CMS Disability Insurance Policy

The cost of this coverage is the responsibility of each student.

Once students are enrolled, their personal policy will be mailed to them along with a summary of benefits. Should students have questions, they can contact RX Financial Resources, Inc.

* Students in our MD/PhD program are required to purchase the CMS disability insurance coverage during both the basic sciences and clinical stages of their MD program (typically, their first two and last two years at RFUMS.) During the PhD/research stage of the program, MD/PhD students are strongly encouraged to continue the coverage but, upon request, may opt out of it.

Equal Opportunity Statement

It is the policy of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science not to discriminate on the basis of race, sex, sexual orientation, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or age in admissions or employment or in any programs or activities. It is the University's intent to comply with applicable statutes and regulations, including Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990 both prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities by mandating a provision of reasonable accommodations to make programs and activities accessible to qualified disabled individuals. There are natural and legal limitations to what services can be provided. It is the University's goal to assist students in developing their potential in light of what is feasible and reasonable under the law. Inquiries may be directed to the Affirmative Action Office, 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064, (847) 578-3262.

Ethical Standards

Introduction

Chicago Medical School students are expected to maintain high ethical standards in their roles as students in the university and as providers of medical care in clinical settings.

Ethical Standards

Students are expected to be familiar with the following ethical standards. Breach of these standards may result in an investigation by the Student Evaluation, Promotions and Awards Committee (SEPAC) and in corrective action.

1. Students should be honest and trustworthy in their work. Any behavior that gives a student an unfair advantage is considered unethical. Some examples of unethical behavior are looking at the answers of another examinee; using unauthorized or illicit materials to pass an examination or in preparing for an examination; missing a scheduled examination to gain an advantage; using unauthorized sources of information for take-home examinations; hindering the study and learning of another student; withholding or removing university-owned materials which are needed by other students; and intentionally enabling another student to cheat or allowing another individual to take an examination in one's place.

2. Students should follow the same professional standards of conduct as licensed physicians. Patients are to be treated with respect, compassion, integrity, honesty, sincerity, trust and as equals without regard to race, color, creed, ethnic group, religion, disability, sex or socio-economic class. Refusal to assure appropriate treatment for a patient out of concern for oneself is unethical. Patient confidentiality should be maintained, with certain mandated exceptions, e.g., reporting of suspected child abuse. The medical and psychosocial needs of the patient are to be respected regardless of the student's personal needs, beliefs and biases. Truthfulness and integrity should govern interactions with patients and colleagues. Students should be non-coercive in persuading patients to accept treatment.

3. The doctor-patient relationship requires that doctors and medical students be respectful, well-mannered, cordial and (often) friendly in caring for patients. However, it is unethical for a doctor or student to date or equivalently socialize with a patient. Doing so leaves the student and the medical school legally vulnerable. This applies both during and after clerkships or other patient care experiences.

4. Students' written and oral communications should be truthful. They should make their status as medical students known, unambiguously. Entries in the medical record should be complete and accurate. Oral communication with all health care personnel should be truthful, respectful, accurate and complete. Tampering with or falsifying any University records or hospital charts is a breach of ethical standards.

5. Students should present work, such as histories and physical examinations, based on their own performance of these components of patient care. When outside sources of information are used, appropriate attribution, such as directions from supervisors, quotations, references or footnotes should be used.

6. Students should submit each work assignment for credit in only one course. When an assignment is given for which the student has already completed and received credit, the instructor should be so advised.

7. Students should maintain integrity in the conduct of research. Falsification of research data is a violation of ethical standards that impedes the advancement of knowledge and threatens academic integrity.

8. Students should respect the property of another individual and of the University and affiliated institutions.

9. Students should follow all federal, state, and local laws and hospital and university regulations. If any such regulation contradicts a student's own ethical standards, this must be discussed with the supervisor or the Dean's Office.

10. Students should not use illicit drugs or misuse prescribed or commercially available ones.

11. Students should not use alcohol when on-duty or on-call.

12. Personal relationships with faculty, preceptors, residents or administrators that exceed the boundaries of the professional student/teacher relationship must be avoided.

Reporting Alleged Misconduct

Faculty and students should report alleged misconduct to the RFUMS Honor Council or the Senior Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Medical Education. The person reporting an alleged misconduct must provide documentation.

The Senior Associate Dean will be thorough but discreet in reviewing allegations and in interacting with faculty and students. Faculty and students should be cognizant of the institution's need to maintain confidentiality and to provide every student with due process.

After consultation with the student and faculty involved, the Senior Associate Dean may take immediate action if the welfare of other people is in immediate jeopardy or the student's behavior could disrupt the education process. If warranted, a formal investigation by SEPAC will be scheduled as soon as possible following such action. For procedures and policies outlining the course of action for students involved in inappropriate behavior, please refer to the CMS Evaluation and Grading System Handbook.

