Student Hand Book 2021-2022

Students who are aware that they are infected with a blood-borne pathogen [including but not limited
to Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV), and Human Immunodeficiency virus (HIV)], if
not currently under the care of a personal physician, are strongly urged to contact the Hospital’s
Health Service so that appropriate medical treatment might be instituted or continued.
Students infected with a blood-borne pathogen must avoid circumstances in which they could
potentially transmit their infection to others. They are required, therefore, to disclose their infection
status to the Dean of Student Affairs or Associate Dean for Clinical Clerkship and clinical
coordinators in order to arrange any necessary adjustments to continue with their clinical rotation.
Such notification is considered the professional responsibility of the student, and failure to disclose
blood-borne pathogen infection status will be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including,
dismissal from WUSOM. A student infected with HBV, HCV, or HIV may continue in the MD
program as long as he/she can carry out the physical and intellectual activities of all students as
outlined in the WUSOM Technical Standards. Students infected with blood-borne pathogens should
be aware that based on current medical knowledge and practice, they may be restricted from future
careers in residency training and specialty practices which require patient performance risk-prone
procedures.
Needle Stick Injury and Exposure to Body Fluids (OSHA Guidelines)
Students before starting clinical clerkship need to take and submit the infection control certificate. They
should follow OSHA compliant standards during hospital visits or with patients. They are required to
complete the online course offered at http://www.compliancepublishing.com/
Procedure following blood/body fluid exposure:
1. Proper care of exposed area.
2. Inform the preceptor or nurse or follow clinical protocol.
3. Notify your supervisor/supervising resident and Associate Dean/ Clerkship Director.
4. Obtain initial evaluation. DON’T DELAY—It is important to be evaluated within 2 hours of
exposure.
5. Fill out incident report (available in each department) and keep a copy for legal and financial
reasons; send a copy to the Dean’s Office. Continue treatment at affiliate hospital.
6. All medical students with exposures will go to the assigned health center for follow-up after
initial visit to the ER.
7. The campus clinic is headed by a qualified nurse who will advise the student regarding any
necessary follow-up treatment and counseling for that medical student.
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