarded annually for the best scholastic achievement in Pathology.
  • Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award
    The award recognizes a student for their compassion and sensitivity in the delivery of care to patients and their families.
  • Herbert R. Farber Award in Internal Medicine
    The award is given in memory of Dr. Herbert R. Farber, a 1940 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. It is presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated excellence in Internal Medicine and in the fine arts or athletics.
  • Gratton Alexander Litz, III Award in Internal Medicine
    The award is given in memory of Gratton Alexander Litz, III, a 1983 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The award is based upon outstanding performance during the clerkship in Internal Medicine and recognizes an individual who has the ability to apply medical knowledge clinically and who demonstrates compassion for patients.
  • Douglas W. Eastwood Award in Anesthesiology
    The award was established in 1972 to honor Dr. Eastwood, the first Chair of the University of Virginia Department of Anesthesiology. It is awarded to a fourth year student who demonstrates excellence in Anesthesiology.
  • Medical Alumni Association Outstanding Student Award
    The award is presented by the University of Virginia Medical Alumni Association to a member of the graduating class who has contributed in unique ways to excellence in the School of Medicine and fostered new student programs and initiatives.
  • Leadership Award
    The award is given in recognition of exceptional leadership.
  • The McGilvery Memorial Book Award in Biochemistry
    This book award is given in memory of Robert W. McGilvery, former chair of the Biochemistry Department. The award is given to the outstanding medical student in the Human Biochemistry course.
  • Larry S. Nichter Award for Plastic Surgical Research
    The award honors a fourth year medical student for exemplary research in Plastic Surgery, leading to improved quality and outcome of patient care.
  • Carlos & Amparo Villar-Palasi Prize in Pharmacology (formerly Amparo Villar-Palasi Memorial Award)
    The award is presented to two outstanding students in the second year course in Pharmacology. It honors both Professor Carlos Villar-Palasi, a faculty member in Pharmacology, and his wife, Amparo.
  • Edgar F. Shannon Award of the Z Society
    The award is presented in honor of former University President Edgar F. Shannon, Jr., by the Z Society to a student who has contributed in an outstanding way to the academic excellence of that School. Since 2008, the student body has voted on this award and considered excellence in extracurricular activities as well as well as academic – the “best” student.
  • R. Scott Jones Award in Surgery
    This award, established in 2002, is presented in honor of the former chair of the Department of Surgery, R. Scott Jones, M.D. The award is presented to a graduating student in recognition for their academic excellence in the surgical disciplines and their demonstrated humanity in patient care.
  • Robert Bennett Bean Award
    Established by the Class of 1966 in honor of Dr. Robert Bennett Bean, anatomist, anthropologist, and chair of the Department of Anatomy from 1916 to 1942. The award is presented by the second year class to a member of the faculty for excellence in teaching the basic medical sciences.
  • James Ernest Kindred Award
    The award was established by the Class of 1966 to honor the former Professor of Anatomy. It is given to a member of the House Staff (intern, resident, or fellow) felt by the graduating class to have displayed the greatest enthusiasm for teaching students while inspiring them through the common experience of uncertainty assuaged by ideas.
  • Robley Dunglison Award
    The award was established by a gift from the Class of 1964 in honor of the first fculty member of the School of Medicine. It is given by the graduating class to a member of the faculty in recognition of outstanding teaching efforts and personal contributions toward arousing interests and inspiring the endeavors of students.
  • Mulholland Society/Class of 1988 Departmental Teaching Award
    The award was established in 1988 by the Mulholland Society and the Class of 1988 to emphasize the importance of departmental attitudes, dedication and teamwork toward effective teaching. It is given to the department selected by the graduating class in recognition of superior teaching by the faculty and house staff.
  • McGilvery Award for Academic Excellence in Molecular and Cellular Medicine.
  • System Award for Academic Excellence in Microbes: The Essentials.
  • Award for Academic Excellence in the Musculoskeletal and Integument System.
  • Award for Academic Excellence in the Mind, Brain and Behavior System.
  • Award for Academic Excellence in the Gastrointestinal System.
  • Award for Academic Excellence in the Cardiovascular System.
  • Award for Academic Excellence in the Pulmonary System.
  • Award for Academic Excellence in the Renal System.
  • Award for Academic Excellence in the Endocrine/Reproductive System.
  • Award for Academic Excellence in the Hematology System.
  • Collaborative Learning Award
    The award is given to recognize and reward students identified by their peers at the end of their pre-clinical clerkship as being most helpful to others in problem solving, active listening, and cooperative learning. The award is sponsored by the Medical Alumni Association.
  • John Jones Memorial Scholarship Award
    The award is endowed by the School of Medicine Class of 2012 to honor the memory of their classmate who died in a tragic caving accident during his second year at UVA. The recipient is an individual who shares John’s desire to serve the under-privileged members of our community and embodies his core values – kindness, compassion, and professional excellence.

Curricular Requirements


Graduation

In order receive the recommendation from ASAC for graduation and conferral of the MD degree, a student must satisfy all academic and professionalism graduation requirements with no outstanding deficiencies.  In addition, passing scores on the CPX, USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 Clinical Knowledge and the USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills are required for graduation.

Professionalism

Professional attitudes and behaviors are components of the 12 Competencies Required of the Contemporary Physician that enable the independent performance of the responsibilities of a physician and therefore are a requirement for the successful award of the degree of Doctor of Medicine.  The School of Medicine’s Professionalism Objectives (http://www.medicine.virginia.edu/ume/wp-content/uploads/sites/216/2015/09/Professionalism-objectives-clerkships3.pdf) establish general standards applicable to all students in the School of Medicine. However, it is the responsibility of the faculty and the ASAC, as appropriate, to interpret and apply the general Professionalism Objectives to specific situations in when concerns are raised about student performance or behaviors.

Evaluation of professional attitudes and behaviors is an integral part of a student’s assessment and generally is accomplished through observation and narrative recording.  Praise/Concern Cards and written narratives are assessment tools used to describe behaviors in areas of altruism; honesty and integrity; caring, compassion and communication; respect for others; respect for differences; responsibility and accountability; excellence and scholarship; leadership and knowledge and other skills related to professionalism.  These professional attitudes and behaviors are monitored and recorded throughout undergraduate medical education.

Any breach of professionalism resulting in a recorded observation, e.g., Professionalism Concern Card, letter, written report, etc., must be addressed with the student by his/her college dean and documentation of the discussion must be recorded. If a student receives three or more written observations of concern, or is reported for two breaches of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), or is cited for a single violation of the Digital Learning Environment and Educational Materials Policy ( https://med.virginia.edu/school-administration/wp-content/uploads/sites/304/2020/02/4.100-Digital-Learning-Environment-and-Educational-Materials.pdf) or a single egregious breach of professionalism, notice will be sent to ASAC for review. Egregious behaviors, such as but not limited to assault on or threat to a patient, patient’s family member, student, GME trainee or faculty member, conduct that may constitute a felony, etc., regardless of whether criminal prosecutions are initiated or pursued, will be referred immediately to ASAC, irrespective of whether previous observations of concern exist, with the recommendation for dismissal from school.  A student identified as having a pattern of unprofessional behavior may be directed to further counseling and /or to supportive remediation and/or placed on academic warning or academic probation (as defined below), or if the professional violations are severe, a student may be dismissed from school even if they have passing grades in all courses. ASAC will assess the severity of the problem, the management and the consequences, including possibly reporting the behaviors in the student’s Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).