Statement of Policy on Professionalism and Ethics

All students at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science are expected to exhibit professional, responsible and ethical behavior. Students should display this behavior as students in the University, as health care providers in the clinical setting, and as researchers in the laboratory or clinic.

All students should, therefore, possess the highest degree of personal integrity and be able to reason about ethical issues in their professional life. Students are expected to treat patients and research subjects with respect, compassion, and sincerity, irrespective of race, color, creed, ethnic origin, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic class, and to maintain strict confidentiality. Students are expected to be honest and trustworthy, to respect the property of others, and to follow the code of professional ethics appropriate to their discipline. Any departures from these standards may result in disciplinary action.

Procedures for Consideration of Violations of Ethical and Professional Standards

A student under suspicion of ethical or professional misconduct shall be afforded due notice and process in the investigation, deliberation, and decision about such allegations and potential penalties. The student shall also be afforded the right to appeal any negative outcomes to the Dean of Chicago Medical School. The procedures described below are designed to assure such rights for the student and the University.

Investigation and Recommendation

Allegations of ethical or professional misconduct by a student may be referred to and investigated by the Student Evaluation, Promotions, and Awards Committee (SEPAC).

The recommendations of SEPAC shall be transmitted by the Committee Chair to the Dean of the Medical School. Upon receipt of such recommendation the Dean shall decide upon appropriate action and so notify the student in writing.

Right of Student Appeal

The decision of the Dean shall be final, except that the student shall retain the right to appeal such decision, in writing, to the Dean. At the discretion of the Dean, the issue may be referred to an Appeals Committee. In the Medical School, the Appeals Committee shall be an ad hoc committee appointed by the Dean as described in the Student Handbook. Such committee shall hear the student appeal and all new evidence or argument presented by the student or Senior Associate Dean (or designee). The Appeals Committee shall make its recommendation directly to the Dean of the Medical School. The Dean's decision shall be final and shall be transmitted in writing to the student.

Requirements for Starting M3 Clerkships

As a prerequisite for participating in third-year core rotations, students must:

· Satisfactorily complete all basic sciences courses

· Satisfactorily complete the Clinical Skills course

· Sit for USMLE Step 1

(Note: Students must pass USMLE Step 1 to continue with clinical clerkships)

Students will secure hospital sites for these core rotations via a student-run lottery. They must be prepared to serve in clinical clerkships in any of CMS's affiliated hospitals, which may include an out-of-state location (Connecticut.)

Technical Standards

It is the intent of Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science to comply with applicable law concerning students with disabilities, including Title IX of the 1972 Education Amendments, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. These acts prohibit discrimination against individuals with disabilities by mandating the provision of reasonable accommodations to make programs and activities accessible to otherwise qualified individuals.

These statutes recognize that there may be technical standards of behavior which must be met in the pursuit of a given profession or training. The Chicago Medical School has determined a set of Technical Standards of behavior that it considers necessary for the candidate for the MD degree. These Technical Standards are listed below. Inquiries about the Medical School policies on disabilities should be directed to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator in the Office for Student Affairs.

A candidate for the MD degree must possess abilities and skills which include those that are observational, communicational, motor, intellectual‑conceptual (integrative and quantitative), and behavioral and social. The use of a trained intermediary is not acceptable in many clinical situations in that it implies that a candidate's judgment must be mediated by someone else's power of selection and observation.

1. Observation:

The candidate must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic sciences, including but not limited to information conveyed through physiologic and pharmacological demonstrations in animals, microbiological cultures and microscopic images of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Furthermore, a candidate must be able to:

· observe a patient accurately, at a distance, and close at hand, with or without standard medical instrumentation, to acquire information from written documents, and to visualize information as presented in images from paper, films, slides or video.

· interpret x‑ray and other graphic images, and digital or analog representations of physiologic phenomenon (such as EKGs) with or without the use of assistive devices.

Such observation and information acquisition necessitates the functional use of visual, auditory and somatic sensation while being enhanced by the functional use of other sensory modalities. In any case where a candidate's ability to observe or acquire information through these sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternate means and/or abilities to acquire and demonstrate the essential information conveyed in this fashion. If the alternatives are acceptable, it is expected that obtaining and using such alternate means and/or abilities shall be the responsibility of the student. Costs of necessary accommodations should be reasonable and will be properly borne by the University when not the responsibility of the student or otherwise funded.

2. Communication:

A candidate must be able to speak, to hear and to observe patients by sight in order to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients and their families. Communication includes speech and writing. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the health care team.

