This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.utexas.edu/.

Non-Academic Policies

Admission Selection Policy

Scope

The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School will strive to admit applicants and matriculate a class best suited to contribute to the mission and vision of the Dell Medical School while assuring equity, impartiality, and excellence in the admissions process.

Successful candidates for admission to the Dell Medical School must have a citizenship or residency status that allows them to obtain employment in graduate medical education upon graduation in order to be licensed to practice medicine and must meet certain standards of capability and perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations to be considered for admission.

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to Equal Educational Opportunity and Non-Discrimination as outlined in The University of Texas at Austin policy.

Policy

The Admissions Selection Committee shall make all selection decisions and will function free from any political, financial, or personal pressures. Members of the Admissions Selection Committee will be appointed by the Dean, and shall be comprised of at least two-thirds faculty members and may include community leaders, students, and others.

To be considered for admission to the Dell Medical School, applicants must:

  1. Be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident.
  2. Meet certain standards of capability and be able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodations as referenced in the Technical Standards and Essential Functions Policy.
  3. Meet prerequisite course requirements.

Selection decisions will be based on a holistic review of each applicant and will take into consideration the following criteria:

  • Personal Attributes: Including, but not limited to, integrity and ethics; reliability and dependability; service orientation; social and interpersonal skills; teamwork; capacity for improvement; resilience and adaptability; cultural competence; and oral communication skills. 
  • Personal Experiences: Including, but not limited to, public service; leadership; extracurricular activities; work history; geographic diversity; diversity of experience and background; history of overcoming disadvantage or adversity; and other experiences that may contribute to unique perspectives. 
  • Academic Competence: As reflected by the applicant’s official transcripts, graduate study (if any), and the Medical College Admissions Test with consideration for the rigor of the previous course(s) of study. 
  • Mission Contribution: Qualities, including but not limited to, leadership, creativity, teamwork, community engagement, and resilience that uniquely relate to and could contribute to the mission of the Dell Medical School.

Student Background Check Policy

Scope

Medical students are entrusted with the health, safety and welfare of patients, have access to controlled substances and confidential information, and operate in settings that require the exercise of sound, professional judgment, and ethical behavior. Thus, an assessment of a medical student’s suitability to function in such a setting is imperative to promote the highest level of integrity in health care services, the safety interests of patients, to maintain a professional workplace, and the medical student’s ability to obtain licensure.

Additionally, clinical healthcare facilities are required by accreditation agencies to conduct background checks for security purposes on individuals who provide services within the facility and especially those individuals who supervise care and render treatment. The University of Texas at Austin is obligated to meet the contractual requirements contained in affiliation agreements between the University and its clinical healthcare partners. Thus, the Dell Medical School requires background checks for all accepted applicants and medical students, as described below.

Applicants for admission who would not be able to participate in clinical rotations due to a criminal record or other activities revealed in a background check are unable to fulfill the requirements of the program and will not be admitted to the Dell Medical School. Enrolled students who cannot participate in clinical rotations due to a criminal record or other activities that are revealed in a background check are unable to fulfill the requirements of the program and may not be guaranteed continued enrollment in the educational program or be eligible for graduation with the MD degree.

Policy

All persons accepted for admission to the Dell Medical School must complete a background check with a result deemed favorable prior to matriculation. A background check will be honored for the duration of enrollment if the student is continuously enrolled and there is no change in the favorable results of the student’s background check. Any student who temporarily leaves the academic process for greater than six months will be required to attest that there has been no change in their criminal background check prior to re-entry into the program and may be required to complete a new background check at the discretion of the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. Any student who temporarily leaves the academic process for greater than one year will be required to complete a new background check, prior to re-entry. Any visiting student applying to complete an elective at the Dell Medical School shall supply evidence from their home institution of the visiting student’s successful and current completion of a background check of a comparable nature.

An offer of admission will not be final until the completion of the applicant’s background check with a result deemed favorable. Admission may be denied or rescinded based on a review of the background check. Any activity identified on the background check that was not reported on the TMDSAS application will be viewed as potential misconduct and grounds for rescinding an offer of admission. All students are required to immediately notify the Associate Dean for Student Affairs of being charged with any criminal act. Failure to do so will be viewed as an act of misconduct. Any falsification or omission of pertinent information may result in the denial of admission or dismissal from the Dell Medical School.

