Two important policies have been updated to clarify expectations for clinical teaching and student safety:
1.9 Supervision of Medical Students in Clinical Settings: This policy reinforces safe, structured involvement of students in clinical care. Key highlights:
- Supervisors will be faculty (regular, clinical, or affiliate) at UWSOM or directly overseen by someone who is.
- Chaperones are required for all breast, genital, and rectal exams regardless of gender or setting.
- Student performance will be continuously supervised throughout the course or clerkship, with constructive and formative feedback.
- Supervisors will notify course or clerkship directors if serious academic or professionalism concerns arise.
- Students are expected to seek assistance when needed and report inadequate supervision.
2.2.3 Universal Precautions, Infection Control & Environmental Hazards Training
This updated policy now explicitly includes training in environmental hazards, chemical safety, and emergency preparedness, in addition to infection control practices.
- Annual compliance training is required to ensure students are equipped to handle clinical risks appropriately.
- These trainings are delivered during orientation, in the Foundations and clerkship phases, and through required online modules.
- Students are responsible for applying universal precautions in all care settings including proper hand hygiene, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe sharps handling.
Together, these policies reinforce our collective commitment to a safe, respectful, and effective clinical learning environment across WWAMI. We encourage you to review the MD Program Policies webpage: https://education.uwmedicine.org/md-program-policies-handbook/