Incoming PA students will be provided with electronic copies of the PA Medicine Student Handbook at the time of orientation just prior to their matriculation into the program.

The PA Medicine Student Handbook will provide hyperlinks to the University of Lynchburg Student Handbook, which is referenced as part of the program’s policies. The program director and designated principal faculty will review the policies during orientation, and students will be provided an opportunity to ask questions. Following the orientation, students will be asked to sign the University of Lynchburg Honor Code and pledge statement, as well as a statement acknowledging receipt and review of the PA Medicine Student Handbook. These records will be maintained in individual student files.

Before the transition to the clinical education phase, PA students will be provided again with an electronic copy of the Clinical Handbook, which is a section of the PA Medicine Student Handbook which was reviewed during their original orientation. They will also have a clinical education orientation with the director of clinical education that will include a review of the clinical education policies in the handbook. Students will be asked to sign a statement acknowledging receipt and understanding of the Clinical Handbook. These records will be maintained in individual student files.

Health Information and Immunization Requirements

All students are required to have personal health insurance. The University of Lynchburg does not provide nor endorse any specific plan. The University encourages you to be diligent in your review to find the best plan for your needs. Students must submit the Health Information Form to the University Health Center.

Students enrolled in the PA Medicine program must provide documentation that the following immunizations have been obtained and/or proof of immunity. Students are responsible for any expenses related to required immunizations or testing.

• Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine (Td or DPT): Must have a completed series with a booster of Tetanus/ Diphtheria/Pertussis (TdaP) within the last 10 years.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Must receive three doses or provide a titer report indicating positive immunity.
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella Vaccine: two doses if born in 1957 or later. The first dose must be administered after the first birthday.
• Varicella Vaccine: Two varicella vaccines or a positive blood test showing immunity.
• Tuberculosis Screening: Must have risk assessment screening and, if positive screening, two tuberculin skin tests. A chest x-ray is required if test results are positive.
• Influenza Vaccine: Students will be required to obtain influenza immunization annually while enrolled in the program.

Students seeking the opportunity to participate in international travel for rotations must comply with CDC recommendations on immunizations for international travel and work with the Office of Global Education to meet all required policies.

The principal faculty, the program director, and the medical director will not participate as health care providers for students in the program.

Students will be allowed to leave or miss class to have timely access to both the Health and Counseling Centers and this should be discussed with the course director before leaving. Of note, students are responsible for information covered in the class sessions they miss.

Requirements for Academic Performance, Progression, and Graduation

• Students must successfully pass all didactic and clinical courses.
• Students are expected to complete each semester on time as a cohort.
• Progression will be a function of successfully passing all required courses in a semester.
• A final course score of 73% or higher signifies a passing score.
• At the end of each semester, the promotions committee will meet to discuss each student’s success. Students are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.00 with no professional or behavioral issues for progression to the next semester. The student will receive a letter from the promotions committee notifying them of their progress. Students who do not maintain a 3.00 GPA or have professional or behavioral issues will receive a letter from the promotions committee stating if they will progress to the next semester. Or, stating if they will be placed on academic probation.
• In the summative phase, the student must pass both the practical assessment exam and the comprehensive written final to pass PA 699 to be recommended for graduation.

Requirements for Progression

Students are expected to complete the designated professional curriculum in the sequence specified. Each semester’s coursework is to be considered a prerequisite to the next semester.

• Students may not enter the program with advanced standing.
• Students are required to successfully complete, in sequence, all didactic coursework as full-time students.
• Clinical coursework will be full-time in the sequence designated by the clinical director.
• There is no opportunity to change the order of pre-clinical coursework.
• Elective courses are limited to the clinical year (e.g. medical settings of student’s choice).