Technical Standards

The practice of medicine requires a broad combination of cognitive, emotional, physical, interpersonal and other skills and personal characteristics in order to provide highly effective patient care within the system of health care.  Consequently, the School of Medicine has identified minimum standards required of all students who matriculate.  These standards must be met throughout medical school in order to progress and graduate; they are predicated on the school’s learning objectives that are considered essential for completion of the M.D. degree.  They have been approved by the Curriculum Committee, the Dean and the Office of General Counsel and are reviewed for currency and re-confirmed on an annual basis. 

Students are required to attest at the time they accept an offer to matriculate that they meet the School of Medicine’s Technical Standards, and they must attest on an annual basis that they continue to meet the standards.  These standards are not intended to deter any student who might be able to complete the requirements of the curriculum with reasonable accommodations.  Requests from students or prospective students for reasonable accommodations in meeting the technical standards will be considered by the Technical Standards Committee.

Resources for Students:  Admitted students with physical or learning disabilities or students who develop physical or learning disabilities have access to the University’s Student Disability Access Center for an evaluation of what accommodations might be necessary for the student to succeed.  The University also provides Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation services for students at the student’s expense.

Technical Standards:  The standards listed below are based on the skills necessary to meet the requirements of the curriculum.

1. Cognitive Abilities

  • Recall and explain facts and concepts
  • Apply facts and concepts in novel clinical and research contexts
  • Integrate and analyze clinical and research data and draw appropriate conclusions (measurement, calculation, reasoning, synthesis).  The student must be able to execute these skills and act quickly in situations such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.
  • Justify one’s analysis and conclusions
  • Acquire and develop clinical reasoning and judgment skills
  • Create new knowledge
  • Complete multiple choice, clinical skills and other assessments in a timely manner
  • Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats
  • Solicit and record accurately and clearly information from patients, families and others
  • Demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written English language
  • Demonstrate self-awareness and self-assessment of one’s abilities and deficiencies or limitations
  • Self-awareness to request help when needed

2. Emotional, Attitudinal and Behavioral Skills

  • Demonstrate empathy
  • Demonstrate integrity
  • Demonstrate honesty
  • Demonstrate concern for others and ability to put the welfare of others before one’s own
  • Demonstrate interest and motivation
  • Demonstrate timely response and completion of assignments and duties
  • Demonstrate adherence to universal precautions and safety standards in the laboratory and clinical settings
  • Demonstrate self-awareness and self-analysis of one’s emotional state and reactions
  • Modulate affect under adverse and stressful conditions and fatigue
  • Modulate behavior under adverse and stressful conditions and fatigue
  • Exhibit emotional resilience
  • Engage in self-reflection
  • Adapt to changing environments and roles
  • Accept feedback, suggestions and criticism in a constructive manner
  • Identify personal reactions, recognize multiple points of view and integrate these appropriately into clinical decision making
  • Communicate and care for, in a non-judgmental way, persons who differ from oneself and one’s beliefs in a variety of ways, including but not limited to gender, age, race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, culture, creed, military status, sexual orientation and identity, and religious or spiritual beliefs
  • Demonstrate freedom from impairment due to alcohol or other drugs

3. Physical ability to learn, perform, and become competent in the following:

  • Execute motor movements necessary for cadaver dissection and for general and emergency patient care, including conducting a full physical examination (including manual vital signs), assisting in surgery, obstetrics and emergencies such as cardio-pulmonary resuscitation as well as suturing/stapling of wounds (and removal), inserting an intravenous catheter, inserting a urinary catheter, splinting and other basic general medical and surgical care
  • Stand for extended periods of time
  • Assist in lifting and positioning patients for procedures
  • Dress in protective gowns, gloves and other garments
  • Scrub one’s hands for sterile procedures
  • Demonstrate physical stamina to work for 28 hours without sleeping
  • Demonstrate skills necessary to use a computer, e.g. the electronic medical record
  • Use a microscope
  • Perform an electrocardiogram and place a patient on a cardiac monitor
  • Demonstrate physical skills and senses necessary to use a stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, otoscope, FAST ultrasound and other basic medical equipment
  • Demonstrate adequate sensory function (vision, hearing, touch, equilibrium) and motor function in order to palpate, percuss, auscultate and perform other diagnostic maneuvers (to observe and differentiate normal from abnormal findings on physical and mental status examinations)
  • Draw venous and arterial blood
  • Ventilate a patient effectively using a bag-mask apparatus

4. Interpersonal Skills

  • Establish effective working relationships with patients, families, fellow students, faculty, nurses and other professionals in a variety of work environments (classroom, laboratories and clinical settings)
  • Function effectively and productively as a member of an interprofessional healthcare team

Process for Determining Compliance with the Technical Standards for Matriculation, Promotion, and Graduation: All matriculants and current students (“Candidates”) must possess the physical, cognitive, emotional and interpersonal capabilities necessary to complete the medical education program and to provide highly effective patient care within the medical education program.  These capabilities are called Technical Standards, the essential functions that all medical students must demonstrate to meet the requirements of a general medical education.  Candidates—whether for admission, academic promotion, or graduation—must meet these Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation.  (See the “Technical Standards” for details of these capabilities.)  These technical standards are predicated on the school’s learning objectives that are considered essential for completion of the M.D. degree. They have been approved by the Curriculum Committee and the Dean of the School of Medicine.

Annual Declaration: Each year, all Candidates must sign and return to the Office of Student Affairs a copy of the form “Declaration of Meeting Technical Standards for the University of Virginia School of Medicine.”  Failure to sign and return the form could delay or prevent promotion or graduation.  Falsification of a form is a violation of the Honor Code and could lead to dismissal from the School.  Each year, the Office of Student Affairs will notify students of the deadline for filing the Declaration but it is the student’s responsibility to complete, sign, and return the form by the deadline.  (See the form at the foot of this document.)

Review of Technical Standards: The standards are reviewed, revised as needed, and reconfirmed by the Technical Standards Committee annually.  This review takes into account the School of Medicine’s ongoing curriculum and clinical standards evaluation, and changes in applicable law and/or University policy.              

Technical Standards Committee: The Technical Standards Committee is charged with determining whether Candidates meet the School’s Technical Standards and, if not, whether reasonable accommodation would allow them to meet the standards. If the Committee determines that a case does not fall within the scope of a technical standards issue, the Committee will triage the case to the appropriate group, e.g., the Academic Standards and Achievement Committee, the Threat Assessment Team, etc.

The Technical Standards Committee consists of the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education, Associate Dean for Diversity, and the Assistant Dean for Medical Education. Review and advice will be sought as appropriate, and may include General Counsel for the Medical School, the  UVA Office of Equal Opportunity Programs and/or the Learning Needs and Evaluation Center.