The expenses related to background checks are borne by the applicant or student. Background check results will remain separate from the academic record.

Student Exposure to Infectious Disease

Scope

The spread of certain bloodborne pathogens and highly infectious diseases is a health hazard for patients and care givers. This requires processes to protect students and patients from the spread of these diseases. The purpose of this policy is to educate, avoid infection, and respond to exposures or infection to protect the rights and health of both students and patients. 

Policy

​Education and Evaluation

All Dell Medical School students and students visiting Dell Medical School shall receive prevention education. Those with an occupational exposure to a blood borne pathogen shall have the exposure evaluated and documented by a healthcare provider following the applicable post-exposure protocol.

Infection Control

Medical Students, like all health care workers, bear a responsibility to prevent the spread of infection. Pursuant to that responsibility, Medical Students will follow universal precautions at all times. 

Occupational exposures to blood borne pathogens requiring immediate assessment and the possible initiation of prophylactic medical treatment are defined as: 1) percutaneous injury (e.g. needlestick, laceration with a sharp object); 2) contact of mucous membranes or ocular membranes; and 3) contact of non-intact skin (e.g. skin that is chapped, abraded) with blood or other potentially infectious fluid (e.g., semen; vaginal secretions; and cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and amniotic fluids; bloody body fluids and unfixed tissue). Occupational exposures requiring monitoring include the three above requiring prophylaxis and contact with intact skin that is prolonged or involves an extensive area with blood or other potentially infectious fluid (semen; vaginal secretions; and cerebrospinal, synovial, pleural, peritoneal, pericardial and amniotic fluids; bloody body fluids and unfixed tissue). All exposures within those categories must report to the neared Seton Emergency Room within two hours of the exposure. 

A student exposed to infectious or communicable illness considered by the CDC as an occupational risk for healthcare workers, or known to have such infectious or communicable illness, or a student that suspects they have such an infectious or communicable illness are required to contact the UTHealth Austin Worklife Clinic and follow the recommendations of that clinic. 

If these recommendations limit the student's ability to meet curriculur requirements, the course director will attempt to accommodate if possible, and consult with the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education and Associate Dean for Student Affairs, as needed. Students should seek advising regarding implications for specialty training from Specialty Specific Advisors(s) in the field(s) of interest. 

Should any clinic site be determined by the UTHealth Austin Worklife Clinic to be unsafe for learners, learner involvement at that site shall be prohibited until such time as the health risk is resolved. 

Procedures for Student Exposure to Infectious Disease

Prevention Education Protocol

All students will receive training in Universal Precautions as part of the Developing Outstanding Clinical Skills course prior to seeing patients. This training shall meet the minimum requirements for students as outlined in The University of Texas at Austin Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan (Appendix E).

  1. All students will receive training in the Post-Exposure Protocol as part of the Milestone 0 session prior to beginning clinical coursework.
  2. Visiting Students will receive online training in Universal Precautions, and attest to having read and understood the policy and protocol as part of onboarding, prior to beginning a rotation.
  3. Should any clinic site be determined by the UTHealth Austin WorkLife Clinic to be unsafe for learners, learner involvement at that site shall be prohibited until such time as the health risk is resolved.
Post-Exposure Protocol: Applies to Dell Medical School Students and Visiting Students

Immediately post exposure:

  1. Clean the area of exposure or injury with soap and water, or flush mucous membranes thoroughly.
  2. Report exposure to your supervising faculty member and, if applicable, the charge nurse.
  3. Seek immediate care/treatment in the emergency department. Healthcare providers in the emergency department will recommend and initiate prophylaxis as appropriate.
    1. Students rotating in a Seton Family Healthcare Hospital:
      1. Within two hours of exposure, report to the Emergency Room in the Seton facility where you are working.
      2. Call the Seton Occupational Health HURT line to report your exposure (512) 324-4878 or in-house at ext. 44878. Have the source patient name and Medical Record number, if possible.
      3. Inform the Emergency Room you are a Dell Medical School student - do not use your personal insurance.
      4. Register as a Seton Worker’s Compensation case – do not use your personal insurance.
      5. Sign a release of medical information to facilitate follow-up care so results can be sent to the follow-up care provider.
    2. Students who are working outside of a Seton Family Healthcare Hospital:
      1. Within two hours of exposure, report to the nearest Seton Emergency Room
      2. The student should request that the off-site facility (where the exposure occurred) test the source patient. This should happen before the source patient leaves the facility.
      3. Inform the Emergency Room you are a Dell Medical School student - do not use your personal insurance.
      4. Sign a release of medical information to facilitate follow-up care so results can be sent to the follow-up care provider.
  4. Students should also submit a report to UT Environmental Health and Safety at (512) 471-3511.
  5. If the exposure occurred at a Seton Healthcare Family Hospital, students must complete the Dynamic Online Event Reporting System (DOERS) accident report with the appropriate charge nurse, or the Seton Occupational Health Nurse as directed.
  6. The Emergency Department will refer exposed persons to a provider for ongoing evaluation treatment. Students should seek a first follow-up visit within 72 hours after the initial exposure.

