11.1.2. Clinical Year Absence Policy
Attendance is mandatory for all 5-week clinical clerkships, clinical year activities, and courses. Students are required to be present during the hours specified by their clinical preceptor, which may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays. Flexibility is expected, and students must prioritize their clerkship responsibilities in their schedules.
Students may request two days for planned absence during the entire clinical year that requires advanced approval by the DCE, using the absence form (Appendix C: Request for Planned Absence). Towards the end of the clinical year, students may request two additional days for planned absences to take part in job interviews. The request for a planned absence should be made at least two weeks prior to the date requested and cannot be taken on any days that include written or practical examinations. In the case of a planned absence approved by the DCE, the student is expected to discuss the absence with the preceptor upon approval from the DCE.
In the case of illness or other unplanned absence, students must contact the clinical preceptor and email the DCE before the start of the scheduled clinical hours to report the absence. Absence from clerkship, except in the case of illness, emergency situations, religious observances (policy outlined in section 12.3), or approval of planned absence will be considered unexcused and may result in a failure of that clerkship.
Any missed clerkship days must be made up at the discretion and availability of the clinical preceptor. Frequent or unplanned absences may result in a referral to the Student Development Committee (SDC) for further review. Absences due to illness that extend beyond two days require documentation from a medical provider indicating that the student was seen and is unable to attend clinical duties.
In cases of extended illness, students may be required to schedule additional clerkship days if learning outcomes are not met or if the preceptor is unable to complete a fair and thorough evaluation. If a student exceeds the allowable number of absences, the clinical team may recommend delaying the clerkship or initiating a leave of absence.