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SCHOOL OF MEDICINE STUDENT HANDBOOK

 

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

 

 

Specific Standards

Religious Beliefs and Examinations

Severe Weather Policy

As outlined in the School of Medicine’s technical standards for student admission, each medical student must possess sufficient use of sensory facilities to acquire and assimilate relevant information, the capacity to learn, evaluate, and utilize information in a stable, predictable, and responsible way, and the other motor skills necessary to carry out responsibilities.  A disability does not preclude a student from admission or progression, and the medical school makes reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities.  However, each enrolled student is expected to demonstrate, without unreasonable dependence on technology or intermediaries, the skills, attributes, and qualities set forth in the specific standards for student admission.

In any case in which a medical student appears unable to meet the technical standards set forth in the specific standards for admission, the student’s entire folder and current functioning in all areas of technical skills assessment are formally reviewed by the Committee on Students.  Additional information may be sought if deemed necessary by the Committee.

Specific Standards


In addition to documented academic ability and other relevant personal characteristics, the Case School of Medicine expects all applicants for admission to possess and be able to demonstrate the skills, attributes, and qualities set forth below, without unreasonable dependence on technology or intermediaries.

Physical Health
A medical student must possess the physical health and stamina needed to carry out the program of medical education.

Intellectual Skills
A medical student must have sufficient powers of intellect to acquire, assimilate, integrate, and apply information.  A medical student must have the intellectual ability to solve problems.  A medical student must possess the ability to comprehend three-dimensional and spatial relationships.

Motor Skills
A medical student must have sufficient use of motor skills to carry out all necessary procedures, both those involved in learning the fundamental sciences and those required in hospital and clinical environments.  This includes the ability to participate in relevant educational exercises and to extract information from written sources.

Communication
A medical student must have sufficient use of speech, hearing, and vision to communicate effectively with patients, teachers, and peers in both oral and written forms.

Sensory Abilities
A medical student must have sufficient use of the senses of vision, hearing, touch, and smell to observe effectively in the classroom, laboratory, and clinical setting.  Students must possess the ability to observe both close at hand and at a distance.

Behavioral Qualities
A medical student must possess emotional health sufficient to carry out the tasks above, must have good judgment, and must behave in a professional, reliable, mature, and responsible manner.  A medical student must be adaptable, possessing sufficient flexibility to function in new and stressful environments.  A medical student must have appropriate motivation, integrity, compassion, and a genuine interest in caring for others.

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Religious Beliefs and Examinations


Any student who is unable to attend classes or participate in any examination, study, or work requirement on a particular day because of religious beliefs is excused from such activity on that day.  The student is given the opportunity to make up the work or take the examination that is missed, provided the make-up work does not create any unreasonable burden upon the University, the School of Medicine, teaching hospital, or other patient care sites.  Students must make appropriate arrangements in advance through their Society Deans.

Severe Weather Policy


An important component of the education at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine involves participation in clinical programs, for which responsibilities increase and take on unique characteristics as a result of severe weather conditions.  In recognition and support of these activities, the School of Medicine will remain open during severe weather conditions, even under conditions where the University closes.  This will apply to students, faculty and staff.

Should the onset of severe weather occur during regular operating hours the decision may be made by individual departments to allow faculty, staff, or students to leave up to two hours early.  Should severe weather conditions adversely affect travel time, individual departments may allow faculty, staff, and students to arrive up to two hours late.

 


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