Students with Disabilities: The University of Virginia does not discriminate against qualified applicants or enrolled students with disabilities. These Technical Standards are not intended to deter any candidate or enrolled student for whom reasonable accommodation will allow the fulfillment of the complete curriculum.

Admitted and enrolled students with disabilities have access to resources at the UniversitySee the ADA Coordinator’s web page at http://www.virginia.edu/accessibility/

Request for review and/or accommodations

(1) Candidates for matriculation:  Candidates with disabilities who are offered admission should begin discussions with the Technical Standards Committee as soon as the offer is received.   It is the Candidate’s responsibility to provide sufficiently current information that documents the general nature and extent of the disability, the functional limitations that would need to be accommodated, and the accommodations that are requested.   Guidelines as to when information and documentation are deemed sufficiently current vary by type of disability and may be found on the University’s Learning Needs and Evaluation Center website at http://www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/lnec.html. The Technical Standards Committee is responsible for determining whether Candidates meet the School’s Technical Standards and, if not, whether reasonable accommodation would allow them to meet the standards. In making that determination, the Committee may seek additional information about a candidate’s disabilities and about possible accommodations from knowledgeable persons within or outside the School.   The Committee may require a candidate to undergo examination by appropriate specialists. Such examination will be at the candidate’s expense.

The Committee will review each candidate case by case, with careful consideration of all the candidate’s skills and attributes.  Candidates currently abusing alcohol or other substances are not suitable candidates for enrollment.

Reasonable/unreasonable accommodation:  An accommodation is unreasonable if it poses a direct threat to the health or safety of the Candidate or others, if making it requires a substantial modification in an essential element of the curriculum, if it lowers academic standards, or if it poses an undue administrative or financial burden on the School.  No disability can be accommodated with an auxiliary aid or intermediary that provides a selective function, cognitive support, or medical knowledge. Aids and intermediaries also may not act as a substitute in performing essential skills, or supplement clinical and ethical judgment. That is to say, accommodations cannot eliminate essential program elements.

(2)  Candidates for academic promotion or graduation: Enrolled Candidates who develop a disability or condition shall provide current information documenting the general nature and extent of the disability, the functional limitations that would need to be accommodated, and the accommodations that are requested.   Guidelines as to when information and documentation are deemed sufficiently current vary by type of disability and may be found on the University’s Learning Needs and Evaluation Center website at http://www.virginia.edu/studenthealth/lnec.html.

Review by the Technical Standards Committee:  The Committee will review the enrolled Candidate’s disability and possible reasonable accommodations by applying the same standards and following the same procedures used for candidates for matriculation, as described above. Enrolled Candidates who develop a disability or condition that places patients or others at risk and/or that jeopardizes the ability to complete medical student education, and that cannot be eliminated with a reasonable accommodation, will be dismissed from the School.  Candidates currently impaired by alcohol or other substance abuse are not suitable for promotion or graduation.

Steps 1 and 2 of United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE)

In order to advance to the clerkships, a student must successfully complete the pre-clerkship curriculum and must have taken USMLE Step 1 at least 10 days before the Transition course.  A student may begin the clerkships pending notification of their Step 1 score.  If notification of a failing score on Step 1 is received after a student has begun a clerkship, they generally will be allowed to complete that clerkship.  The student then will discontinue clerkships in order to concentrate on retaking and passing Step 1.  The Step 1 examination may be taken no more than three times.  Three failures of Step 1 will result in the student’s dismissal from the School of Medicine, without recourse to the appeals process.   The college deans in consultation with the Director of Academic Enhancement may determine, based on a student’s academic performance, that the student is at risk of failing USMLE Step 1 and may recommend that the student delay sitting for the examination in order to have more time for preparation.  In this circumstance, the student will complete the Transitions Course so the student can return to the clerkships upon satisfactory completion of USMLE Step 1. After successful completion of the core clerkships, the student must take both parts of Step 2 of the USMLE (2 CK and 2 CS).  Passing both Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS is required for graduation. Students are allowed a total of three attempts to pass each of the two Step 2 examinations; failure to pass either Step 2 examination for a third time will result in dismissal from medical school, without recourse to the appeals process.  Students must pass all required clerkships and take USMLE Step 2 CS and 2 CK no later than November 1 of their last academic year in medical school to ensure an opportunity for remediation prior to residency match and graduation, should a failure occur.  

Clinical Performance Examination

Students are required to take and pass the Clinical Practice Examination (CPX) after the completion of the clerkships.  This is a requirement for graduation.  Students failing the CPX are referred to ASAC and should review their performance and address their deficiencies prior to retaking the examination. 

Overall Time Limits

All requirements for graduation, including passing Step 1, Step 2 CK and Step 2 CS* of the USMLE, must be completed within six years from the date the student matriculated in the School of Medicine.  For students in the MD/PhD dual degree program, graduation requirements must be completed within nine years; students in the MD/JD program must complete graduation requirements within eight years; for students in other dual degree programs graduation requirements must be completed within seven years.  Exceptions to this policy are rare, and must be approved by ASAC.


Course Rules


Testing Accommodations

When testing accommodations have been granted to a student by the SOM, a student must share their desire to invoke that accommodation at least two weeks prior to a summative assessment and at the time of orientation for clerkships.

Procedure for Handling a Deficiency or Failure

  • The Course, System or Clerkship Director notifies both the student and the School of Medicine Registrar/college dean of deficiency or failure.
  • The student is withdrawn from clinical responsibilities (if applicable).
  • The student is required to meet with his/her college dean.  At this meeting, the Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement is discussed and the student is notified of the next ASAC meeting.  The ASAC meetings usually occur monthly. In the pre-clerkship phase of the curriculum, a student who scores less than 70% on a summative assessment shall meet with the system leader and/or the Director of Academic Enhancement to discuss learning strategies to improve performance. 
  • The student shall be reviewed by ASAC.
  • Students may submit a written statement, results of a drug test, results of a Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) screening or any other relevant data to ASAC and/or request to meet in person with ASAC.
  • All students subject to dismissal or who may be required to repeat an academic period will be offered the opportunity to meet with ASAC.
  • ASAC reviews each student’s academic record, takes into account any other relevant information or data and recommendations from a Course or Clerkship Director, and determines remediation or other action based upon the Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement.
  • The Chair of ASAC notifies the student in writing of the Committee’s decision.
  • If applicable and approved, the Office of Student Affairs schedules the remediation required by ASAC in collaboration with Course or Clerkship Directors taking into account the make-up schedule for that academic year.
  • In the cases where a student is asked to repeat an entire segment of the curriculum or is dismissed from the School of Medicine, he/she can appeal the decision of ASAC following the Appeals Process described below.
  • ASAC decisions regarding promotion or graduation due to failure to pass Steps 1, 2 CK or 2 CS* of the USMLE or dismissal resulting from three failures cannot be appealed.
  • The SOM registrar shall communicate with student, college dean and ASAC to confirm when deficiencies or examination failures have been remediated.