Requirements for Graduation

To graduate from the PA Medicine Program and earn a Master of PA Medicine degree (MPAM) candidates must:

• Achieve a grade of C or better for all courses in the program.
• Achieve a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or better at program completion.
• Successful completion of a multi-station OSCE/history and physical skills assessment by score or remediation in the summative phase.
• Successful completion of the comprehensive written final exam by score or remediation in the summative phase.
• Be recommended for graduation by the program director and faculty.
• Complete the Application for Graduation Form.

Academic Probation/Academic Dismissal (Didactic)

A quality point average of 3.0 is required for graduation for all graduate programs.

Any student who fails to achieve the required 3.00 semester GPA will automatically be placed on academic probation.

1. Once a student is placed on probation, they must achieve a 3.00 or better GPA in the following semester or risk academic dismissal from the program.
2. Two consecutive semesters with a semester GPA of less than 3.00 may result in academic dismissal from the program.
3. Any failing course grade (D or F) will result in academic dismissal from the program.
4. Students on probation or at risk for probation must meet frequently with their academic advisor to discuss academic progress, study habits, and test-taking skills.

Students who have been found in violation of the academic integrity standards during the didactic portion of the program may be academically dismissed from the program.

Academic Probation/Academic Dismissal (Clinical)

Students who have been found to be in violation of the Academic Integrity Standards during the clinical portion of the program may be academically dismissed from the program.

Students, who receive a failing grade on a supervised clinical practice course, may be given the opportunity to repeat the supervised clinical practice course. The reason(s) for failure of the supervised clinical practice experience will be evaluated by the director of clinical education and the program director. If the reasons are deemed significant enough, the student may be asked to leave the program. Students who fail to achieve the required grade in a supervised clinical practice course upon the second attempt will be academically dismissed from the program. Once a clinical year student has failed a supervised clinical practice course, they are automatically placed on academic probation for the remainder of the semester.

Any subsequent failure of a supervised clinical practice course at any point in the remainder of the clinical year will result in academic dismissal from the program.

Behavior Dismissal

Students found to be non-compliant with any standards within the PA Medicine Student Handbook are subject to disciplinary action. Non-compliant behaviors include, but are not limited to, issues such as attendance, attire, professional behavior, and adherence to technical standards.

Disciplinary action will proceed as outlined below:

1. Written warning/counseling from the faculty.
2. Written warning/counseling from the didactic director or clinical director.
3. Probationary status and counseling with the program director.
4. Dismissal from the program.

Background and Drug Testing Requirements

Requirements for Admission

All admitted applicants to the University of Lynchburg PA Medicine Program will be required to undergo a background check and drug testing prior to matriculation. Applicants must successfully complete a background check via Certified Background prior to enrollment. A background check request will be issued via a PA Medicine Program approved vendor. The background check must be completed by May 10. The offer of admission is contingent upon the results of the background check that yields acceptable results. While enrolled, repeated background checks will be required annually, or more frequently, at the discretion of the clinical facility. If an admitted applicant declines to undergo the background check or if findings of a serious nature are revealed, the offer of admission may be revoked.

Acceptance into and successful completion of the University of Lynchburg PA Medicine Program does not imply or guarantee that the student will obtain state licensure upon graduation. Students are responsible for notifying the department director of arrest and/or convictions.

Requirements for Annual Enrollment

All University of Lynchburg PA Medicine students will be required to undergo background checks and drug testing annually, or more frequently, at the discretion of the clinical facility. If a student declines to undergo the background check or if findings of a serious nature are revealed, this may be grounds for dismissal from the program.

Background check and drug testing results that limit the program’s ability to secure clinical experiences may prevent a student from progressing in their clinical phase of study or being recommended for graduation.

Successful completion of the program does not imply or guarantee that the student will obtain state licensure upon graduation.

The program director will review the annual background check. Findings that are potentially detrimental to the student, the program, or future patients will be discussed with the program director, dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and the student. A decision on retention of the student will be decided by the program director and dean of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Factors involved in the individual case review may include, but are not limited to:

1. The nature, circumstances, and frequency of any reported offense(s).
2. The length of time since the offense(s).
3. Available information that addresses efforts at rehabilitation.
4. The accuracy of the information provided by the student in their application materials.
5. The relationship between the duties to be performed as part of the educational program and the offense committed.

