Health care for students and institutional documentation of immunizations and infection surveillance are administered separately at Drexel University College of Medicine.  The Student Immunization and Surveillance office is responsible for maintaining the health and immunization records for students in the College of Medicine. The Student Immunization and Surveillance Office is located on the Queen Lane Campus, Room 102 (phone 215-991-8560, fax 215-843-0214). E-mail contact: imm_surv@drexelmed.edu You may request an immunization transcript by e-mailing from your drexel.edu account to imm_surv@drexelmed.edu. Therapeutic and diagnostic Student Health Services for Drexel University College of Medicine are provided by the Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine located near the College of Medicine Campus in the Manayunk area of Philadelphia at 10 Shurs Lane, Suite 203. Student Health Services are also provided at the Drexel Student Health Center located at 3201 Arch Street, Philadelphia on main Drexel Campus. tele 215-895-5800

 

Health Insurance

All Drexel University students who are enrolled in full-time degree or certificate programs must carry comprehensive health protection meeting minimum specific, benefit standards.  To satisfy the health insurance requirement, students may obtain coverage through the University-sponsored group plans or maintain equivalent health insurance through a plan administered elsewhere.  For information, contact Eric Soto, Office of Student Accounts at (215) 991-8268.

 

Students are responsible for any co-payments or the cost of uninsured services.  Students may choose to use health care providers in the area other than the Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine.

 

Monitoring and Documentation of Health Policy Requirements:

The university follows the recommendations of the CDC and the American College Health Association concerning required immunizations. Students are required to document immune status with appropriate titers which are obtained through the students’ health care provider. Students with deficits in either immunizations or immune status, receive appropriate immunizations and boosters through the Drexel University Student Health Center (3201 Arch St)or through their primary care provider. Students may also receive immunization services at NovaCare Occupational Health Services located at Hahnemann University Hospital, Bobst Bldg, Rm 131.

Documentation and Monitoring of compliance with health policy requirements is conducted by the Student Immunization Surveillance Office. All student health and immunization records are maintained by the Coordinator of Student Health Records, who communicates directly with students. Students are notified of any deficit and are directed to primary care providers or to Drexel University Student Health Center where they can receive immunizations or obtain titers for proof of immunity.

Students requesting a copy of their transcript of immunization/titer documentation should submit a written request to the Student Immunization Surveillance Office. Immunization transcripts are mailed directly to the student and not to programs or institutions. It is the responsibility of the individual student to forward documentation as needed, and to maintain copies of records for future need.

 
Health and immunization documentation is maintained for current medical students. Health and immunization documentation is destroyed following graduation. Students are advised to maintain a copy of own health/immunization documentation.

Disease Surveillance And Immunization Requirements

Tuberculin Testing

The school of medicine requires annual tuberculin (intradermal) testing for actively enrolled students.  All students, including those who have received BCG vaccine, must have a documented intradermal tuberculin test unless a previously positive reaction can be documented. Students with a positive PPD must have documentation of specific treatment, documentation of completion of treatment and annual chest x-ray.

 

Prior to matriculation (entering first year of medical school), a two-step PPD is required. Following this, an annual one-step PPD is required.

 

For students who are studying for the entire third and/or fourth year at the Allegheny General Hospital, testing and documentation may be arranged at that site.  Plans for the evaluation and management of medical students with positive tests or of those whose tests become positive during medical school will be made in conjunction with Occupational Health Services.  Because of the increasing prevalence of tuberculosis and the appearance of multiple drug resistant strains, students who are not in compliance may be barred from participation in clinical activities at the discretion of the Dean's Office.  Should a student develop symptoms suggestive of tuberculosis, a chest radiograph will be required before the student is allowed to resume clinical activities.

 

Micro-Particulate Respirators

Because of the increasing prevalence of tuberculosis and the appearance of multiple drug resistant strains, some of the hospitals and sites where students train require that the student be fitted for a micro particulate respirator. At this time, these masks are not required at all clinical sites.  The student going to a site requiring micro-particulate respirators should make an appointment for fitting with Occupational Health Services.

 

Required Immunizations

Hepatitis B

All medical students are required to have been immunized against Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B immunization consists of a series of three injections that should be completed prior to or as soon as possible after matriculation to insure safety at the time of patient contact.  Students who do not have documentation of the dates of the series of three vaccines, may instead submit written proof of positive immunity.

 

Measles/Mumps/Rubella

All students are required to have two Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) immunizations. Students without documentation of two specific dates of their MMR immunizations must submit written proof of positive Antibody Titres for Measles, Mumps and Rubella.

 

Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis

Students are required to have documentation of their primary series against Polio. Students are required to have documentation of their primary series in Diptheria/Pertussis and Tetanus. Additionally, students shall have had a Tdap booster within the past ten years. Students with a DT booster greater than two years ago are still required to have a Tdap booster.

