See also: Policies Common to All Clinical Sites

Link to Allegheny General Hospital's Web Site

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Allegheny General is a 724-bed academic health center serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding five-state area. Offering a wide array of medical and surgical services, the hospital is recognized for its expertise in cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, diagnostic radiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, nephrology, neurology, neurosurgery, obstetrics and gynecology, oncology, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, otorhinolaryngology, pediatrics, psychiatry, pulmonary medicine and transplant surgery. Allegheny General is also designated as a Regional Resource (Level I) Trauma Center.

Allegheny General Hospital is the western campus for the Philadelphia-based Drexel University College of Medicine. Scientists at AGH conduct studies in the following disciplines: Neurosciences, Human Oncology, Human Genetics, Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Research, Musculoskeletal and Trauma. Other initiatives in advanced technologies include Imaging and Telemedicine.

Located in the North Side section of Pittsburgh, Allegheny General annually admits more than 31,000 patients and logs more than 450,000 outpatient visits. Nearly 900 physicians and 4,000 employees share the hospital's commitment to excellence in patient care, medical education and research.

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The Dean's Office of the Allegheny General Hospital is located on the 1st floor of the hospital, in the South Tower, and provides a full spectrum of services to the students of Drexel University College of Medicine.

Jeff Reed, Student Affairs Manager (412) 359-6671
Sally Tupi, Administrative Assistant (412) 359-3714

Administration:
Daniel Benckart, M.D., Vice Dean (412) 359-3714

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Required Course Associate Directors

Medicine:   Jennifer Hadam, M.D. (412) 359-8811
Surgery:   Donald P. Atkinson, M.D. (412) 359-5262
Pediatrics:   William Keough, M.D. (412) 359-3164
Family Medicine:   Jack Nemec, M.D. (412) 859-2676 (at Forbes Regional Hospital)
Obstetrics and Gynecology:  Regina Murcko, M.D. (412) 359-5065
Psychiatry:   Swami Nathan, M.D. (412) 330-4028
Neurology:   James Valeriano, M.D. (412) 359-8850
Medicine Subinternship:   Jennifer Hadam,M.D. (412) 359-4982


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It is recommended that parking be reserved one week prior to arrival by calling Allegheny Center at (412) 231-3400.  Transactions may be completed by phone via credit card.  Parking must be secured by 5:30 PM on the first day of your rotation.  Parking rates are $50-$75 per month.

For students who have secured independent housing, free parking accommodations may be provided in the employee parking area. Contact Jeff Reed at (412) 359-6671 for details prior to your arrival.

Car pooling to the Allegheny Campus is highly encouraged.

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Large two bedroom apartments are available for students with scheduled rotations at either Allegheny General Hospital or the Forbes Regional Hospital at no cost to students. Four students will be assigned to each two bedroom apartment. Gender-specific roomate assignments will be made. Students will not receive housing accommodations when on vacation blocks, when taking time off, or when clerkships/rotations are scheduled at any other site. Requests for single apartments will not be honored under any circumstances. Roommate requests (same gender) are welcomed and will be honored when possible by calling Jeff Reed at (412) 359-6671. All housing assignments are decided by the Visitor Center of the Allegheny General Hospital and are final.

Independent arrangements to accommodate special circumstances may be made with Allegheny Center at the student's cost.

Allegheny Center Apartments are available for occupancy after 12:00 p.m. the Sunday prior to the initial rotation date. Each apartment is fully furnished and equipped with a 19-inch, cable ready, color television set. Call TCI of Pennsylvania Cable TV at (412) 771-8700 to initiate service in your name. It is the student's responsibility to pay the monthly charges for this service and to cancel the service prior to departure date.

If scheduled at Allegheny General Hospital or the Forbes Regional Hospital and you plan to arrange independent housing, contact Jeff Reed at (412) 359-6671 at least two weeks prior to your rotation date (more notice would be greatly appreciated so additional students may be accommodated). If independent housing in secured, parking will be provided free of charge.