Within 72 hours of Exposure: 

  1. Students should seek follow-up care from the UTHealth Austin WorkLife Clinic. 
Visiting Students:

In addition to following the post-exposure protocol, visiting students should contact their home institution for further instructions once they have sought initial treatment following the Dell Medical School protocol. Dell Medical School students on an away rotation should check their host institution’s policies, procedures, and resources for visiting medical students in need of emergent care, and follow-up with UT Austin University Health Services.

Accommodations and Advising:

For students requiring accommodations to complete the curriculum, these accommodations are managed under the Technical Standards for Dell Medical School and the University Policy on Disabilities in collaboration with the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. 

Students with chronic infectious disease should discuss specialty training implications with a Specialty Specific Advisor. 

References: The University of Texas at Austin Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan

Drug Screen Policy

Scope

Medical students are entrusted with the health, safety and welfare of patients, have access to controlled substances and confidential information, and operate in settings that require the exercise of sound, professional judgment, and ethical behavior. The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School has a responsibility to assure that patients are not under the care of impaired persons. Thus, an assessment of a medical student’s suitability to function in such a setting is imperative to promote the highest level of integrity in health care services, the safety interests of patients, a professional workplace, and the medical student’s ability to obtain licensure.

Additionally, The University of Texas at Austin is obligated to meet the contractual requirements contained in affiliation agreements between the University and its clinical healthcare partners. To facilitate these requirements, the Dell Medical School will require urine drug screens for all accepted applicants and enrolled students.

Applicants and enrolled students must maintain a negative urine drug screen to fulfill the requirements of the program. Applicants or students with a positive test may not be guaranteed admission, continued enrollment in the educational program, allowed on clinical rotations or remain eligible for graduation with the MD degree.

Policy

All accepted applicants and persons accepted for admission to the Dell Medical School must complete a urine drug screen testing. All persons accepted for admission to the Dell Medical School must have a negative result prior to matriculation. Students may be required to complete additional re-screening at any point, if there is reason to believe a student may be using or misusing drugs or other substances or if there is an extended absence from the education program.

All test results are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer to confirm a negative result or determine whether a positive result is due to a legally prescribed medication. A positive test will result in a report to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for intervention and/or possible disciplinary action as authorized by policies, rules, and regulations imposed by the University or the University of Texas System. A positive test may result in the withdrawal of an offer of acceptance, or, if after matriculation, dismissal from the program.

The expenses related to drug testing are borne by the accepted applicant or enrolled student. Drug test results will remain separate from the academic record.

Health Insurance Policy

Scope

All students enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School are required to obtain and maintain health insurance coverage for the duration of their enrollment.

Policy

The State of Texas has contracted with Academic Health Plans to provide an affordable insurance option for Texas students. However, students may choose any private insurance company to meet the above health insurance requirements. Students should be knowledgeable of the terms and conditions of their individual health insurance plans.

Confirmation of active, current health insurance coverage is required at the time of registration each term.

Immunization Policy

Scope

Medical students are entrusted with the health, safety, and welfare of patients and operate in settings that require the exercise of sound, professional judgment, and ethical behavior. A student’s suitability to function in such a setting is imperative to promote the highest level of integrity in health care services and to protect the safety interests of the patients and the workplace. The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School has a responsibility for the health and safety of its students and the community to prevent the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases.

Additionally, The University of Texas at Austin is obligated to meet the contractual requirements contained in affiliation agreements between the University and its clinical healthcare partners. To facilitate these requirements, the Dell Medical School requires certain immunizations for its students.

Applicants and enrolled students must receive certain immunizations and maintain up-to-date documentation of such immunizations for the duration of the program and in order to be in compliance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and Texas State law.