The appeal process is as follows:

1. The student dismissed from the program based on the decision of the background check or drug test may appeal the program director’s decision. The appeal must be in writing and received by the dean of School of Medicine and Health Sciences within seven days after the program director renders the decision.
2. The dean will consider the request for appeal.
3. The student may request a meeting with the dean. The dean will determine whether a meeting is necessary, and will determine any terms of the meeting.
4. The dean will render a decision on the matter within seven days of receipt of the appeal request.

Student Work/Employment Policy

The following applies to students holding jobs while in the PA program. The PA curriculum is very intense in terms of academic rigor and time. Thus, the PA program recommends that students not be employed during their time in the PA Program.

The following guidelines are meant to help the student in making a decision about work during their participation in the PA Program:

1. Students should keep in mind that while they may be able to work during the didactic curriculum, changing schedules and other factors of their clinical placements during the clinical curriculum may make this difficult.
2. Students who work are encouraged to make this known to their academic advisor.
3. Students who are working and find themselves in academic difficulty may be advised to consider terminating their job or adjusting their schedule at work in a manner that is more conducive to studying.
4. Students, along with their academic advisor, need to monitor their progress closely so that should an academic decline be perceived, the advisor and the student can work to remedy the situation before the student finds themselves on academic probation.
5. Clinical rotation hours or schedules will not be altered to conform to your job schedule or requirements. Your clinical education must remain your primary responsibility when balancing work and school.
6. While a student may be invited by a faculty member to share their experience in a specific area with the class, a student may not be employed by the program, serve for, or function as instructional faculty.
7. During supervised clinical experiences, students may not substitute for clinical or administrative staff.

Transfer Credit

Applicants will not receive advanced placement in the University of Lynchburg PA Medicine program, nor does the program accept transfer credit from a student previously enrolled in another PA program. The University of Lynchburg does not accept experiential credit. Applicants previously enrolled in another PA program, nursing, or medical school will be considered on an individual basis.

Honor and Student Conduct Codes and Regulations

Standards of student conduct address three major areas of integrity. The Honor Code includes both academic and personal integrity. The Student Conduct Code addresses respect for the rights of the University and the people within the community. These standards of conduct are intended to encourage honesty in academic achievement, to facilitate personal growth and development, and to create sound living and learning conditions for all members of the campus community.

In accepting admission to the University of Lynchburg, each student agrees to become aware of and to abide by all policies and procedures of the University. In addition to controlling their own behavior, students are expected to do their utmost to help maintain a high level of conduct among fellow students. University policies are set forth in writing to give students general notice of prohibited conduct; they are not designed to define misconduct in exhaustive terms, so they should be read broadly.

When a violation of University policy is believed to have occurred, appropriate University officials or members of the Student Judicial Board review the alleged infraction. If confirmed, the violation results in education sanctions intended to facilitate the positive growth and development of those involved. The full text of the Honor and Student Conduct Codes and Regulations are available on the University of Lynchburg webpage.

Grade Review for Student Grievances

The principle of academic freedom gives an instructor broad discretion in establishing goals for a course, the criteria by which student achievement is to be assessed and making decisions about the student’s accomplishment according to those criteria. Thus, except in unusual circumstances, an instructor’s decision about a grade may not be overruled. A student may, of course, request that his or her instructor review a grade for any required work in a course.

A student who believes that a final grade is in error should first discuss the matter with the instructor. If the student fails to persuade the instructor, the student may submit a written appeal within three weeks after the grade notifications are provided by the Office of the Registrar to the dean of the school in which the course is listed in the catalog. The school dean, in turn, will designate a review committee. The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the vice president and dean for Academic Affairs who will notify the instructor and the student, in writing, of the decision.