Allegheny Center Apartments have the following furnishing: Loveseat; Lamps (2); 19" color TV with Stand; Night Stand; Chest of Drawers; Clock Radio; Desk and Chair; Desk Lamp. Beds are twins. DO NOT DISASSEMBLE ANY FURNITURE. If furniture is discovered disassebled, it will be reassembled and a minimum of a $75.00 fee will be charged to have it reassembled (this is for everyones safety).

If problems develop during your stay at the Allegheny Center Apartment Complex, please contact the Visitor Center, Allegheny General Hospital, at (412) 359-1300. Allegheny Center Security may be reached at (412) 231-0720.

Linens
Each apartment is provided with one set of sheets and four sets of towels/washcloths upon check-in only. These linens WILL BE REMOVED by housekeeping within the first week. Linen supply must thereafter be provided by the student. A Shower Curtain and Rings, Wastebasket, Pillow, Blanket and Bedspread are all provided.

Laundry
Laundry equipment withing Building 3 of Allegheny Center will operate by a debit card effective March 1, 2005. Each student will receive a debit card upon check in. Coins may not be used. The debit card must be return to the Visitor Center Office, Room 104 of Building 3, upon sign out.

Kitchen Items
An Electric Coffee Maker; Toaster; Wastebasket; Broom and Dustpan; Dish Service (for 4); Glassware (for 4) and Flatware (for 4) are in each apartment.

Housekeeping
Apartment upkeep is a student responsibility.

Telephones (within housing)
Telephones are provided in each apartment, with no charge for local calls. If students are uncertain whether or not a phone number is charged as a toll call, they should check with the Bell Atlantic operator or the phone directory before placing the call. Students are responsible for paying all toll calls. If the student wishes to make long distance calls, they should use a credit card or place collect calls through the operator. If Allegheny receives a telephone bill that itemizes long distance and/or toll calls after the student's departure from the Allegheny Campus, the bill will be forwarded to the student for payment.

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As stated under "HOUSING," apartments are available for occupancy after 12:00 p.m. the Sunday prior to the starting date of your rotation. You should report to the Medical Student Housing Office, 3 Allegheny Center, Room 104, for your room assignment and keys. If arriving after 5:00 p.m., use the telephone in the lobby area of Building #3 to dial Allegheny Center Security. Security will be advised of your arrival.

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Report to the Dean's Office, Allegheny General Hospital, 1st floor, South Tower, at 8:30 a.m.. on the initial day of your rotation for a mandatory site orientation. Students must check this web site for instructions concerning block 1 orientation. Students scheduled for Forbes will receive site specific instructions.  Students who have previously rotated at AGH may pick up their provisions on the counter inside the Dean's Office.

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Return ID, student lounge access card, and pager to the Dean's Office, Allegheny General Hospital. Replacement charges for lost, damaged, or stolen items: $10 for student ID; $5 for a call room key; $100 for an access card; and $100 for a pager.

Housing sign out: Please return keys, laundry debit card, and parking card to the Visitor Center, Room 104, of Building #3. There are replacement charges for key packets not returned: $25 for the apartment key; $15 for the mailbox key; $10 for the laundry debit card and $100 for the parking cardtrol. You must leave the room by noon the Saturday after your rotation is over. A minimum fee of $50.00 will be charged to any student who does not vacate timely. An additional fee of $150.00 will be charged to any student that does not vacate by 8PM. You are responsible for all items until they have been received by the appropriate individuals.

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Your Allegheny-issued ID badge should be displayed at all times.
Students are required to wear their Allegheny General photo identification badges issued to them at orientation day at all times while on campus. In the event of damage, loss, or theft, contact Jeff Reed x6671. There is a fee of $10 for a replacement ID.

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The Security Office operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The office is located in the corridor behind the Gift Shop in the Main Lobby of the W.P. Snyder III Pavilion.