Enrollment and Withdrawal from Courses and Clerkships

Pre-clerkship and Post-clerkship Courses

Note: Courses cannot be dropped in the pre-clerkship curriculum without withdrawing from the University.

Drop without penalty (course removed from transcript)

If a student withdraws or goes on a LOA from the School of Medicine prior to completion of 10% of the timeframe of a course, the enrollment will be voided.

Drop with W grade

After completion of 10% of the course, a grade of W will be assigned. If the student re-enters the course, he/she will be reenrolled in the course according to the Leave of Absence, Withdrawal and Readmission Policy. Withdrawal deadline After 80% of a course is completed, students can no longer receive a W grade. If there are extenuating circumstances, and if it is feasible, a student may petition for a grade of Incomplete. Feasibility is determined by the course director after a review of the coursework not completed and other practical considerations in accordance with the School of Medicine’s Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement.

Electives (including Advanced Clinical Electives)

Adding a Fourth Year Elective 

Electives must be added at least one month prior to the start of the Elective. Students add Lottery Electives through OASIS. In order to enroll in an arranged elective, a student must secure in writing approval from the elective supervisor who also notifies the Office of Student Affairs for entry into OASIS. Participation in electives at non-UVA, LCME-approved sites requires submission of an acceptance letter (or email) to the Office of Student Affairs. Participation in electives at non-LCME approved sites that are not listed on the Student Source or in the Electives Handbook requires submission of a Specially Arranged elective form to the Director of the 4th Year Program. Participation in research electives requires submission of a Research Proposal form to the Director of the 4th Year. Participation in international electives requires submission of the UVA SOM International Elective Form to the Office of Student Affairs. Additional requirements include submission of the International Studies Office online form, documentation of having received the CDC vaccination requirements, documentation of evacuation insurance and attendance at required orientation. At the discretion of the Director of the 4th Year Program, a student may add a UVA elective through the Friday prior to the beginning of the elective on Monday. The scheduling form, signed by the elective supervisor and approved by the student’s advisor, must be received in the Office for Student Affairs by Friday.

Dropping an Elective

Dropping an elective requires the approval from the Office of Student Affairs no later than 28 days prior to the start of the elective. To drop an arranged elective, students must obtain approval from the elective supervisor, which must be forwarded to the Office of Student Affairs. Dropping an elective after the deadline, unless approved by the Director of the 4th year Program, will result in no credit for the elective. Exceptions may be considered for reasons such as illness requiring extended absenteeism, family emergencies, extreme hardship or a change in career goals.  Students will lose one week of credit for each week (or partial week) for which the drop request is past the deadline.  Students who drop after the deadline cannot earn credit for other elective work during the period of the dropped elective.

Clerkships (including Geriatrics)

Drop without penalty (clerkship removed from transcript)

With the approval of the student’s college dean, a student may drop and void registration in a clerkship only before 10% of the clerkship has been completed. Drop with W grade After 10% of the clerkship is completed, but before the withdrawal deadline, a grade of W will be assigned. If the student subsequently re-enters the clerkship, he/she will be reenrolled in the clerkship according to the Leave of Absence, Withdrawal and Readmission Policy. Withdrawal deadline After 80% of a clerkship is completed, a student can no longer drop. If there are extenuating circumstances, and if it is feasible, a student may petition for a grade of Incomplete. Feasibility is determined by the clerkship director after a review of the work not completed and other practical considerations in accordance with the School of Medicine’s Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement.


Digital Learning Environment and Educational Material


Date: February 12, 2020      Number: 4.100      Status: Final

Contact Office:
Director of Educational Technology
Office of Medical Education Support
School of Medicine
P.O. Box 800859 1
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Phone: 434-924-1528

Oversight Executive:
Senior Associate Dean for Education
Office of Educational Affairs
School of Medicine
PO Box 800005
Charlottesville, VA 22908
Phone: 434-243-2522

Applies to:
All School of Medicine faculty, staff, and medical students, and others teaching or 23 learning within School of Medicine academic programs or activities.

Reason for Policy:
This policy clarifies faculty, staff and student responsibilities regarding educational materials recorded or distributed for educational purposes and provides important information about their rights and responsibilities related to the SOM’s digital learning environment.

Policy Statement:

§ 1 Scope and Purpose

This policy addresses the School of Medicine’s (“SOM”) implementation of a  comprehensive digital teaching and learning environment. The SOM’s facilities enable systematic recording of faculty lectures and presentations, as well as student clinical skills education sessions (including standardized patients or patient simulations). The SOM’s Learning Management System (“LMS”) enables online distribution of outlines, handouts, power-points, video and audio recordings, and other curricular materials (“Educational Materials”).

This policy supplements existing SOM and University policies and does not replace them. The SOM reserves the right to revise this policy as deemed  necessary in its sole discretion to address new technical or legal requirements.

§ 2 Ownership of Educational Materials

Pursuant to the University of Virginia’s Policy on Ownership Rights in  Copyrightable Material, RES-001, the University owns all copyrights in Educational Materials created by SOM faculty in the course and scope of their regular teaching activities.

“By operation of the copyright law, the University owns in the name of The  Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia (the University’s corporate  name) all rights, title and interest in copyrightable works created by University employees while acting within the scope of their employment. The University cedes copyright ownership to the author(s) of scholarly and academic works (such as journal articles, books and papers) created by academic and research faculty who use generally available University resources. However, the University asserts its right of copyright ownership if significant University resources (including sponsor-provided funds) are used in the creation of such works, and: (a) the work generates royalty payments; or (b) the work is of commercial value that can be realized by  University marketing efforts… . The University retains a non-exclusive, royalty-free right to use for non-commercial purposes works produced by its employees while acting within the scope of employment even if copyright ownership is ceded to the author or authors.”

The University may use, adapt, modify, and distribute such Educational Materials for noncommercial teaching, research, or related educational purposes it deems appropriate. SOM faculty are granted rights to the Educational Materials they  create, and are free to use, adapt, modify, and distribute them for teaching, research, or related educational purposes, whether commercial or noncommercial.

§ 3 Creation, Distribution, and Use of Educational Materials

§ 3.1 Copyright Responsibilities and LMS Distribution

SOM faculty, staff, and students are responsible for observing copyright law, including principles of fair use, and other relevant policies in their creation, distribution, and use of Educational Materials.

§ 3.2 Duplication or Redistribution of Educational Materials by Students Prohibited

Students may not copy, adapt, modify, or redistribute Educational Materials they receive through the LMS without the express written consent of the course instructor. Unauthorized duplication, adaptation, modification, or dissemination of Educational Materials is a violation of this policy.

§ 3.3 Archiving

The Office of Medical Education annually archives Educational Materials made  available through the LMS and are retains them (to the extent technically  feasible) until changes in file formats make the files unusable. Archived materials remain searchable and viewable by medical education technology staff, who can make them available to SOM faculty and staff as needed. Archived Educational Materials will be clearly labeled to clarify their original date, historical nature, and potential lack of scientific currency.