Applicants or students who are not current on their immunizations or who do not maintain current documentation regarding the same may not be guaranteed admission, continued enrollment in the educational program or eligibility for graduation with the MD degree.

Policy

All persons accepted for admission to the Dell Medical School must provide documentation of current immunization and screening. Unless otherwise specified below, the following vaccinations and screening must be documented at the time of matriculation and maintained in current status while enrolled:

  • TETANUS/DIPHTHERIA/ACELLULAR PERTUSSIS: Documentation of one dose of Tdap vaccine. Td vaccine every ten years thereafter;
  • MEASLES (RUBEOLA): Documentation of two doses of measles or MMR vaccine, or a positive titer confirming immunity (must include a copy of the laboratory report); first dose must be on or after the first birthday and doses must be at least 28 days apart;
  • MUMPS: Documentation of two doses of mumps or MMR vaccine, or a positive titer confirming immunity (must include a copy of the laboratory report); first dose must be on or after the first birthday and doses must be at least 28 days apart;
  • RUBELLA: Documentation of one dose of rubella or MMR vaccine administered on or after the first birthday, or a positive titer confirming immunity (must include a copy of the laboratory report);
  • VARICELLA: Documentation of two doses of varicella vaccine given at least 28 days apart, laboratory evidence of immunity, laboratory confirmation of disease (must include a copy of the laboratory report), or diagnosis or verification of a history of varicella or herpes zoster (shingles) by a healthcare provider;
  • HEPATITIS B: A complete hepatitis B vaccine series (three doses of Engerix-B or Recombivax HB, or two doses of Heplisav-B) AND a positive antibody titer (quantitative hepatitis B surface antibody–lab report required). If the titer is negative or equivocal, receive one dose of the vaccine (as a booster) and repeat the titer 1 to 2 months later. If the second titer is negative or equivocal, finish the series and repeat the titer one to two months after the final dose. If the titer is still negative after a second vaccine series, test for HBsAg and total anti-HBc to determine HBV infection status. 
  • MENINGOCOCCAL: All students under the age of 22 who are entering a public, private, or independent institution of higher education in Texas must provide documentation that they have had a meningococcal (bacterial meningitis) vaccine or “booster” dose during the five year period prior to but no later than 10 days before the first day of the first semester they will enter that institution;
  • INFLUENZA: An influenza vaccine is required annually (Compliance is not required at point of matriculation, but is required annually thereafter); and
  • TUBERCULOSIS: Documentation of two negative TB skin tests (PPD) within two months of matriculation or, negative IGRA blood test (must include laboratory report), or if history of a positive TB test (IGRA or PPD), documentation of a negative chest X-ray within two months of enrollment (must send radiology report of chest X-ray).

Students may be exempted by means permitted within Texas and Federal Law. However, even if exempted, a student may be denied the opportunity to participate in training or patient care in certain health care facilities in accordance with the policies of those facilities.

All immunization records are reviewed by a Medical Review Officer within UT Austin's University Health Services (UHS) to determine compliance. The UHS office will notify the student when not in compliance, and block registration from the next semester until the student is compliant. The Student Affairs office will not be informed of immunization or any other health information, but will be notified that an applicant or student is compliant or non-compliant. Applicants or students who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to withdrawal of an offer of acceptance or disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal.

The expenses related to immunizations are borne by the student. Immunization records will remain separate from the academic record.

Non-Involvement of Health Providers in the Academic Assessment and Promotion of Dell Medical School Students

Policy

Any health providers who treat Dell Medical School (DMS) medical students may have no involvement in the academic supervision, assessment or decisions about the promotion of a DMS student who is receiving care. Should a faculty member find themselves assigned to clinical supervision involving a student who they have treated, they should arrange for a change in assignment.

Procedures 

Counseling and Mental Health Center Procedures

DMS students seeking psychiatric care from the university's Counseling and Mental Health Center will be scheduled to see a staff psychiatrist who has no current involvement or plan any future involvement in the supervision, assessment, or promotion of DMS students. DMS students will wait in a waiting room not used by DMS faculty or residents who may have involvement in the assessment or promotion of DMS students. 

Non-Psychiatric Clerkship Procedures 

Any faculty member assigned to supervise a medical student for whom they have provided medical care must request reassignment from the course or clerkship director. If students find that they have been assigned to a supervising attending who has been involved in their health care, they are encouraged to request reassignment from the course or clerkship director. 