Allegheny Center Security: (412) 231-0720
Allegheny General Security: ext. 3193, 3194 or 4369

Shuttle/Transportation Services Provided by the Institution
The Visitor Center is served by a shuttle van operated by Allegheny General Monday through Friday. The shuttle runs every 20 minutes to half hour, from 5:20 a.m.-10 p.m.

Escort Services
A Security Office vehicle is available for escort service from the campus to the student apartment building in Allegheny Center for those who work beyond the operating hours of the van shuttle or in case of an emergency. Call extension 3193, 3194, or 4369 or stop by the AGH Security Office for this service. Escort service is also available at the Allegheny Center Apartments. Call (412) 231-0720 for escort service to anywhere on the premises of Allegheny Center Plaza. The Allegheny Center Plaza is patrolled until 5 a.m. There are house phones in every building, and you may access Security for any emergency by dialing extension 132. It is suggested that students maintain an awareness of safety precautions and use common sense in their choice of areas to frequent at night. NOTE: In compliance with the College and University Security Information Act 73 of 1988 (H.B. No. 1900), students and parents of students have access to data pertinent to criminal activities on the Allegheny Campus. Please make your request in writing to Director of Security, Allegheny General Hospital.

Lost and Found
The Security Office acts as a clearing center for all lost or found items. Please turn in anything found to that office. Feel free to inquire there when something has been lost.

Fire
All students should become acquainted with the Allegheny General fire plan, fire alarm signals, Emergency 1111 number, "Nurse Blaze" and fire drills, the location of fire alarm boxes and extinguishers, and proper use of extinguishers. This information is presented on a regular basis by the Employee Safety Department. All students should endeavor to participate in one of these sessions. For information regarding the Fire Safety class schedule, contact Employee Safety at extension 4072. In addition, students should consult their Department's "Fire Safety and Disaster Manual" for further information. NOTE: If you see smoke or fire: 1) Remove everyone from the immediate area and close the door. 2) Pull the nearest fire alarm box and call Emergency 1111. 3) Contain the spread of smoke and fire by closing all doors in the fire area.

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All students are issued pagers on the first day of their rotation. Pagers are subject to periodic checks and inventories by the supervisor of the Telephone Office. The batteries in your pager last about three weeks. Obtain new batteries from the Dean's Office. At the completion of your Allegheny General Hospital rotation, please return your pager to the Dean's Office.

Direct Paging Instructions:
Dial 8220. Computer response is: "Page ID please."
Dial ID number of the party you wish paged. The computer states the availability of the party; you will hear one of the following messages:
"On page. Number please."
"Page emergency only."
"Not on page."
"Available. Call (#)."
"The ID you are paging is not available, but a second is available - number please."
"Call page operator."

NOTE: Complete instructions are distributed during your first-day orientation program.

Emergency and Non-Emergency Health Care and Insurance

In the case of acute illness or accident, students will be seen in the Emergency Department. Please note that the student's insurance carrier will be billed for all visits. All students must present insurance identification. All students must adhere to the procedures of their respective insurance carrier to prevent liability of payment.

Students may be seen in the Occupational Medicine department, 1st Floor, Northwest Wing, for needle sticks or blood or blood contamination incidents. Occupational Medicine Business hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday. After 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday, or during weekends, report to the Emergency Department for treatment.

If an incident should occur involving a known HIV positive blood source after hours, report to the Emergency Department immediately. Please note that the student's insurance carrier will be billed for all visits. All students must present insurance identification. All students must adhere to the procedures of their respective insurance carrier to prevent liability of payment.

Students will be asked to provide insurance information for all medical services rendered at Allegheny General. Remember that some HMOs and other managed care providers have limited care payment outside their service area. You will be responsible for your medical bills should your carrier be unwilling to pay.