§ 4 Audio and Video Recording

§ 4.1 Purpose

Audio and video recordings created as Educational Materials pursuant to this policy are authorized for the SOM’s internal teaching, learning, research and/or evaluation activities. The SOM and Vice President for Research will obtain written consent from the creating faculty or staff member prior to commercial use or external distribution of such recordings. See Ownership Rights in Copyrightable Material, RES-001.

§ 4.2 Types of Recordings Made and Uses of Recordings

The SOM regularly records faculty lectures and presentations, as well as student  clinical skills education sessions (including standardized patients or patient simulations) in support of its core curricular activities. All decisions about access  to such audio and video recordings are made in the sole discretion of the SOM.

  • SOM faculty lectures and presentations are recorded and made available to students, faculty and staff for study and learning.

  • Recordings made of interactive classes and seminars (teaching environments in which students are expected to participate actively), or in which students are otherwise identifiable, are distributed only to students enrolled in that class to protect student privacy under the Family Education Rights & Privacy Act (FERPA).

  • Educational sessions disclosing private healthcare information protected by HIPAA are not recorded.

  • Standardized patient interactions and simulations are regularly recorded for  evaluation purposes.

o Recordings involving individual students may be made available only to the student participant upon request.
o Recordings involving multiple students will not be made available to  students due to privacy considerations arising under FERPA.

§ 4.3 Duplication or Redistribution of Recordings by Students Prohibited

Audio or video recordings created and shared with students under this policy are for personal academic and study purposes only. Recordings may not be duplicated or disseminated. Unauthorized duplication or dissemination of recordings is a violation of this policy.

§ 4.4 Retention and Ownership of Recordings

Audio or video recordings are retained by the SOM for as long as is deemed  administratively appropriate to meet the teaching and research mission of the institution. The SOM owns all audio or video recordings created under this policy.

§ 5 Responsible Use of SOM Facilities

SOM teaching facilities and services are to be used in a manner that is compliant  with copyright, privacy, and other relevant legal and policy considerations. Sponsors of events held in SOM facilities are responsible for ensuring that appropriate policies or written consents ensure such compliance.

Related Policy:
FERPA – The Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act
https://www2.virginia.edu/registrar/privacyact.html

RES-001, Ownership Rights in Copyrightable Material
https://uvapolicy.virginia.edu/policy/RES-001

Revision history: Implemented April 30, 2010; administrative updates 2/4/15; 155 revised 2/12/20 156

Approved 2/12/2020 by
David S. Wilkes, MD
Dean

 


Degree Information


Students who complete all course requirements will be awarded a Doctor of Medicine Degree.  Students who participate in a dual degree program will recieve a seperate diploma from those schools of enrollment.

 


Final Examinations


Summative Examinations

A passing score on a summative examination within a course is 70%. Students achieving less than 70% on a summative assessment will be referred to ASAC with the recommendation from the respective system leader for remediation.  If the student is in good standing professionally, has done well formatively, and has no other academic deficiencies, ASAC generally will allow the student to take a re-examination.  The re-examination score, will be the average of the two exams, not to exceed 75%.  If the summative examination is failed the second time with a score lower than 70%, ASAC will review the student’s performance again and decide either to allow the student to make a third attempt at a reexamination or repeat the course.  The final decision regarding reexamination rests with ASAC. Failure to pass a summative on the third attempt constitutes a failure of the system and therefore failure of the course. Any approved summative reexaminations must be taken according to the approved make-up schedule for the current academic year at the next available examination time as determined by ASAC.  Students can retake only one Summative exam on a scheduled re-examination day. A student failing 5 total summative examinations in the pre-clerkship phase of the curriculum will be referred to ASAC and will be considered for dismissal. A student who does not take an examination and who does not have an excused absence, will receive a professionalism concern card and a referral to ASAC.

Anatomy Practical Examinations

With regard to anatomy practical examinations, a score of 70% or higher is passing.  Individual anatomy practical exam scores factor into the respective organ system grades, e.g., an anatomy practical examination score in MSI factors into the MSI grade and an MBB anatomy practical exam score factors into the MBB grade.  Anatomy practical examinations also are graded as a thread across the Integrated System in which they occur, i.e., Integrated  Systems II or III.  A cumulative score of 70% or higher across the anatomy thread is required to progress to the clerkship phase of the curriculum.  Students achieving a cumulative anatomy score of less than 70% for Integrated Systems II (consisting of anatomy practical examinations from MSI, GI and MBB) or Integrated System III (consisting of anatomy practical examinations from CV, Pulmonary, Renal and Endo-Repro) will be referred to ASAC and require remediation.  Any remediation required by ASAC will include all anatomy from the semester failed, and the format for reexamination will be at the discretion of the anatomy director.  Reexamination must occur by the end of the semester break immediately following the course in which the failure occurred.  With approval of the Anatomy Director, remediation may occur during spring break, early summer break or fall break.

USMLE Subject Examinations in Clerkships

A passing score on each subject (shelf) examination will be set by the annual recommended passing score determined by the National Board of Medical Examiners.  Not achieving this score constitutes a failure of the examination and therefore a deficiency for the clerkship.  The student will be assigned an Incomplete on their transcript until the deficiency is removed when the examination is passed.  Students who do not achieve a passing score on a shelf examination will be referred to ASAC with the recommendation from the clerkship director for appropriate remediation.  Generally, if the student performed well clinically and is in good standing professionally, the student would be able to take a reexamination unless the score on the subject examination is so low that removing the deficiency still will result in a failure.  The reexamination grade, if passing, will remove the deficiency from the course; however, the initial score is the only one that will be factored into the final clerkship grade. The final grade then will replace the Incomplete on the transcript.   A second failure of the shelf exam will be referred to ASAC for review and action.  Should ASAC permit the student to take the shelf examination a third time and the student passes, the clerkship deficiency will be satisfied; however, the first score is still the only one calculated into the clerkship grade.    Failure to pass a shelf examination on the third attempt constitutes a failure of the clerkship and will be referred to ASAC for review and action.   If approved, shelf reexaminations will occur at the completion of the student’s third year.  By special arrangement with the clerkship director, a shelf re-examination may be scheduled during summer break, Thanksgiving break, or during the winter holiday break. Depending upon the timing of the clerkship with the deficiency, a student with an outstanding deficiency in a single clerkship may be allowed to continue into the elective portion of the curriculum but will not be allowed to take an elective in the discipline of the clerkship deficiency until the deficiency has been remediated.  If a student fails shelf examinations in three different clerkships, the student will be referred to ASAC for review and, unless there are mitigating circumstances, will be considered for dismissal from school.

OSCEs

One component of assessment in FCM-1 is OSCEs.  Students must achieve a passing grade on the OSCEs in FCM to pass the FCM course.  A passing grade on the FCM-1B OSCE is required to pass FCM-1B and to progress to the third semester*.  A passing grade on the FCM-1C OSCE is required to pass FCM-1C and begin clerkships.  A failure on the FCM 1 B or 1C OSCE is referred to ASAC for review and action.  Typically, ASAC allows a student in good standing to remediate and retest.  A second failure of the FCM OSCEs results in an F in the corresponding course and the student will be referred to ASAC for review and action. The FCM-1B OSCE(*) must be passed prior to starting the third semester and the FCM-1C OSCE must be passed prior to starting clerkships.

