Contact Health and Safety

Introduction

At the UNC School of Medicine, our commitment to the health and safety of students, patients, and the broader community is a foundational element of our educational mission. Medical students are required to provide timely documentation of all immunizations and health screenings before beginning classroom and clinical experiences and must maintain compliance throughout their training. These requirements are in place not only to safeguard each student’s personal health, but also to reduce the risk of transmitting communicable diseases in clinical settings and to support a safe and effective learning environment. By adhering to these standards, students actively contribute to the well-being of the most vulnerable populations they serve.

Ongoing compliance with immunization, testing, and safety requirements is a shared responsibility between students and the school. UNC SOM maintains strict expectations to ensure that there are no lapses in coverage for required vaccines and screenings, such as tuberculosis and influenza. This is especially important because clinical training occurs in a variety of healthcare environments, each of which may set its own onboarding and exposure policies. Many of our affiliated clinical partners—including academic medical centers and private health systems—require documentation of up-to-date immunizations as a condition of participation. In addition, students must complete annual training related to bloodborne pathogens, tuberculosis exposure, and patient privacy (HIPAA) to reinforce workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

Health Clearance Protocol for Health Professions Students

The university’s exposure protocol for health professions students outlines steps for medical students who develop symptoms of respiratory or gastrointestinal illness. Students must submit an absence form and stay home while symptomatic, and may return only after meeting specific criteria, including being fever-free for 24 hours and symptom improvement. Upon return, they are expected to follow CDC precautions such as masking. Students on clinical rotations must also follow the policies of their clinical sites and notify the appropriate coordinators.

Potential Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Procedures

Each School of Medicine campus and site has specific procedures for learners who have experienced a potential exposure. Students can find information for their campus/site at the Office of Student Affairs Canvas site.

Health Insurance

To support the health and academic success of every student, UNC SOM also requires all medical students to maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage throughout their enrollment. Clinical education inevitably involves exposure to health risks, and access to timely and adequate healthcare—including for occupational injuries—is essential for both student safety and patient care continuity. In addition, all students are enrolled in a disability insurance policy, which offers protection in the event of an extended illness or injury. These policies reflect our belief that safeguarding the physical and financial health of learners is vital to their ability to thrive in a rigorous medical education environment.

All medical students at UNC SOM are eligible to enroll in Student Blue, a comprehensive health insurance plan offered through the university.

Controlled Substances Testing Policy

This policy aims to identify and address impairment related to controlled or restricted substances among MD students, ensuring both academic and clinical safety. It mandates that students undergo a baseline drug screening prior to beginning clinical rotations, and at additional times—such as when there is reasonable suspicion of impairment, a substance-related legal conviction, or evidence of misuse. Clinical sites may also require separate testing, at the student’s expense. A positive test without valid prescription documentation may result in removal from clinical activities and a required evaluation. The policy applies to all UNC SOM activities—on or off campus, during educational duty or otherwise. The Office of Student Affairs oversees the process, supported by third-party vendors to maintain chain-of-custody, and handles policy reviews as needed.