Distribution

Clinical Faculty

The Office of the Executive Vice Dean for Academics will post the policy on the Faculty Affairs webpage, send annual reminders to all established clinical faculty at the start of each academic year, and provide a copy to all new clinical faculty when hired. 

Residents and Fellows

The Graduate Medical Education Office will post the policy on the New Innovations website, distribute the policy at new resident and fellow orientation, and be responsible for an annual reminder sent to all continuing residents and fellows. 

Medical Students

The Office of Medical Education (OME) will require that the policy be included in the syllabus for each clerkship and DMS clinical elective. OME will also ensure the policy is posted on the Student Affairs website. 

Social Media Policy

Scope

Social media is an important and powerful tool. Students of The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School are prohibited from disclosing Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA)-protected and other confidential patient information in any medium, including via social media.

Policy

When using social media, students must:

  • Respect patient/doctor confidentiality and the privacy rights of patients, including HIPPA-protected information and other confidential patient information.
  • Understand that no material posted on social media is entirely private, and should be considered public and permanent.
  • Understand and accept any legal or professional liability that accrues from posting on any social media platforms.

Students are strongly discouraged from sharing personal expressions in the form of text, photos, and/or images or video that could impair a student’s ability to form a therapeutic relationship with patients or to have a professional relationship with medical colleagues and supervisors.

The inappropriate or illegal sharing of patient and other confidential information is subject to discipline pursuant to the University’s Medical Student Conduct and Discipline Policy.

References: Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) 

Learning Environment and Student Treatment Policy

Scope

Effective learning is best fostered in an environment of mutual trust, respect, confidence and acceptance between teachers and learners, regardless of role or level. Teachers and learners at The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School are expected to exhibit professional behaviors and attitudes, including respect for others and a commitment to excellence as part of the learning environment.

Medical educators have a duty to convey and model the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes, required to deliver the expected standard of care and preserve the medical profession’s social commitment to its patients and the community. Faculty are obligated to evaluate students’ work fairly and honestly, without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.

Mistreatment will not be tolerated in the learning environment.

Policy

Teachers must convey and model a standard of conduct conducive to a learning environment of mutual respect and trust. Teachers must not engage in any act of mistreatment in any form. Medical students shall have recourse to address any possible mistreatment and to have the matter investigated by appropriate persons and shall have access to grievance processes to provide remedy, sanction, or policy change when possible and indicated.

Definitions

  1. Medical Student: For purposes of this policy, Medical Student shall include any person enrolled in a course of the Dell Medical School. This includes visiting students. 
  2. Mistreatment: For purposes of this policy, Mistreatment arises when behavior shows disrespect for the dignity of others and unreasonably interferes with the learning process. It can take the form of physical punishment, sexual harassment, psychological cruelty, and discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, sex, age or sexual orientation.
    1. Specific examples of mistreatment include (but are not limited to):
      1. Discrimination or offensive actions or offensive names or comments on the basis of race, gender, age, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability;
      2. Humiliation, harassment or threat; 
      3. Requesting or requiring students to perform personal services; 
      4. Requesting or requiring students to engage in illegal or inappropriate activities or unethical practices; 
      5. Use of grading or other forms of evaluation in a punitive or retaliatory manner. 
  3. ​Teacher: For purposes of this policy, Teacher shall include individuals, such as resident physicians, fellows, full-time and volunteer faculty members, clinical preceptors, nurses, and ancillary support staff, who have a role that involves observation, supervision, evaluation, or teaching Medical Student(s).

Procedures

A student who feels mistreated may choose to address the behavior directly. Less severe instances may be best resolved by addressing it immediately and non-confrontationally. Students are encouraged to discuss the situation with a faculty or administrative mentor before and/or after this “informal” resolution process. If the informal process does not satisfactorily resolve the situation or the student prefers the formal process, the following procedures should be followed:

  1. Reporting Incidents: 
    1. A report alleging mistreatment by a student should be submitted by means of the student professional conduct reporting mechanism.
    2. A report alleging mistreatment by a faculty, staff, administrator, resident, or any other teacher should be submitted by means of the student treatment reporting mechanism. 
    3. A student may also report allegations of mistreatment to any administrator of Dell Medical School, the University Student Ombuds office, or any other University reporting tools and contacts (e.g., Office of Inclusion and Equity; Title IX's File a Report; University Compliance Services Web Reporting System)
  2. Responding to reports: 
    1. Reports alleging mistreatment by students will be processed in accordance with the student professionalism policy.
    2. Reports alleging mistreatment by faculty, staff, administrator, resident, or any other teacher shall be submitted to the student treatment reporting mechanism. 
    3. An administrator who receives a complaint about the behavior of a faculty, staff, administrator, resident, or any other person with observation, supervision, evaluation, or teaching responsibility over a Medical Student, shall notify the Associate Dean for Student Affairs and/or the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education. If either of these Associate Deans is referenced in the complaint, a designee shall be appointed.
    4. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education shall assure that reports of mistreatment are processed promptly by appropriate University officials and appropriate officials of clinical sites or other entities affiliated with the Medical School, as necessary.
    5. The Associate Dean for Student Affairs and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education shall also require that the report be processed in accordance with all applicable laws and policies, including those set forth in the University’s General Information Catalog and the Graduate Medical Education Resident/Fellow Handbook.
      1. For example, if the alleged mistreatment involves unlawful discrimination or sexual or other forms of unlawful harassment, the matter will be referred to the University's Office of Inclusion and Equity or Title IX Office (as appropriate) and be handled through University policies established for those offices. 
      2. Additionally, in some cases, an investigation following the procedures of the General Information Catalog (for example) may require referral to another supervisory body (such as the human resource department of an affiliate) with greater authority to enforce sanction. ​
    6. The University and the Dell Medical School are committed to the fair treatment of all individuals involved in this process. Efforts will be made to maintain the confidentiality of any investigation related to or undertaken pursuant to this policy, to the extent possible and without comprising the ability to conduct a prompt and fair investigation and resolution of the complaint.
    7. The University and the Dell Medical School will not tolerate any form of retaliation against an individual who has made a good faith complaint of mistreatment. Individuals who believe that they have been retaliated against for raising concerns of mistreatment pursuant to this policy should contact the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Medical Education or the Associate Dean for Student Affairs.
  3. Sanctions:
    1. Any individual found to have engage in mistreatment may be subject to sanction(s) including but not limited to: formal warning, restitution, remediation, reassignment, dismissal, or termination of employment.
  4. Due process: 
    1. Any party retains the right of appeal pursuant to the jurisdictional authority enforcing any decision. Since this policy permits instances to be investigated by various internal departments or external entities (including, but not limited to: University Compliance Services, Title IX Office, Office for Inclusion and Equity, the Graduate Medical Education Office, and Human Resources or other investigatory offices within an affiliated entity), due process rights and any rights to appeal are as set forth in the policies utilized by the governing department or entity.

​Dissemination

In order to ensure that faculty, residents, fellows and students are aware of this policy: 

Clinical Faculty

The Office of the Executive Vice Dean for Academics will post the policy on the Faculty Affairs webpage, send annual reminders to all established clinical faculty at the start of each academic year, and provide a copy to all new clinical faculty when hired. 

Residents and Fellows

The Graduate Medical Education Office will post the policy on the New Innovations website, distribute the policy at new resident and fellow orientation, and be responsible for an annual reminder sent to all continuing residents and fellows.

Medical Students

The Office of Medical Education will require that the policy be included in the syllabus for each clerkship and DMS clinical elective. OME will also ensure the policy is posted on the Student Affairs website.

Technical Standards and Essential Functions Policy

Scope

The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School has a responsibility to current and future patients to train qualified Dell Medical School students that are capable of providing a standard of care incumbent upon a well-trained, competent physician. For this reason, the Dell Medical School requires students to participate in and demonstrate certain standards of capability necessary to the education process and/or the practice of medicine. 

Accepted students must meet certain standards of capability with or without reasonable accommodations for matriculation, continued enrollment, and graduation with the MD degree. 

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to maintaining equal educational opportunity and Non-Discrimination as outlined in The University of Texas at Austin policy.

Policy

Accepted applicants and students must meet certain standards of capability with or without reasonable accommodations.