Tuberculosis Testing: It is a requirement that all students be tested annually for tuberculosis. Testing is provided at Allegheny General by Employee Health, 1st Floor, Northwest Wing for a flat fee of $5.00. All results must be faxed by the student to the Employee/Student Health Department on the main campus at (215) 843-0181.

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Cafeteria
The cafeteria is located on the second floor of the W.P. Snyder Pavilion and is open 6:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. - 2:30 a.m. Various menus are available throughout the day and night. The cafeteria also includes Pizza Hut personal pan pizzas. A vending area is located outside the cafeteria and operational on a 24 hour basis.

Health Sciences Library
The Health Sciences Library is located on the first floor of the W.P. Snyder III Pavilion (behind the lobby and adjacent to Heritage Hall) Phone: (412) 359-3040 http://www.allhealth.edu/library
Hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Any variations in library hours are posted at the entrance of the library and on the library's home page. The Library Learning Resource Center is available on a 24 hour basis via an issued electronic access card.

Borrowing privileges
Medical students are permitted to borrow materials. The circulation guidelines are as follows:

• Unbound issues of journals do not circulate.
• Books in the general collection circulate for one week. A one-week renewal is permitted unless the book has been requested by another person.
• Reserve and reference books do not circulate.
• Non-print material, other than computer software, may be borrowed for one week.

Information Services
Consultations with a qualified librarian to evaluate and initiate knowledge-based research are available to all authorized users of the library.

Literature retrieval and clinical information
OVID databases, including MEDLINE, AIDSLINE, CancerLit and EBM are available.

Educational Media Services
The Educational Media Center (EMC) is located in the Health Sciences Library. EMC houses playback equipment for audiovisual aids, including 3/4- and ½-inch videotapes, audio cassettes and slides.

Photocopies
Photocopy machines are available in the library for reproducing library material only. Students must do their own photocopying. Multiple copies may be produced in the Dean's Office (under 15 pages), or the Copy Room, 2nd floor, Snyder Pavilion (over 15 pages).

Computer Access
Learning Resources Center
This center in the library houses eight microcomputers and peripherals that are available for use by students. The library also provides instruction in the use of computer-based library resources.

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Mail
Personal Mail
All mail should be addressed as follows:
[Your Name]
Allegheny Center
Building #3, Room 104 (replace with appropriate building and room number when assigned)
Pittsburgh, PA 15212

School-Related Mail
Students on current clerkships and electives have a labeled mailbox in the student lounge. School-related mail will be delivered to these mailboxes.

If mail is delivered to Allegheny General after you leave, it will be forwarded to the address you supplied to the Dean's Office.

Lockers
Lockers are available in the student lounge. Students must furnish their own locks.

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Local Transportation
Public transportation is readily available from Allegheny General or Allegheny Center Mall. For more information regarding bus schedules, call the Port Authority Transit at (412) 231-5707.

Grey Lines of Pittsburgh
Grey Lines of Pittsburgh conducts daily tours that may include the historic and cultural sites of Pittsburgh, the North Side, downtown Pittsburgh, Oakland and a ride on the Gateway Clipper for a firsthand view of our rivers. There are three different tours each morning beginning at 9 a.m. and one afternoon tour that starts at noon. Tour buses depart from the Hilton Hotel, the Vista International Hotel and the Westin William Penn Hotel, located in downtown Pittsburgh. They range from two to six hours each at a cost of $12 to $24, depending upon the length and scope. For more information, call Grey Lines of Pittsburgh at (412) 761-7000.

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Club Allegheny/Employee Fitness Center
While on rotations at Allegheny General, students are permitted access to Club Allegheny as an exercise facility. Club Allegheny is located in Suite 102, Allegheny Professional Building and adjacent to the hospital

Hours of operation are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding recognized holidays.

Prior to use of the facility, students must complete a Health History and Risk Factor Questionnaire. If certain health history or risk factors are identified, medical clearance must be obtained from the student's health care provider. Further information and questionnaires will be presented to all students during the orientation session of the first day of the rotation.