Other than the course instructor, only the vice president and dean for Academic Affairs may change a grade. (Detailed procedures are available from school deans and the office of the dean of the college.) This policy is available in the Graduate Catalog.

General Student Grievances

University of Lynchburg faculty and staff strive to provide each student with positive educational experiences and helpful services. Even so, it is understandable that complaints will arise from time to time. To address and resolve concerns as quickly as possible, please address complaints to the office responsible for overseeing the area of concern. If resolution of the student’s complaint cannot be accomplished using the above protocol or established grievance or appeal procedures, the student may file a written student complaint. The policy for filing written student complaints is located on the University’s webpage.

Most concerns and complaints can be resolved at the campus level. However, after following University of Lynchburg procedures, complaints may be filed with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) through the student complaint process described on the SCHEV webpage.

Remediation Policy/Declaration Policy

• Remediation/Declaration Policy (PDF)

Tuition Refund Policy and Procedure

Tuition and Refund Policies for the PA Medicine Program  follow the University of Lynchburg Tuition and Refund Policies.

Withdrawal Policy

The cancellation of a student’s registration or withdrawal from the PA Medicine Program results in the forfeiture of their seat in the program. A student withdrawing from the PA Medicine Program and the University Lynchburg must notify the PA Medicine Program Director and the University in writing. If withdrawal occurs during the semester, a withdrawal form is available from the Office of the Registrar. Withdrawal requests must be submitted before the university’s withdrawal deadline of the currently enrolled semester. Grades will be assigned according to the operating policy governing withdrawal from courses. Refund of fees will be made in accordance with the refund policy.

Human Rights Policy

Harassment, Discrimination, Sexual Harassment

The University of Lynchburg does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation), marital status, veteran status, disability, age (40 and over), sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion in its programs and activities, including admission to and employment at the University of Lynchburg.

The University of Lynchburg is in compliance with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits discrimination based on sex in educational programs and activities, including employment and admission. (Prohibited discrimination based on sex includes sexual harassment and sexual violence.)

For questions regarding the University of Lynchburg’s compliance with Title IX, please contact:

Title IX Coordinator

1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501

[email protected]

Inquiries about the application of Title IX may also be referred to the Office for Civil Rights (OCR):

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, D.C. 20202-1475

 800.421.3481 or 202.453.6020

 202.453.6021 (Fax)

 800.877.8339 (TDD)

 [email protected]

The University of Lynchburg is in compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which prohibits discrimination based on disability in admission, treatment, or access to, or employment in its programs or activities. For questions regarding the University of Lynchburg’s compliance with Section 504, please contact:

Accessibility and Disability Resources

Second floor, Hall Campus Center

1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501

 434.544.8687

 [email protected]

The University of Lynchburg is in compliance with the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in its programs and activities. For questions regarding the University of Lynchburg’s compliance with the Age Discrimination Act, please contact:

Chief People Officer

Second floor, Hall Campus Center

1501 Lakeside Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501

[email protected]

A detailed description of both formal and informal procedures available if you believe you have been subjected to a human rights violation is available in The Hornet.

International Elective Rotations

PA Medicine students who enroll in elective international rotations (SCPE) are responsible for all costs including travel, lodging, and other related items. Costs at this time are estimated to be $1,200 for travel, $500 for lodging, and $200-$300 for additional expenses. Students will need to work with the Office of Global Education to meet University requirements for travel abroad. Students will need to complete an application and verify participation in the required CDC recommendations on immunizations for international travel. 

Clinical Rotation Site Disclosure

Students are not required to provide or solicit clinical sites or preceptors. The program must coordinate clinical sites and preceptors for program required rotations.

Coordinating clinical practice experiences involves identifying, contacting, and evaluating sites and preceptors for suitability as a required or elective rotation experience. Students may make suggestions to principal faculty for sites and preceptors but are not required to do so. Student suggested sites and preceptors are to be reviewed, evaluated, and approved for educational suitability by the program.

