Illness Procedures

Foundations Illness Protocol

1. Start: You do not feel well.
   • Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, upper respiratory symptoms, chills, or headache.
2. Take a COVID test.
   • If negative, continue to #3.
   • If positive, continue to #4.
3. Check whether you feel well enough for class.
   • Ask yourself:
     • Have GI symptoms resolved?
     • Have you been fever-free for more than 24 hours?
     • If yes, continue to #6.
     • If no, stay home and retest in 24 hours. Submit absences to Elentra.
       • If symptoms worsen or do not get better, seek medical care and get a doctor's note.
       • Return to #2.
4. Stay home and communicate.
   • Email your module director and Associate Dean for Student Affairs (ADSA).
   • Submit your absence in Elentra. Upload a photo of the positive test as supporting documentation.
   • No need to retest for COVID if your are improving.
   • Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
5. Plan your return.
   • Confirm what make-up work will be required.
   • Ask whether there are virtual options for classes you will miss.
   • If symptoms are improving and you have no fever for >24 hours without fever-reducing meds, you are safe to return.
6. Closing loose ends (when returning).
   • Communicate your return day with the module director and ADSA.
   • Complete a formal absence request form if an exam/SPE/OSCE will be missed.
   • Remember, Clinical Medicine is a separate module - include it in your communications when applicable.
   • Double check that all missed days are recorded in Elentra.
   • If you missed class (including virtual attendance issues), schedule an appointment with the Academic Support Team (AST) to address any knowledge gaps.
7. Welcome back.
   • Wearing a mask when you're sick is optional, but kind.

View a flowchart for this protocol

Doctoring & Advanced Doctoring Illness Protocol

1. Start: You do not feel well.
   • Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, upper respiratory symptoms, chills, or headache.
2. Take a COVID test.
   • If negative, continue to #3.
   • If positive, continue to #4.
3. Check whether you feel well enough for class.
   • Ask yourself:
     • Have GI symptoms resolved?
     • Have you been fever-free for more than 24 hours?
     • If yes, continue to #6.
     • If no, stay home and retest in 24 hours. Submit absences to Elentra.
       • If symptoms worsen or do not get better, seek medical care and get a doctor's note.
       • Return to #2.
4. Stay home and communicate.
   • Email your preceptor (copy the coordinator and director).
   • Text the resident, if applicable.
   • Submit your absence in Elentra. Upload a photo of the positive test as supporting documentation.
   • If CMD is affected, remember to communicate with CMD as well.
   • No need to retest for COVID if your are improving.
   • Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
5. Plan your return.
   • Start discussing with your director what make-up work might be needed.
   • Ask whether there are virtual options for the didactics you will be missing.
   • If symptoms are improving and you have no fever for >24 hours without fever-reducing meds, you are safe to return.
6. Closing loose ends (when returning).
   • Communicate your return day with your preceptor and clerkship leadership.
   • Confirm your anticipated return date aligns with the policies at your clinical practice location.
   • Remember, Clinical Medicine Doctoring is a separate course - keep them appraised if needed.
   • Complete a formal absence request form if an SPE/OSCE will be missed.
   • Submit the absence in Elentra for every day missed (clinical and CMD) and if you have a positive COVID test, upload it as supporting documentation.
7. Welcome back.
   • Wearing a mask when you're sick is optional, but kind; follow the regulations at your clinical site.

View a flowchart for this protocol