Club Allegheny exercise equipment includes: treadmills, Airdyne Bicycle, Pyramid, Nortic Track, Randal Windracer, Stairmaster 400 PT, free weights and dumbbells, Monarch Bicycle, Concept II Rower, bench steps, Precor Recumbent Bicycle.

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Smoking Policy
In recognition of the health hazards associated with smoking and in compliance with the city of Pittsburgh's smoking ordinance, smoking is prohibited in the following public areas of the hospital:

• Corridors, hallways and stairwells
• Elevators
• Restrooms
• Waiting rooms and lobbies
• Classrooms, auditoriums and meeting rooms of the conference center
• Patient treatment and examination areas
• Patient-care areas
• Conference rooms, food storage, food preparation and food service areas
• Storage rooms or any areas, rooms or compartments where flammable liquids or combustible gases are used or stored, and
• Student/resident/employee lounges/locker rooms.
• Patients are prohibited from smoking in their rooms, unless the patient's physician writes an order in the patient's medical record. If such an order is written, the patient will be placed in appropriate accommodations. Visitors are prohibited from smoking in patient rooms.

Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is not permitted on the hospital campus unless approved by the president of the hospital.

Drug-Free Workplace Policy
Allegheny General has a Drug-Free Workplace Policy. To request a copy of this policy, please call the Personnel Office at Allegheny (Allegheny Personnel Policies and Procedures, Policy Number 5-501).

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Banks and Check Cashing
Banks
There are several banks conveniently located in Allegheny Center Mall, at Allegheny General or within several blocks of Allegheny General and Allegheny Center.

Check Cashing Services
No checks are cashed by cashiers of Allegheny General except in an emergency.

North Side Deposit Bank
The bank is located in the Allegheny Professional Building, adjacent to Allegheny General, at the corner of North Avenue and James Street. Students do not have to maintain a checking account there in order to cash checks. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

Check-cashing procedure
1. All students who wish to use the check-cashing service must sign the check-cashing roster on the first day of rotation. This roster is submitted to the bank.
2. There is a limit of $100 per day per person for cashing personal checks, traveler's checks or second-party payee checks.
3. All checks must be endorsed in front of the cashier.
4. Place your social security number on each check.
5. Show your identification badge when presenting a check.

The Dean's Office will be contacted in the event a student's check is returned NSF ("bounces"). There will be no fee charged; however, the student is expected to have a valid reason for this event. It will be at the discretion of the management of the bank whether or not the student may continue to have check-cashing privileges.

Check Mart
This is a commercial check-cashing service that has four locations in Pittsburgh, one at 621 E. Ohio St., (412) 231-6639. They will cash personal checks, payroll checks, insurance drafts and government checks. The East Ohio Street location is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. These facilities require information regarding: place of residence and employment; name and telephone of someone who knows you; types of checks you will be cashing, etc. After this information has been verified, a photo identification card is issued. They also have low-fee money orders and fax machines available, and are agents for Western Union. Cash advances on Visa/MasterCard also are offered.

Giant Eagle Market (Cedar Avenue)
You must fill out an application card. The store verifies your place of employment or college and bank. In approximately two to three weeks, a check-cashing identification card is issued to the applicant.

Grocery Stores
Giant Eagle
318 Cedar Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
(412) 321-3551
Located two blocks from Allegheny Center and Allegheny General. MAC machine on site. Opens Monday at 8 a.m. and is open 24 hours a day until Saturday, at which time it closes at midnight. Sunday hours are 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

North Side Farmers' Market
Citiparks' Farmers' Markets
Hours of operation for all markets are 4-8 p.m. The city of Pittsburgh operates farmers' markets at several locations from June through November. These markets offer home-grown vegetables and fruit, home-canned goods, honey, cheeses and baked goods, from various area farms. On the North Side, the market is located in the West Commons, adjacent to the Allegheny Center Mall, open Friday. Other locations and days of operation include: the Pittsburgh Zoo parking lot in Highland Park, Monday and Thursday; South Side at 18th and Sydney Streets, Tuesday; and the Carrick Shopping Center, 2100 Brownsville Road, Wednesday.