 

Varicella

Students with a history of varicella should have documentation.  Appropriate documentation includes a date of Varicella infection (Chicken Pox), in writing, from a healthcare provider. Students without a history of varicella, or vaccination, must submit written documentation of positive Antibody titre. Non-immune students will not be permitted on some clinical services, for example, rotations at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.

Recommended Immunizations

Meningococcal

Meningoccal vaccine is recommended prior to matriculating to medical school.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended prior to matriculating to medical school.

Health and immunization and other documentation records are maintained for current medical students as part of the academic record necessary for rotation placement. Documents are destroyed following graduation. We recommend that you maintain a copy of your health/immunization record with both your personal physician and with your own personal records.

 

Follow-up for Student Immunization and Disease Surveillance Compliance

Annually, the Coordinator of Student Health Records will notify students who are in non-compliance with immunizations. The Coordinator of Student Health Records will provide the Associate Dean for Student Affairs with a list of students deficient in one or more areas of required infection surveillance or immunization.  Students who do not correct deficiencies may be barred from classes and/or clinical activities by being placed on an Administrative Leave of Absence until the deficiency is resolved.

 

Student Health Care

The Department of Family, Community and Preventive Medicine provides diagnostic and therapeutic student health services.  The number for appointments is 215-844-2880.  The office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM.  Office hours on Tuesday and Thursday are from 8:30 AM until 8:00 PM.  Visits are by appointment only.  For urgent problems, students can usually be accommodated on the same day.  Student insurance is billed and students are responsible to cover the cost of any co-pay or uninsured services.

Student Health Services are also provided at the Drexel Student Health Center located at 3201 Arch Street, Philadelphia on main Drexel Campus. tele 215-895-5800

 

Counseling, Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment

There are several resources for mental health care in the school of medicine and the University. Janet Moore, PsyD, Director of Student Assessment and Enrichment Programs in the School of Medicine, is a trained psychologist, licensed to provide therapy. Students who feel they need more intensive emotional support may receive psychiatric care or referral to another mental health professional through Brenda Butler, M.D. Dr. Butler will provide an initial evaluation at no cost and provide appropriate referral for any recommended ongoing care. In addition to the services offered by Drexel University College of Medicine, group and individual counseling is available through the University Student Counselling Center. (see also Student Services - Center City Campus)

 

Alcohol and Drug (AOD) Services (see also Policies on Alcohol and Other Drugs)

Alcohol and Substance Impairment

Alcohol and drug abuse is a serious problem among physicians.  If a student needs help, or feels that a friend or family member needs help, there are many resources available.  They include the professional staff in the Office of Educational Affairs.  Resources include the Pennsylvania Medical Society and Alcoholics Anonymous (Philadelphia number: 215-545-4023.)  The University Counseling Center Staff are available to provide assessment and evaluation for students concerned about problem drug or alcohol use. All services provided through the University Counseling Center are free of charge and confidential.  Students who recognize a problem in one of their peers are encouraged to reach out a hand and lend support. 

 

Disability Insurance:

Students in the school of medicine are covered by a disability insurance policy provided by funding from student fees.  The policy provides disability income insurance, which pays a monthly benefit in the event that a student becomes disabled.  The plan is portable after graduation.  While in medical school, students are insured under a group insurance policy issued by The United States Life Insurance Company.

 

Definition of Disability:  A student is considered totally disabled if, as a result of injury or sickness, he/she is under the regular care of a physician and unable to fulfill the requirements of a full-time student.

 

A student will be considered partially disabled if he/she is unable to fulfill the requirements of a full-time student, but is able to perform at least one  of the duties of another occupation on a part-time basis, or he/she is performing some, but not all, of the duties of another occupation on a full-time basis.

 

In either case, the disability must start while the student is insured, and the student must satisfy a waiting period of 180 consecutive days during which he/she is totally or partially disabled.

 

If a student remains disabled after the waiting period, benefits are payable to age 65, or the period specified in the policy, if the disability starts on or after age sixty (60).

 

Monthly Benefit Provided:

First and second year students: $1000 per month.

Third and fourth year students: $1500 per month.

 

The monthly payment will be reduced by benefits the insured received for that same disability from Social Security, Workers’ Compensation or other plans required by law that are intended to replace income, government agencies such as the VA, or other group disability plans purchased for the insured by the University.

 

If a student is partially disabled, the monthly payment will be reduced by wages he/she receives from an employer as well as benefits from any of the plans mentioned above.

 

Survivor Benefits

In the event of the insured’s death while receiving disability benefits, a surviving spouse (or dependent children) will receive a lump sum benefit equal to three times the last monthly benefit paid to the insured.  In calculating this benefit, there would be no reduction for earnings received while partially disabled.

