Medical Student Handbook

Medical Student Education

Infection Control and Prevention of Exposure to
Environmental Hazards Training

Policy 670.15

Policy Statement

Completion of infection control and prevention of exposure to environmental hazards training offered through the UVM Medical Center mandatories is required of all medical students.

Participation in clinical clerkship is prohibited for students not completing this requirement.

Policy Elaboration

The education of medical students about methods of prevention and exposure includes the following:

1. Students complete web-based modules on infection control and prevention of exposure to environmental hazards.
2. All students are fitted for N-95 respirators, which are available to them at clinical sites if needed. Accurate fitting requires that the individual be clean-shaven as research to date shows that facial hair causes 20-1000 times more leakage compared to clean-shaven individuals.  We strongly recommend that for those who can shave, do so for their own safety.  Students with religious exemption from shaving are offered the option of being fit utilizing the “Singh Thattha” technique. Individuals choosing this option, need to be advised that this method is not certified by Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Students must request religious exemption from the Associate/Assistant Dean for Students to be tested using this technique. They must acknowledge there is no guarantee that this method will prevent transmission of an infectious disease.  In some clinical settings, a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) may be available for student use.
   
3. In addition, a member of the Division of Infectious Disease gives a didactic to Clerkship Level students on the topic of infection control, which includes methods of avoidance of exposure to blood-borne pathogens and Tuberculosis.
4. At affiliated sites, students participate in a hospital orientation that includes infection control and prevention of exposure to environmental hazards with institutional specific instructions.
5. Students receive annual policy and procedure reminders regarding completion of the UVM Medical Center mandates via The WeeklyWire.

Applicability of the Policy

All Medical Students

Related Larner College of Medicine Policies

• 670.00 Preventing Transmission of Infection in Clinical Settings and Instructions for Management of Exposure to Blood-borne Pathogens or Environmental Hazards
• 670.10 Immunizations and Other Health Information
• 670.20 Tuberculosis Screening
• 670.30 Hand-washing
• 670.35 Students with Known Blood-borne Infections
• 670.45 Universal Precautions
• 670.50 Protective Barrier Precautions
• 670.55 Care and Disposal of Sharps
• 670.60 Clean-up of Spills
• 670.65 Definitions of Exposures to Blood-borne Pathogens
• 670.70 Reporting of Student Exposures and Injury-related Incidents
• 830.00 Health Insurance
• Fitness Committee Procedure and Review of Professional Performance
• 902.00 Annual UVM Medical Center Mandatory Training

Related University of Vermont Policies

• 5.2.4 Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control
• UOP28 Communicable Disease

Related Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) Standard(s)

12.8 Student Exposure Policies/Procedures

History

• 6/19/2018 Policy Adopted/Affirmed [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 3/17/2020 Reformatted [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 12/15/2020 Policy Revised [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 4/26/2022 Policy Edit [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 2/21/2023 Policy Revised [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 12/19/2023 Policy Edit [Medical Curriculum Committee]
• 07/16/2024 Policy Revised [Medical Curriculum Committee]

Policy Oversight

Associate/Assistant Dean for Students

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