Places of Worship
Allegheny's Department of Pastoral Care and Weisbrod Chapel
Allegheny's Pastoral Care office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Allegheny chaplains conduct Sunday worship services in the Weisbrod Chapel in the W.P. Snyder III Pavilion: Interfaith services at 3:30 p.m. and Catholic liturgy at 5:30 p.m. There is a resource and referral service that will provide you with names and addresses of synagogues in the area (conservative, orthodox, reconstructionist or reformed), call (412) 421-3366.

Allegheny Center Unitarian-Universalist Church
1110 Resaca Place, (412) 322-4261

Allegheny United Methodist
114 W. North Ave., (412) 321-3343

Allegheny United Presbyterian
815 Union Ave., (412) 321-3900

Christian Missionary Alliance
250 E. Ohio St., (412) 321-4333

Emanuel Episcopal Church
957 W. North Ave., (412) 231-0454

Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox
302 W. North Ave., (412) 321-9281

Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church
Middle and Suismon Streets, (412) 321-2499

St. Matthew's Lutheran Church
600 E. North Ave., (412) 321-7720

St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church
20 Arch St. and Western Ave., (412) 321-0711

Day Care Facilities
Up With Children
This is a state-licensed child-care facility, located in Suite A-100 of Allegheny Center Mall; it offers care to children age 6 weeks to 6 years. Arrangements may be made for full-time, part-time or drop-in care. Through "Up With Children," Allegheny employees, volunteers, medical staff and medical students are entitled to a 15 percent discount on tuition. Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., year around, except for major holidays. For more information call (412) 942-3771.

Allegheny General Center for Children
621 East North Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Offering care to children ages six-weeks to 5 years old.
Hours: 6:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Monday through Friday. For more information concerning tuition rates, activities, enrollment, etc., call (412) 231-0250.

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Allegheny Observatory
Riverview Park, (412) 321-2400
Pittsburgh's first observatory, the Allegheny Observatory was built in 1860 to house the telescope of the Allegheny Telescope Association. The current facility has three telescopes available to the public for viewing. Tours are offered several evenings a week, April through October, at 8 p.m. (reservations required.)

The Aviary
Allegheny Commons, Ridge and Arch Streets, (412) 323-7234
This is one of the world's largest free-flight, walk-through exhibits that houses more than 700 birds from around the world. Open daily 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Admission fees: city residents, $1.50; non-residents, $2.50; children under age 2, admitted free; children up to age 12, 50 cents.

Carnegie Science Center
One Allegheny Avenue, (412) 237-3400
Discover Pittsburgh's amusement park for the mind, with more than 250 hands-on exhibits, a four-story Omnimax theater, state-of-the-art planetarium and World War II submarine.

Heinz Field
412-323-1200
Home of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pittsburgh Children's Museum
One Landmark Square, (412) 322-5058
Located in the old Post Office building, the museum houses three floors of hands-on exhibits, puppets, crafts and a television studio. It also hosts live performances and a summer circus. Call for hours and admission fees.

Pittsburgh Cultural Arts District
Location of Heinz Hall, the Byham Theater and the Benedum Theater.
A year-round program of concerts, plays and special events are offered.

Pittsburgh Public Theater
Hazlett Theater, One Allegheny Square, (412) 321-9800
The area's largest fully professional theater company presents contemporary plays, new works and world classics from September to June.

Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra
Heinz Hall (412)
Provides a nine-month series of concerts ranging from classical music to pops.

PNC Park
(412) 323-5000
Home of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers, the stadium also hosts concerts and other special events.

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