Completion of the National Board of Medical Examiners Comprehensive Basic Science Exam in the third semester is a requirement of the pre-clerkship curriculum.

Promotion to Clerkships

Students who achieve a passing grade in Integrated Systems I, Integrated Systems II, Integrated Systems III, FCM-1A-B-C, PSP-1A-B-C, SIM, have taken USMLE Step 1* and have achieved a passing grade in the Transitions Course may progress to clerkships.  If notification of a failing score on Step 1 is received after a student has begun a clerkship, they generally will be allowed to complete that clerkship.  The student will be removed from subsequent clerkships until a retest is completed.

Students in the dual MD/PhD degree program must take USMLE Step 1 prior to entering the PhD portion of the program and must pass Step 1 in order to continue in the graduate program.

 


Grades


Definition of Academic Failure

The courses and electives in the pre-clerkship and post-clerkship phases of the Next Generation Curriculum, the new COVID combined Family Medicine and Ambulatory Internal Medicine clerkship (Preventive, Acute, Chronic Longitudinal Ambulatory clerkship i.e. PACLAC); the shortened COVID Neurology clerkship*; Perioperative Medicine clerkship and the Surgical Subspecialties clerkship are graded as pass/fail (P/F); any F constitutes a failure.  The other clerkships are graded with letter grades (A, B, C or F).  With the exception of the Patient-Student Partnership Course, a score of 70% or higher is required for successful completion of each course and clerkship.  A score lower than 70% constitutes an F; each F constitutes a failure and is documented on the official transcript and the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE).  The Patient-Student Partnership Course requires a score of 80% or higher to pass.  Failure to achieve an 80% in this course constitutes a failure and would likewise be documented on the official transcript and the MSPE.

Grading during the Pre-clerkship phase

The pre-clerkship phase of the Next Generation Curriculum comprises the first three semesters of the educational program.  This phase consists of ten graded courses, each assigned a pass/fail grade at the end of the course.  

Integrated Systems I consists of the following course components or “systems”: Cells to Society, Foundations of Medicine (FoM), Cells, Blood and Cancer and Microbes, Immunity, Transfusion and Transplantation (MITT).  Integrated Systems II consists of the following course components: Musculoskeletal Integument System (MSI), Gastrointestinal System (GI) and Mind, Brain and Behavior (MBB).  Integrated Systems III consists of the following course components: Cardiovascular System (CV), Pulmonary System (Pulm), Renal System, Endocrine-Reproductive System (Endo-Repro) and Hematology (Heme).  In order to receive a passing grade for an integrated system course, a student must have an average score for all systems of 70% or above.

Foundations of Clinical Medicine 1 (FCM-1) is three discrete courses.Students must pass the FCM 1 C Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in order to pass FCM 1C.

Patient Student Partnership 1  (three courses) runs in tandem with Foundations of Clinical Medicine 1 and introduces students to a longitudinal patient experience. Performance is assessed in at each semester by a P/F grade.  Students must achieve an 80% or greater on the requirements for this course in order to pass.

In order to progress to the third semester of the curriculum, a student must have achieved an average score of 70% or higher on Integrated Systems I and Integrated Systems II, and have received a P for FCM-1A and 1B, PSP-1A and 1B, as well as Social Issues in Medicine.  Failure to meet any one of these criteria will result in a referral to ASAC for review and action.  Any requirement for remediation must be completed prior to the beginning of the third semester.

Successful completion of the third semester requires an average score of 70% or higher in the Integrated Systems III course, and a grade of P in FCM-1C and PSP-1C.  Failure to meet any one of these criteria will result in a referral to the ASAC for review and action. 

Remediation of Academic Deficiencies in Clerkships

A passing cumulative numerical score of 70% must be achieved in order to pass a clerkship. The score achieved correlates to an assigned letter grade of A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C or C-.  Earning a cumulative score of less than 70% constitutes a failure and automatic referral to ASAC, and also requires repeating the clerkship and all its requirements. Even if a student numerically achieves a passing score of 70%, the Clerkship Director may decline to pass a student based upon poor clinical performance and/or concerning issues of professionalism. In this circumstance, the clerkship director will make a recommendation to ASAC regarding their concerns with appropriate documentation. If failure is upheld by ASAC, remediation likely will include repeating the clerkship.  When a clerkship requires repeating it will be noted in the MSPE, and the student’s transcript will show two enrollments in the same course with two separately determined and reported grades.

Foundations of Clinical Medicine 2

Foundations of Clinical Medicine 2 is an extension of the FCM 1ABC. It runs in tandem with the Clerkship year and is a Pass or Fail course. The requirements of this course include four quarterly meetings with a student’s FCM coach to review their clinical performance data and set future learning goals. The additional requirement of this course is successful passing of the Clinical Performance Examination (CPX) exam to be taken at the end of the clerkship year. Students failing the CPX are referred to ASAC and should review their performance and address their deficiencies prior to retaking the examination.

Remediation of Academic Deficiencies in the Post-clerkship Phase

A passing cumulative score of 70% must be achieved to pass the Geriatrics Clerkship in fourth year*. Earning less than a 70% constitutes a failure and requires repeating the clerkship and all its requirements.  The ACE is a required single 4-week clinical experience selected by the student and is graded Pass/Fail.  Students must achieve a passing grade in this course to receive credit.  Remediation of a deficiency in an ACE is required.  DxRx* and the Internship Readiness Course are additional required courses of the post-clerkship year. They are graded on a Pass/Fail basis.  Students must achieve a passing grade in these courses to receive credit.  Remediation of a deficiency in the DxRx and or Internship Readiness Course is required.  Remediation of a deficiency in an elective is not required, however the student will not receive credit toward the MD degree for that elective.  A student must meet the elective credit requirements in order to fulfill graduation requirements. Failures in the Post-clerkship Phase will be referred to ASAC to determine the plan for remediation.

Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs)

The UVA Entrustable Professional Activity (EPA) Program is a longitudinal, integrated component of the curriculum in which learners are assessed through direct observation during authentic patient encounters.  EPAs are clinical tasks outlined by the Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency (insert link).  Additional information about the program can be found at.

EPA assessments are required components of the curriculum.  The data from EPA assessments do not contribute to course/clerkship grades.  The specific requirements (number of EPA assessments) for each course/clerkship is reviewed and approved by the Curriculum Committee.  A Professionalism Concern card may be submitted if a student fails to complete the required assessments.  The data from each EPA assessment provides information about a student’s emerging competence and are used by students and their Coaches to identify learning goals for continued development.  The data from EPA assessments also are used for summative decisions by the Entrustment Committee at the transition from the clerkship to post-clerkship phase of the curriculum.