Student Safety, Infection Control, Environmental Hazards

Infection Control and Personal Safety

The safety of all students, faculty, staff, and patients is of primary concern. Students must be aware that risk exists for exposure to infection and environmental disease during the didactic and clinical phases of the program. PA students, staff, and faculty must adhere to all established University of Lynchburg safety protocols. If any exposure to bodily fluids or potentially serious infectious diseases occurs, students must notify their clinical preceptor and the University of Lynchburg PA Medicine program director or director of clinical education as soon as possible. All faculty, staff, and students will utilize Standard Precautions (Methods of Prevention) during all activities that present a risk of exposure to blood/body fluids or chemical hazards. Failure to do so will be grounds for disciplinary action.

Methods of Prevention

• Definition: Standard precautions (Methods of Prevention) are the minimum safety and infection prevention practices that apply to all patient care and laboratory or technical skills training experiences in any setting where healthcare or healthcare training is delivered. These practices are designed to protect healthcare professionals (HCP) and prevent HCP from spreading infections to others. Students will be instructed in Standard Precautions (Methods of Prevention) in the Physical Diagnosis courses and again in the Advanced Clinical Procedures course.

Methods of Prevention are to include:

Hand Hygiene

Good hand hygiene is critical to reduce the risk of spreading infection.

Current CDC guidelines recommend the use of alcohol-based hand rub for hand hygiene except when hands are visibly soiled (e.g. dirt, blood, body fluids), or after caring for patients with known or suspected infectious diarrhea, in which cases soap and water should be used. Key situations where hand hygiene should be performed include:

• Before touching a patient, even if gloves will be worn.
• Before exiting the patient’s care area after touching the patient or the patient’s immediate environment.
• After contact with blood, body fluids, excretions, or wound dressings.
• Prior to performing an aseptic task (e.g. placing an IV, preparing an injection).
• If hands will be moving from a contaminated body site to a clean body site during patient care.
• After glove removal.

Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Exam gloves will be worn when there is risk of contact with or when handling blood or body fluids or when there is a potential for contact with mucous membranes, non-intact skin or body orifice areas, or contaminated equipment.
• Facial masks, protective eyewear, and/or gowns (as well as gloves) will be worn when performing/assisting procedures with a risk of body fluid or other hazardous material splashes or sprays.

Safe Injection Practices

• No recapping of needles unless required by the specific procedure being performed.
• Use of self-sheathing needles and/or needleless systems when available.
• All needles and other disposable sharps will be placed in designated puncture resistant containers as soon as possible after their use.

Safe Handling of Potentially Contaminated Surfaces or Equipment

• Environmental cleaning: Areas in which patient care activities are performed will be routinely cleaned and disinfected at the conclusion of the activity.
• Medical equipment safety: reusable medical equipment must be cleaned and disinfected (or sterilized) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the manufacturer does not provide guidelines for this process the device may not be suitable for multi-patient use.

Respiratory Hygiene/Cough Etiquette

• Cover mouth/nose when coughing or sneezing.
• Use and dispose of tissues.
• Perform hand hygiene after hands have been in contact with respiratory secretions.
• Consider using a mask to prevent aerosol spread.
• Sit as far away from others as possible.

Compliance with all safety practices is a not just good procedure, it is also a mark of your professionalism. Failure to observe and practice standard precautions may result in adverse/disciplinary action for unprofessional behavior and referral to the student promotion committee.

Safety Training

Students will be required to complete any clinical site-specific safety or security training requirements in preparation for supervised clinical practice rotations.