3. Motor:

It is required that a candidate possess the motor skills necessary to directly perform palpation, percussion, auscultation and other diagnostic and therapeutic maneuvers, basic laboratory tests and diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The candidate must be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general and emergency medical care such as airway management, placement of intravenous catheters, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, application of pressure to control bleeding, suturing of wounds and the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.

4. Intellectual‑Conceptual (Integrative and Quantitative) Abilities:

The candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate and synthesize. In addition, the candidate must be able to comprehend three‑dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. The candidate must be able to perform these problem‑solving skills in a timely fashion.

5. Behavioral and Social Attributes:

The candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his/her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. The candidate must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. He/she must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interest and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational process.

Tuition for Students on Altered Academic Schedules

Students that are enrolled beyond four years will be billed full tuition until they have paid full tuition for 14 academic terms. Once they have paid full tuition for 14 academic terms, they will be billed at a reduced rate of $1,500 per academic term, up to a total of $6,000 per academic year.

Universal Precautions Policy

All students enrolled at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science who are involved in clinical rotations must complete their school's program on universal precautions. The purpose of this program is to ensure that you have been informed of the appropriate handling of blood, tissues and body fluids during your training. Appropriate review of universal precautions will be provided by clinical departments during the orientation at each clinical site. As part of your professional development, you will be responsible for incorporating these precautions into your routine practice while in patient care situations and for being certain that you understand what is available at each hospital as you rotate from one clerkship to another.

In the event you have contact with blood, unfixed tissue¹, or body fluids, these are the steps you should take:

1. Remove soiled clothing and administer immediate first aid at the worksite (wash skin/flush eyes 10-15 min./etc.). Remove contact lenses if eyes are exposed.

2. Notify resident, site coordinator and/or attending physician.

3. Obtain name, medical record number and location of patient source.

4. Report, in person, immediately to the designated location at the hospital site where you are rotating for follow up treatment (i.e. Employee Health Service, Infectious Disease Service and/or the Emergency Department).

5. DO NOT DELAY -- GET ASSISTANCE IMMEDIATELY

(Anti-viral prophylaxis, if elected, for HIV+ exposures should be initiated within 2 hours of exposure if possible.) If you are not successful seeking immediate assistance, page your supervisor (e.g., resident, attending, clerkship director) as soon as possible. DO NOT WAIT!

DO NOT IGNORE AN EXPOSURE!!

Follow up procedures:

1. Notify the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (847-578-8351) within 24 hours of the exposure. Confidentiality of this information will be maintained.

2. Continue treatment and counseling at the site for an appropriate amount of time. Follow up with lab studies and assistance for any further treatment.

3. Report any medical costs not covered by your health insurance² as shown on your Explanation of Benefits to the RFUMS Business Office at (847) 578-3252. If you are covered by the health insurance policy offered by the University, expenses that are not covered by the plan will be paid by the University. If you elect an insurance plan other than the plan offered by the University, you will only be reimbursed for non-covered expenses at the lesser of: 1) the actual amount due under your plan, or 2) the amount that would have remained under the insurance plan offered by the University.

4. The Associate Vice President for Student Affairs will follow up with you periodically to provide counseling and assistance as needed.

¹ Except brain tissue, which can carry slow viruses even after fixation; special precautions have been taken during the teaching of Medical Neuroscience.

² All RFUMS students are required to carry health insurance; a student not in compliance with this policy will not receive financial assistance in the event of an occupational exposure to blood or body fluids.

This policy is developed in accordance with CDC (Center for Disease Control) Guidelines.

Listed below are telephone numbers for the primary departments responsible for handling such emergencies at each major teaching hospital affiliated with RFUMS. If you are rotating in a clinic or hospital not listed below, contact your immediate supervisor for assistance and then follow the guidelines stated above.

Christ Hospital

7 am - 4 pm – Report to Kim Bennett or Tina Handwich

(708) 684-4235

After 4 pm – Report to ER

(708) 684-5360

Elgin Mental Health Hospital

24 hours a day – Report to Mary Zywicki, Employee Health nurse in The Clinic in the Goldman Building

(847) 742-1040 Ext. 2847

Hines VA Hospital

Quickly fill out incident report and then:

8 am - 4 pm – Report to Carol Kala (Secretary),Employee Health

(708) 202-2844

After 4 pm – Report to ER

(708) 343-7200 Ext. 2187

Illinois Masonic Medical Center

Report to ER 24 hours a day

(773) 296-7087

John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County

8 am - 4 pm – Report to Employee Health, Patricia Kallaher, M.D.

(312) 864-1970

After 4 pm – Report to ER

(312) 864 0060

Lutheran General Hospital

7:30 am - 7:30 pm – Report to Employee Health Center, located in the East Pavilion

(847) 723-1590

If occurrence is not during office hours, DRAW A RED–TOP tube of blood from the source and send to lab with health risk label. Report to Employee Health during the next full business day.