The Entrustment Committee reviews aggregate data from EPA assessments to make a summative decision about students’ readiness to perform EPA tasks with specified levels of supervision.  If at the end of the clerkship phase, the Entrustment Committee has concerns about a student’s readiness to perform EPA tasks with indirect supervision, the Committee will make a recommendation to the Academic Standards and Achievement Committee (ASAC) that the student should engage in an enrichment elective, the Clinical Performance Mastery Elective, prior to enrolling in an Advanced Clinical Elective. ASAC determines if a student is required to complete the elective. ​​

Incompletes and University Withdrawals

An Incomplete  may be assigned to a course or clerkship on a student’s transcript should an emergent situation, e.g., death of immediate family member, illness or accident, etc., arise after the student successfully has completed the majority of the requirements.  An Incomplete cannot be assigned as a grade when the student is failing the course or clerkship.  When the requirements have been completed, the Incomplete will be removed and replaced by the course or clerkship grade. An Incomplete grade will become an F one year after it is issued if not remediated.  Grades of F will not be changed after remediation.

Should a student need extended time off from medical school, interrupting a course or clerkship, the student must request a leave of absence or withdrawal per School of Medicine Leave of Absence, Withdrawal, Readmission Policy.  Any course or clerkship in progress will be graded as W.  If and when the student is readmitted from a withdrawal, ASAC will determine how much, if any, of the course or clerkship will need to be repeated.  The grade of W will remain on the student’s transcript.


Intra-University Transfers


Due to the integrated nature of our curriculum, requests for advanced standing (transfer of credits) will be considered on a case by case basis.  We are unable to accept transfer students from other medical schools.


Leaving and Returning to the University


When a student’s course of study is interrupted, the interruption shall be categorized either as a leave of absence or a withdrawal. In general, a leave of absence is intended for a student who is in good standing, who needs to interrupt his or her enrollment for a short period of time, and who intends to return to the School of Medicine immediately following a leave of absence of a specific timeframe. A leave of absence is considered only in cases where a student requests the leave prior to the start of the following defined phases of the curriculum: Integrated Systems I, Integrated Systems II, Integrated Systems III, Clerkships, and Post-Clerkships. A withdrawal generally is intended for other situations, such as when a student needs to interrupt his or her enrollment for a longer period of time or does not intend to return to the School of Medicine. The process for return following a leave of absence is less demanding than readmission following a withdrawal. Regardless of the time of the absence or withdrawal, the graduation requirements for the MD degree only must be completed within six years of matriculation; extensions to this time frame may be granted only under exceptional circumstances by the Academic Standards and Achievement Committee. For students in the MD/PhD and MD/JD dual degree programs, graduation requirements must be completed within eight years; graduation requirements for students in other dual degree programs must be completed within seven years. Similarly, extensions for students in dual degree programs may be granted only under exceptional circumstances by the Academic Standards and Achievement Committee.

Leave of Absence

a)  Description and Conditions

(i) The Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs has the authority to grant or deny a request for a leave of absence (LOA). A student who is in good standing may submit a written request for a LOA to the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. The request shall provide an explanation of the reasons for the leave and the expected length of the leave

(ii) If the LOA is not granted, the student may instead withdraw from the School of Medicine.

(iii) A student may be granted only one LOA, and any further absence shall be considered a withdrawal.

(iv) A LOA normally is granted for no more than one year; under no circumstance will a LOA be granted for more than two yearsIf a student is granted a LOA from the School of Medicine, interrupting a course or clerkship, a grade of W (withdrawal) will be entered on the transcript, designating uncompleted coursework. If/when the student is then re-enrolled, the Academic Standards and Achievement Committee (ASAC) will determine how much of the course or clerkship graded with a W will need to be repeated. If the student is reenrolled in the course, the final grade will appear in the term in which the coursework is completed. The grade of W remains on the transcript along with any grade subsequently achieved. 

(v) If a student is granted a LOA from the School of Medicine, interrupting a course or clerkship, a grade of W (withdrawal) will be entered on the transcript, designating uncompleted coursework. If/when the student is then re-enrolled, the Academic Standards and Achievement Committee (ASAC) will determine how much of the course or clerkship graded with a W will need to be repeated. If the student is reenrolled in the course, the final grade will appear in the term in which the coursework is completed. The grade of W remains on the transcript along with any grade subsequently achieved.

(vi) Any student requesting a LOA also must meet with the Director of Financial Aid as a condition of approval from the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. The meeting may be held in person, by interactive video-conference or by telephone, but not by email or other electronic means. Any student on a LOA must continue to abide by the University’s student conduct requirements.

(vii) The Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs may impose additional conditions upon which the leave is granted.

b) Return from Leave of Absence

A student who has satisfied all of the conditions of his or her leave of absence may request a return to the School of Medicine by submitting a request to the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs and the School of Medicine Registrar (email: som-registrar@virginia.edu) at least sixty (60) days prior to the return date requested. The student must meet any additional conditions that are deemed warranted by the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs upon return to registration.

A student who has failed to comply with any conditions of his or her LOA, or who does not return to the School of Medicine within the length of time granted, will be deemed to have withdrawn voluntarily, and any request for readmission, as long as the time limits described above still can be met, must be determined by a vote of ASAC.

Withdrawals

a) Description and Conditions

There are four types of withdrawals from the School of Medicine—academic, voluntary, voluntary medical, or involuntary medical. University policy dictates that a grade of W will be entered for each course or clerkship the student attempted but did not complete. The grade of W will remain on the transcript.

  • Academic Withdrawal—by action of the ASAC in accordance with the Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement, and the Policy on Technical Standards Required for Matriculation, Progression and Graduation. These withdrawals or dismissals may be for academic or professionalism deficiencies.
  • Voluntary Withdrawal—an action taken when a student voluntarily leaves the School of Medicine for non-medical reasons.  Requests for withdrawal must be made to the Office of Student Affairs and must be approved by the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. Students who withdraw voluntarily from the University will have the notation “Withdrew: DATE” recorded on their permanent academic record and their official transcript. Any courses that have not begun will be dropped from the student’s record. A grade of W will be entered for each course or clerkship in progress at the time of the withdrawal.  The grade of W will remain on the transcript.
  • Voluntary Medical Withdrawal—only approved with recommendation of a physician or other licensed independent practitioner (LIP). Requests for withdrawal for medical reasons must be made in writing to and approved by the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs. Subsequent medical clearance from the Student Health Center, or physician or other LIP approved by the Student Health Center, is required for readmission.
  • Involuntary Medical Withdrawal- Although a Voluntary Medical Withdrawal is preferable, the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs, with the concurrence of the Senior Associate Dean for Education, may place a student on an Involuntary Medical Withdrawal. 

Prior to placing student on Involuntary Medical Withdrawal:

(i) The School of Medicine shall conduct an individualized assessment of the student and give careful consideration to the opinions and recommendations of the student’s treating physician or mental health professional, if available, along with the opinions and recommendations of the healthcare professionals consulted by the School of Medicine.

a.  The School of Medicine will encourage the student to provide any other additional information that the student believes is relevant to the determination.

b.  The School of Medicine will respect the student’s confidentiality, and only require the student to provide a medical release for access to the student’s medical and mental health records as reasonably necessary to complete its individualized assessment. 