 

Exposure to Infectious and Environmental Hazards (see below for additional information)
Mandatory educational sessions on universal precautions for blood-borne pathogens are provided at the orientations for entering students and for students as they enter the core clinical clerkship year of studies. Information about safety and response to exposure to infectious agents or hazardous substances is presented during the orientation programming for entering students and at entry into the second and third years of the curriculum. Each student is required to complete a review of the laboratory safety presentation and manual on line and complete the on-line survey for documentation. Information is also provided during course orientations for those specific courses in which students may be exposed to infectious agents and/or toxic substances, and in the student manuals for those courses.

Blood and Body Fluid Exposure
Definition of Occupational Exposure

• Exposure to blood, tissues, visibly bloody body fluids or other body fluids to which universal precautions apply (i.e. semen, vaginal secretions, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, pleural fluid, peritoneal fluid, pericardial fluid, and amniotic fluid)
• Modes of exposure:
• Percutaneous injury: Penetration of skin by needle or other sharp object that was in contact with blood, tissue, visibly bloody fluids or other body fluids as listed above.
• Mucous membrane exposure: Contact of mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth) with blood, tissue, visibly bloody fluids or other body fluids as listed above.
• Non-intact skin exposure: Contact of non-intact skin (e.g. chapped, abraded, dermatitis, open wounds) with blood, tissue, visibly bloody fluids or other body fluids as listed above.
• Bite: A human bite sustained by a healthcare worker from a patient, co-worker or visitor.

If you believe you have had an Occupational Exposure:
1. WASH. 

• Skin exposures (intact or non-intact): Immediately wash the area with antibacterial soap and water.
• Small wounds and punctures: Cleanse thoroughly with alcohol-based skin disinfectant.
• Mucous membrane exposure: Flush the area with copious amounts of water.

2. REPORT IMMEDIATELY.  Report the incident to all of the following:

• Your immediate supervisor (resident and/or attending)
• Director of Medical Education at affiliate site
• Office of Student Affairs (Student Affairs Emergency Hotline: 215-991-8184)
• Fill out the Appropriate Incident Report
• NOTE: Reporting should not prevent you from seeking immediate medical care.

3. SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL EVALUATION. DO NOT WAIT:

• Third and Fourth year students: Go immediately to the Employee Health Department or the Emergency Department of the hospital where you are working.  During regular working hours [usually 8 am-5pm Mon-Fri] you will usually be evaluated in the Employee Health Department or its equivalent.  During other hours evaluation will usually be in the Emergency Department. However, students should consult the exposure policy of the specific affiliate hospital for specific instructions. 
• First and Second Year students:  Go immediately to the Hahnemann University Hospital Emergency Department.
• Identify yourself as a medical student with an exposure. 
• Have the name and medical record number of the patient involved in the exposure, if available. 
• Baseline testing and immediate treatment may be necessary for exposure to fluids or tissue from patients with known or suspected HIV or Hepatitis infection.  Current recommendations are for treatment within 2 hours - DO NOT WAIT to seek medical evaluation.
• You are responsible for all payments and co-payments for medical care.

• Provide your insurance information and do not allow yourself to be submitted to Workman's Compensation.
• Obtain appropriate referrals as required by your insurance company (it will be too late if you wait for Workman's Comp to turn you down). You are responsible for knowing your insurance company's policies regarding provider notification.
• Retain your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) when you receive it from your insurance company. Always keep copies for your records.
• If you carry the Drexel University College of Medicine sponsored health insurance, there should be limited personal liability for payment related to exposures if you have submitted billing invoices and statements as requested.

4. FOLLOW-UP.

• Get copies of all testing, assessments, and recommendations (This should include results of the source patient’s testing).
• Follow-up care (including follow-up testing, monitoring of medications, etc.) can be coordinated through DUCOM student health, your own physician, or through the hospital where the exposure occurred.  Regardless of where you elect to have care rendered, your medical insurance will be billed and you will be responsible for co-payments or services that are not covered.

5. All HIV testing and information processing in Pennsylvania hospitals will adhere to PA ACT 148 as well as applicable federal laws.  PA Act 148: Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

The DUCOM Deans for Student Affairs are available to assist you in a confidential manner.  Student Affairs Emergency Hotline: 215-991-8184

 

HIV Testing

HIV testing is not required.  When HIV testing is necessary due to a blood or body fluid exposure exposure, all HIV testing and information processing in Pennsylvania hospitals will adhere to PA ACT 148 as well as applicable federal laws.  PA Act 148: Confidentiality of HIV-Related Information (requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)

 

 

updated 07/06/10