Procedures for Care and Treatment After Exposure (Post-exposure Protocols)

Should exposure to blood, other body fluids, or a needle stick injury occur, the procedure for obtaining appropriate medical care is as follows:

• When an Exposure Occurs: Wounds and skin sites that have been in contact with blood or body fluids should be washed with soap and water; mucous membranes should be flushed with water. There is no evidence that the use of antiseptics for wound care or expressing fluid by squeezing the wound further reduces the risk for HIV transmission. However, the use of antiseptics is not contraindicated. Use of caustic agents, e.g., bleach, is not recommended.
• Notice of Incident Form: The student must notify his/her supervisor immediately and complete notice of incident forms in use by the clinical site as well as the Student Incident/Injury Form in use by the PA Medicine Program. This form is available in the PA Medicine Student Handbook and should go with the student to his/her evaluation for treatment.
• Medical Evaluation: It is very important that medical evaluation take place immediately because treatment decisions must be made within two hours of exposure. HIV prophylaxis for high-risk exposure appears most effective if started within two to four hours. It is also extremely important to evaluate the donor’s risk status immediately.
• Medical Evaluation Facilities: The student should report IMMEDIATELY to the Health Center if the exposure occurs on the University of Lynchburg’s campus during regular working hours. If the exposure occurs at an off-campus clinical site, the student should follow the Infection Control Policy of that facility. Outside of these hours, the student should go IMMEDIATELY to the nearest emergency room associated with the clinic or office where the incident occurred for the initial evaluation. Follow-up can be done at the Health Center.

Note: If the incident occurs at a hospital or large medical facility, that facility’s Employee Health Clinic may be able to do the initial evaluation.

Effects of Infectious and Environmental Disease or Disability on Student Learning Activities

• Program Participation: Continued participation in the activities of the PA program will not be affected by any injury or illness that occurs while enrolled provided the student continues to meet all Technical Standards, fulfills all defined requirements for program progression, and is not directly infectious by way of routine contact. Note: This only applies to serious, potentially life-threatening infections.
• Financial Responsibility: Students are mandated to have health insurance throughout their participation in the program. The student’s insurance student ID card should be shown when medical evaluation is needed. Students will be financially responsible for all costs incurred during compliance with this policy.
• Laboratory Testing/Treatment: To determine whether treatment of the student is necessary, blood must be drawn from the patient/donor (i.e. source of contamination) to evaluate Hepatitis B, C, and HIV status. In a hospital setting the Infection Control Nurse or Nurse Supervisor is often authorized to order these tests on the patient/donor. The Infection Control Nurse or Nurse Supervisor should also review the medical record, question the patient/donor about risk factors, and obtain the patient’s/donor’s consent to do the tests necessary to evaluate their health status.
• If the exposure occurs in an outpatient setting (and these tests cannot be done), the patient/donor may need to accompany the exposed student for evaluation.

Student Safety During SCPEs

The University of Lynchburg’s PA Medicine Program will provide appropriate training to students regarding OSHA prior to SCPEs. The facility at which the SCPE takes place shall provide to University of Lynchburg PA students access to the facility’s rules, regulations, policies, and procedures with which the PA students are expected to comply. This includes the Facility’s OSHA, personal and workplace security, and personal safety policies and procedures, and shall address all appropriate safety measures for all University of Lynchburg’s PA Medicine students and any PA Medicine instructors on site. It will be the preceptor’s responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure personal safety and security of students during the SCPE. This is clearly communicated to preceptors and agreed upon in a signed Preceptor Agreement obtained by the program prior to the SCPEs.

Safety Policy

Personal safety is a primary concern of the University of Lynchburg. Campus safety and security are enhanced by a professional security force and supplemented by officers with the Lynchburg Police Department on a well-lit campus. Technological enhancements include Campus Assistance Response to Emergency (C.A.R.E.) Points (blue security towers), an expansive video system, and a robust access control system.

Procedure for Contacting Security

• Dial extension 5555 from a campus extension.
• In case of emergency, call 434.544.5555 or 911.
• Push the emergency call button on any C.A.R.E. point.
• Our non-emergency phone number is 434.544.8100 or campus ext. 8100.

