Policy Statement
As part of professional development as physicians-in-training, students are expected to make required medical school activities their highest priority. We expect all students to contribute to group learning and participate in problem solving. Preparation prior to class and active participation during class are critical not only to each individual’s success, but to the success of one’s fellow students. Ultimately, active participation in groups will better prepare all students for their work in clinical settings. On clerkships, you will often be expected to explain the rationale for your clinical reasoning and proposed treatment plan. You will also be expected to educate your patients. Small groups are critical to developing these skills. The UWSOM expects students to attend and actively participate in all blocks and courses. Participation is part of the grade in many blocks.
Foundations coursework takes priority over elective coursework, extracurricular activities, and employment. You must not sign up for electives, preceptorships, or shadowing experiences which conflict with your Foundations classes, or activities related to Foundations of Clinical Medicine (FCM), Medicine, Health, and Society (MHS) I & II, or Integration Weeks.
Sessions that are mandatory will be marked as “attendance required” in the curriculum management system, Elentra. Students are required to attend the following session types:
| Course | Session Types |
|---|---|
| SOM Orientation | • All sessions |
| Foundations Blocks | • Labs • Sessions where patients are present • Small group sessions • Other sessions at the discretion of the block, thread or theme leader, or the local Foundations Dean |
| FCM | • All Immersion sessions • All Hospital Tutorials • All Clinical Skills Workshops • All Primary Care Practicum (PCP) sessions |
| MHS I & II | • All sessions |
| Integration Weeks | • All sessions |
Requirements, Procedures and Guidelines
Absences from required sessions in Foundations are permitted if you are experiencing illness or a personal/family emergency.
If you are ill or have an emergency and are unable to attend a required session, please contact the appropriate people as soon as possible.
| Curricular Components | Who do I contact about absences? |
|---|---|
| SOM Orientation | See your site’s Orientation Canvas page |
| Foundations Blocks | Foundations Dean at your Foundations campus and Block Site Lead |
| FCM: Classroom Sessions | FCM Site Lead at your campus |
| FCM: Primary Care Practicum | PCP Site Lead at your campus and your PCP preceptor |
| FCM: Hospital Tutorials | Your College mentor/hospital tutorial faculty and FCM Site Lead |
| MHS I & II | Foundations Dean and MHS Site Lead at your campus |
| Integration Weeks | Foundations Dean and Integration Week Site Lead at your campus |
Depending on the block/course, students unable to attend a required session may be required to complete assigned makeup activities to achieve course learning objectives. Students with unexcused absences for required sessions may not be allowed to make up missed work.
Effective: Current
Last updated: June 23, 2025
Policy Contact: UW School of Medicine, Curriculum Office, somgov@uw.edu; Education Quality Improvement Office, eqi@uw.edu