Technical Standards and Essential Functions

  1. Observation: A medical student must be able to demonstrate adequate sensory function (e.g., vision, hearing and touch) to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand.
  2. Communication: A medical student must be able to communicate effectively in both oral and written form. The student must also be able to perceive communication from others whether it be written, verbal, or non-verbal including intonation, changes in mood, activity, and posture.
  3. Psychomotor Skills: A medical student must be able to perform the maneuvers necessary to perform a physical exam, render routine and emergent care, and safely execute the motor movements required to provide general care and emergency treatment to patients. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, palpation, auscultation, percussion, application of pressure, movement around the immobile patient as needed to perform procedures such as maintaining a sterile field and surgical and non-surgical procedures.
  4. Intellectual and Cognitive Abilities: A medical student must be able to problem-solve effectively and rapidly; learn; reason; calculate; formulate and test hypotheses; memorize; process; analyze; rapidly integrate and synthesize information; and apply information in an environment of high stress and distraction.
  5. Behavioral and Social: A medical student must exercise professional judgment and promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to their academic work, teamwork, and patient care. The student must possess the ability to develop mature, sensitive and effective professional relationships with peers, faculty, staff, and members of the healthcare team. The student must be able to give and receive constructive feedback. The student must demonstrate the ability to process feedback and utilize it to conform their behavior to expected professional standards. The student must manage adversity and stress in order to prevent its impacting their abilities in these competencies.

Any student that would like accommodations in order to meet the technical standards should contact the University of Texas Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.

Transcript Policy

Scope

Students accepted into The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School must submit official transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended in accordance with accreditation standards of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and as described below.

Policy

The Dell Medical School requires all accepted students to submit official transcripts from every regionally accredited college or university attended by the student. This includes:

  • All colleges/universities at which students took a course, even if transfer credit was later accepted by another school.
  • College-level courses taken while in high school, even if such courses did not count toward a degree at any college or university.
  • Final transcripts that denote any certificate or degree earned from that institution along with the date during which this credential was earned.

The Dell Medical School will only accept official transcripts that are printed on the institution’s transcript security paper and transmitted to the Dell Medical School in an official, sealed envelope from the institution’s Office of the Registrar (or similar, official department of the institution), or through a secure electronic transmission.

Failure of an accepted student to submit all official transcripts to the Dell Medical School, or submission of transcripts that are materially different than what the student self-reported on their application relevant to academic performance and/or courses completed or expected to complete prior to matriculation, can result in the offer of admission being rescinded, or the student’s being prevented from registering for future classes.

Transfer Policy

Scope

The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School will strive to admit applicants and matriculate a class best suited to contribute to the mission and vision of the Dell Medical School while assuring equity, impartiality, and excellence in the admissions process. 

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to maintaining equal educational opportunity and Non-Discrimination as outlined in The University of Texas at Austin policy.

Policy

The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School permits medical students to apply for transfer into the medical education program if: 1) positions are available; 2) the transfer applicant is in good standing at a medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education; 3) the transfer applicant has successfully passed Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam; and 4) the transfer applicant demonstrates academic achievements and other attributes comparable to students admitted to the Dell Medical School.

Transfer applicants successfully admitted to the Dell Medical School must start at the beginning of the second year of the medical education program. There will be no transfer applicants considered for entry into the Dell Medical School in the third or fourth years of the education program.

Applicants for transfer admission should contact the Office of Admissions. The final decision on transfer applications is made by the Admissions Selection Committee. 

Current students that wish to transfer to another medical school should meet with the Associate Dean for Student Affairs. 

Visiting Student Clinical Elective Policy

Scope

The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School will strive to admit applicants and matriculate students best suited to contribute to the mission and vision of the Dell Medical School while assuring equity, impartiality, and excellence in the admissions process. 

Applicants for visiting student rotations must demonstrate academic achievements and other attributes comparable to students admitted to the Dell Medical School. 

The University of Texas at Austin is committed to maintaining Equal Educational Opportunity and Non-Discrimination as outlined in The University of Texas at Austin policy.

Policy

The Dell Medical School permits visiting medical students to apply for no more than eight weeks of advanced clinical electives in the Dell Medical School’s medical education program provided:

  1. that advanced clinical elective positions are available;
  2. the visiting student applicant is in good standing at an accredited medical school;
  3. the visiting student applicant has successfully passed Step 1 of the United States Medical Licensing Exam;
  4. the visiting student applicant has completed all required core clerkships; and
  5. the visiting student applicant is enrolled in an LCME or AOA-accredited medical school.

Visiting medical students successfully admitted to a Dell Medical School clinical elective position are subject to all applicable university and University of Texas System policies and procedures.