(ii) Based on the individualized assessment, the School of Medicine will determine whether, and what, reasonable modifications can be made that would be effective to allow such student to continue to attend classes or engage in clinical training and otherwise participate in its educational programs while seeking treatment for, or recovering from, any related medical or mental health conditions.

(iii) However, in the event that the School of Medicine also considers whether the student poses a direct threat to the health or safety of others, the School of Medicine will make an individualized assessment based on reasonable judgment that relies on current medical knowledge or on the best available objective evidence, to ascertain the nature, duration, and severity of the risk; the probability that the potential injury will actually occur; and whether reasonable modifications of policies, practices, or procedures or the provision of auxiliary aids or services will mitigate the risk.

The School of Medicine will require an Involuntary Medical Withdrawal for a student only if:

a) after the individualized assessment; consultation with the Student Health Center, physician, or other LIP; and careful review and consideration, the School of Medicine concludes that the student’s continued participation in its educational programs would require modifications that would be unreasonable or would fundamentally alter the nature of those programs;

b) the student rejects all reasonable modifications offered by the School of Medicine and the student cannot meet the School of Medicine’s essential eligibility requirements and technical standards to continue to participate in its educational programs, or

c) even with the provision of all of the reasonable modifications offered by the School of Medicine, the student cannot meet the School of Medicine’s essential eligibility requirements and technical standards; 

If the School of Medicine decides to impose an Involuntary Medical Withdrawal, the School of Medicine will advise the student in writing through University of Virginia email of the leave and duration, any restrictions from coming on campus or entering a clinical site and available academic appeals procedures.  The School of Medicine shall document the decision as well as the underlying facts, assessments and determinations.

An Involuntary Medical Withdrawal is an academic decision and is not a disciplinary action.  However, separate disciplinary action may result from the underlying behavior of the student pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct.

NOTE:  In emergency situations, the Dean, or the Dean’s designee, in the exercise of reasonable judgment, may bypass some or all of the above steps and considerations in order to ensure campus or clinical safety and/or the safety of the student, other students, or patients, and may suspend a student provisionally pending formal consideration of the relevant issues by the appropriate committee, e.g., ASAC, University Judiciary Committee, at the earliest possible opportunity.  Nothing in this or other policies shall be construed to prevent the School of Medicine from requiring students at all times to meet the School of Medicine essential eligibility requirements and technical standards.

b) Use of University Services while Withdrawn

  • Students withdrawn may not use instructional services and/or university facilities.  The School of Medicine identification badge, and associated privileges such as parking and facilities access, must be inactivated upon withdrawal.

c) Readmission

  • Unless dismissed by the University or the School of Medicine, a student who has withdrawn may seek readmission by submitting a request to the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs and the School of Medicine Registrar (email: som-registrar@virginia.edu) at least sixty (60) days prior to the return date requested.
  • A longer period of notification might be necessary if scheduling of clerkships or electives is involved. Acceptance for readmission will depend on availability of positions in the clerkships/electives. Applications for readmission will be kept on file and will be considered in the order received, as positions become available. Students who withdraw before taking Step 1 and the Transition Course (Introduction to the Clerkships) can re-apply for the spring semester in the next academic year. Once enrolled the student can take Step 1 and the Transition Course (only offered once per year). Clerkship assignment will be based on current availability and any assignments made prior to the withdrawal will not be reserved.
  • All students returning from a withdrawal must receive clearance from the University’s Dean of Students to return. This will be coordinated by the School of Medicine’s Registrar.
  • A student granted a voluntary withdrawal for medical reasons will require subsequent medical clearance from the Student Health Center, or physician or other LIP approved by the Student Health Center, as a condition for readmission.
  • A student placed on an involuntary withdrawal for medical reasons will require subsequent medical clearance from a physician or other LIP, approved by the School of Medicine, as a condition for readmission.
  • A student withdrawn for academic, professionalism or administrative reasons or a student who has academic or professionalism deficiencies at the time of withdrawal must be reviewed and approved to return by ASAC. Students whose request for readmission is denied by ASAC will have the right of appeal, per the Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement.
  • All students returning from a withdrawal must re-attest to their ability to meet the Technical Standards, with or without reasonable accommodation
  • If granted readmission, the student shall be required to adhere to any changes in policy or curriculum that occurred during the absence.
  • Students approved for readmission shall be re-enrolled in any courses that were graded W or F at the time of withdrawal. Both of these grades remain on the transcript, along with subsequent grades. The ASAC shall determine how much of the course or clerkship will need to be repeated to satisfy requirements.  ASAC shall make this decision with consideration of the recommendation of the Course/Clerkship Director and based upon the Policy on Academic and Professional Advancement. The chair of ASAC will notify the student in writing of the committee’s decision.
  • Failed courses shall be repeated in their entirety.
  • Students whose period of withdrawal is greater than two years must reapply to the School of Medicine through the Office of Admissions.
  • Students who have been dismissed shall not be offered readmission.
  • The School of Medicine reserves the right to impose any additional conditions upon a student seeking readmission after a withdrawal, and to refuse consideration based on the relevant time limit on matriculation to graduation (see paragraph one of this document).

Majors and Minors


Students working towards a Doctor of Medicine degree are not eligible to pursue other majors or minors.  They may pursue a dual degree through one of our approved dual degree programs.


Study Abroad


Students pursuing the Doctor of Medicine degree may participate in one of several approved global health electives.  These electives change annually.  For more information please contact the School of Medicine Office for Student Affairs’ Elective Coordinator.


 Public Professional Licensure Disclosure


Federal regulations require the School of Medicine to disclose whether its degree programs meet U.S. jurisdictions’ educational requirements for licensure (34 CFR 668.43(a)(6)& 34 CFR 668.72(n)). 

The University of Virginia School of Medicine is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME ) and the program leading to the M.D. degree meets all requirements for eligibility for licensure in all U.S. jurisdictions.

Initial licensure in all jurisdictions of the U.S. requires passing the United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, and 3. As a medical school accredited by the LCME, graduates of the School of Medicine are eligible to sit for the USMLE.

The School of Medicine maintains general information on the USMLE testing and Graduate Medical Education placement (Residency Match) on its website; information on testing is here and information on residency match here.   Students also are encouraged to research individual state medical board requirements; contact information is available at https://www.fsmb.org/contact-a-state-medical-board/

Enrolled students who change their current (or mailing) address to a U.S. jurisdiction other than Virginia should update their information as soon as possible in the Student Information System.  Medical students who wish to enroll in out-of-state offerings for academic credit (e.g., away electives), should refer to the School of Medicine’s elective policies

 


Transfer Credit


External Credit for New Students in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic Spring 2020. To review the criteria that will be used to evaluate courses taken during Spring 2020 please Click Here .

The Doctor of Medicine Program does not awards advance standing to students entering the program from within or outside of the University.  The only credit awarded for academic work outside of our standard curriculum comes in the form of weeks of credit towards electives earned through participation in one of our approved Dual Degrees.