If patient is known AIDS carrier or known high risk, then go to ER immediately.

Mount Sinai Hospital Medical Center

Quickly fill out employee accident/injury report and then:

Report to ER

(773) 257-6241

After initial evaluation call Dawn Laurin from Employee Health within 24 hours, even on weekends or off-hours.

(773) 257-6916

North Chicago VA Hospital

Report to Susan Murphy RN, or Jan Wilson PA, Employee Health

(847) 688-1900, Ext. 84215

After 4 pm -- Report to ER

(847) 688-1900, Ext. 85505

Norwalk Hospital

Report to Employee Health during the following hours:

7:30 am - 3:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

7:30 am - 4:30 pm Tuesday and Thursday

Report to ER at all other times than listed above, including holidays and weekends

Main Switchboard (203) 852-2000

St. Anthony Hospital

Report to ER; any questions, contact Phyllis Murillo

(773) 484-4438

Swedish Covenant Hospital

Immediately report the incident to preceptor/supervisor, then:

7:30 am to 4:30 pm – Report to Employee Health Services (Attn: Connie Cutler, Director)

(773) 989-1606

ALSO

Report incident to Infection Control

(773) 989-1612

After 4:30 pm – Report to ER

USMLE Requirements

General

• All CMS students are required to pass Step 1 and and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) and attempt Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) of USMLE (United States Medical Licensure Examination) to graduate.

• Per USMLE policy, students may take any of the Step exams no more than three times within a 12‑month period. For Step 1 and Step 2 CK, you may retake the examination no earlier than the first day of the month that begins at least 60 days after your previous test date; for Step 2 CS, you may retake the examination no sooner than 60 days after your last attempt.

• Students who are unsuccessful on three attempts of Step 1 or Step 2 CK will be considered for dismissal.

• Please consult the following web sites for additional information about the USMLE Step exams:

• www.nbme.org

•

• http://prometric.com (exam sites, scheduling, etc.)

• http://csess.ecfmg.org/calendarRO.asp (Step 2 CS scheduling)

Step 1

• Students must attempt USMLE Step 1 before beginning M3 clinical clerkships. A student who fails the examination may complete the clerkship in which s/he was enrolled at the time of notification of failure, but must withdraw from further clinical activity until s/he has retaken Step 1. Students who fail Step 1 on a second attempt will not be allowed to enroll in any clerkship until they have passed the examination.

Step 2

• It is strongly recommended that you take Step 2 CK by December 31 of your M4 year. This will allow you to post results during the Rank Order period (mid‑January to mid‑February) – increasingly important to residency programs ‑‑ as well as provide ample time to retake the examinations in time to graduate, should it be necessary.

• While it is only required that you attempt Step 2 CS sometime prior to Commencement (see details below on receiving your diploma), it is strongly recommended that you take this exam much earlier during your M4 year. There is increasing evidence that residency programs regard Step 2 CS as a valid and reliable examination and may be influenced by your status with this exam during the Rank Order period.

• To receive your diploma at Commencement, you must be able to verify that you passed Step 2 CK and attempted Step 2 CS at least two weeks prior to the ceremony. Note that the turnaround time for results of Step 2 CK is typically 4 weeks after the exam is taken and is currently approximately 8 weeks for Step 2 CS. Please schedule your test dates accordingly.

• M4’s who have not posted a passing score on Step 2 CK by the week of the NRMP Match and who do not successfully match will be significantly less likely to secure a position during the Scramble process. Program directors are reluctant to select students who may be at risk for graduating and may consequently be ineligible to start a residency program.

• A student who does not pass Step 2 CK and/or attempt Step 2 CS prior to graduation may remain a student of Chicago Medical School, paying applicable tuition and receiving appropriate benefits, such as student health insurance, subject to approval by the Student Evaluation, Promotions, and Awards Committee. A student who does not complete Step 2 requirements by one year from the original/scheduled date of graduation will be recommended for dismissal.

Monthly Disability Benefit	1st and 2nd years -- $1,500 3rd and 4th years -- $2,000
Elimination Period (days)	180
Benefit Period	Age 65
Guaranteed Issue	No medical or financial questions are asked.
Guaranteed Renewable	Your policy cannot be changed or modified by the insurance company.
Substantial Premium Discounts	Discounted premiums that continue after graduation and as long as you own your policy.
Portability	You can continue your policy through residency and throughout your medical career.
Professional Definition of Disability	Your policy pays benefits due to illness or injury.
Options Available	Upon graduation you can tailor your policy to meet your needs and add several additional benefits.