The Office of Campus Safety and Security can be reached at the 1st floor of Hall Campus Center.

If you require immediate assistance:

• Dial extension 5555 from a campus extension, or call 911.
• C.A.R.E. Points: C.A.R.E. Points are located throughout campus and may be used for Security assistance. You should become familiar with their locations across campus.
• The Office of Campus Safety and Security monitors reporting of suspicious activity on campus. Please dial 434.544.8100 or visit their website.

Security Officers

University of Lynchburg has well-vetted and trained officers and dispatchers to maintain the safety and security of persons and property. Dispatchers receive calls for service and coordinate responses. Officers evaluate situations, provide assistance, and investigate incidents.

Anatomy Lab Safety and Conduct Policy and Procedure

Students will be expected to wear scrubs and may choose to purchase a long white jacket to be worn only during their anatomy laboratory experiences.

Personal Protection

• Eye protection must be worn when dissecting and moving cadavers.
• Latex, nitrite, or vinyl gloves must be worn throughout the dissection period.
• Students must wear dissection gowns.
• Students must wear scrubs or dissection clothing whenever they are in the laboratory.
• Sandals, perforated shoes, or bare feet are not to be worn in the anatomy lab.
• Students with long hair will be expected to pull their hair back from their face.
• Wearers of soft contact lenses are cautioned that they may experience eye discomfort when wearing these lenses and it may be prudent to wear eye glasses during laboratory time.
• If there is any possibility for pregnancy or other medical conditions, please notify the course director prior to entering the anatomy lab.

Conduct

• Treat anatomical specimens with the respect that is always due to the deceased. Keep in mind that the cadaver plays an important role in your learning. Cadavers will receive absolute respect at all times. Any student who exhibits disrespectful behavior will be immediately dismissed from the course with a grade of F and will be dismissed from the PA Medicine program.
• Care of cadavers is the students’ responsibility. The cadaver must be kept clean, properly covered, and moistened to prevent deterioration. When not in use, the cadaver should be wrapped in muslin cloth and moistened with the provided preservative.
• The cadavers are embalmed with a fluid containing formaldehyde, phenol, alcohol, and glycerol. These substances kill bacteria and inactivate most viruses. The level of formaldehyde is controlled by Environmental Health and Safety to ensure that our exposures are below levels set by OSHA and NIOSH.
• Even when wearing gloves, you may experience a slight tingling sensation in your fingers which will disappear in a few hours.
• The cadavers are the property of the Anatomical Board of the State of Virginia. It is a violation of Virginia law to remove any part of the cadaver from the dissecting laboratory. Any student who removes any part of a cadaver from the lab will be immediately dismissed from the course with a grade of F and will be dismissed from the PA Medicine program.
• No eating, drinking, or smoking in the laboratory.
• Cadaver waste is to be discarded in the red bag receptacle which corresponds numerically with your individual cadaver. This waste is returned for cremation with the body of origin.
• Gloves and paper towels are to be discarded in proper trash receptacles, NOT in the red bag receptacles.
• Organs are stored in appropriately numbered containers and returned for cremation with the body of origin.
• All sharp objects are to be placed in the red “SHARPS” container. No other objects (i.e., foil scalpel blade covers, paper towels, etc.) or waste of any type is to be placed in the sharps container. Violation of this policy will result in one full letter grade deduction from the final course grade (e.g., an A will become a B).
• No marking of bones or models with pencils or pen is permitted at any time.
• Cameras of any kind are not allowed in the lab at any time. This includes cameras on cell-phones. Any student who brings a camera or cell phone into the lab will be immediately dismissed from the course with a grade of F.

Security

• Anatomical Board regulations state that no guests or outside visitors are allowed in the dissection lab at any time. Only students enrolled in the PA Medicine program and designated faculty, instructors, and tutors are permitted to enter the lab. Any student who provides access to the lab for any person other than a student enrolled in the PA Medicine program will be immediately dismissed from the course with a grade of F.
• No open doors. Doors to the anatomy lab must remain closed and locked at all times.
• Use of the dissecting lab outside of normally scheduled lab times is permitted for PA Medicine Students. HOWEVER… STUDENTS MAY NOT ENTER OR WORK IN THE DISSECTING LAB ALONE! THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF TWO STUDENTS IN THE LAB AT ALL TIMES! THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE! ANY STUDENT WHO VIOLATES THIS RULE WILL BE IMMEDIATELY DISMISSED FROM THE COURSE WITH A GRADE OF F.

Accidents

• Spills and injuries should be immediately reported to the instructors.
• If injury requires treatment, an injury report must be completed.
• Students with injuries requiring medical attention will be sent to the Health Center.
• First aid kits are located in the lab in designated locations.

Spills

• Wipe up spills immediately.
• Use eyewash and showers if necessary.

Safe Use of Equipment

• Insert scalpel blades with forceps.
• Dispose of blades only in sharps containers.
• Never attempt to catch a dropped scalpel.
• Scalpel blades are the number one cause of injury in the dissecting lab. Please use caution.
• Use autopsy saw ONLY under supervision of an instructor.
• All dissecting instruments, gloves, models, bones, and text materials should be kept clean and free of tissue at all times.
• Keep the dissecting tables clean. At the end of each lab, any loose tissue should be placed in the receptacle which corresponds numerically with your individual cadaver. In addition, the outside of the cadaver tank should be kept clean.
• All tissue removed from the body must be collected and placed in the designated receptacle which corresponds numerically with your individual cadaver.
• Buckets under the table are for collection of tissue fluids and should be emptied into the shower drain and washed when significant fluid or tissue is accumulated.
• At the end of each dissecting period, clean and dry your personal instruments, remove them from the dissection table, and store in appropriate designated areas.
• Clean and return mallets, chisels, and saws to equipment cabinets when you are finished.
• Be sure that exhaust tubes are appropriately attached to the HVAC system at all times and that the table vent is in an open position.

Hazardous Chemicals

• Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemicals used in the lab are available upon request.

Storage of Cadavers

• When directed, store cadavers in the refrigerator in supine position with feet facing out.
• Use caution when using the lift.
• Drawers slide all the way out, so move drawers slowly and with caution.

Personal Safety and Security

In order to promote a safe and comfortable learning environment for all members of the University of Lynchburg community, students are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects concern for others in the environment. Examples of behaviors that are unacceptable include theft, vandalism, acts of violence, sexual harassment, and disrespect for personal and University property. If a student has been the recipient of behaviors that may be construed as harassment and is unable or uncomfortable addressing the behavior directly with the involved person(s), the student is encouraged to discuss the situation with their faculty advisor or the chair/program director for support and guidance in navigating through department or University harassment policies and procedures. For details of University of Lynchburg Honor and Student Conduct Codes and Regulations, policies, and the process for hearing violations, please see the University of Lynchburg’s student handbook.

The PA Medicine program is housed in the College of Health Sciences building on the campus of the University of Lynchburg. Parking is located in a parking lot adjacent to the building. After-hours access to the building is controlled by badge entry. Security cameras are placed at a number of locations within the campus community. Security escorts are available to students.

As students enter the clinical education phase, they will be advised on appropriate security and personal safety measures at individual clinical facility sites. Students traveling to international sites will be required to work closely with faculty and the study abroad office to ensure that they follow all recommended security and personal precautions.

Students are encouraged to download a free application to their smartphones called LiveSafe. This app has been made available by the University of Lynchburg Office of Campus Safety and Security, and all students are encouraged to download it. This dashboard is monitored 24/7 by officials within the Office of Campus Safety and Security. It is a free personal safety mobile application for students, campus employees, and parents to engage in a two-way conversation with the Office of Campus Safety and Security. It allows users direct access to Office of Campus Safety and Security and 911 emergency services.