Policies
Undergraduate Medical Education
A significant proportion of the educational experiences for University of Florida College of Medicine students take place on the Jacksonville campus. Third year medical students rotate in all major specialties; fourth year students may choose a variety of electives. Physician assistant students do many of their clinical rotations in Jacksonville as well. An important part of a residency is the process of learning to become a teacher. Your active participation in student education is essential for both the student's education and your own personal and professional growth and development.
Medical & Health Requirements for Residents
Documentation of immunity to measles, mumps, hepatitis B, rubella and varicella is required. If documentation of full immunization or titers cannot be provided, the resident may receive the appropriate immunizations. All residents are required to have an initial skin test for Tuberculosis (PPD) unless they have had a previous positive test (in which case documentation of adequate treatment and an updated screening will be required). The resident is required to have at least annual tuberculosis skin tests and comply with the infection control policies and procedures of the institutions where the resident is assigned. Screening of the resident for infectious diseases, prophylaxis and treatment for exposure to communicable disease, and immunizations is provided directly by the University or through arrangements with other health providers. The university also requires a pre-employment health-screening questionnaire.
Background Checks and Drug Screens
Many hospitals and other facilities to which residents rotate now require criminal background checks and drug screens of all individuals working, training, or volunteering in their institutions. These include several of the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville’s educational partners. In addition, application to the Florida Board of Medicine as an intern/resident/fellow/house physician, as well as for unrestricted licensure, requires self- disclosure of criminal convictions and of prior substance abuse and/or treatment.
As a condition of appointment with the UFCOM-J as a resident physician, all residents must undergo screening to include:
- A State and Federal criminal background check
- A check of the US Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) list of excluded individuals and US General Services Administration (GSA) excluded parties list
- A urine drug screen
Bioterrorism Response
Shands Jacksonville serves as a regional bioterrorism response facility, one of only seven in Florida. In this capacity, we are expected to receive up to 500 casualties resulting from weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or a natural disaster with very little notice. As a member of the house staff, you will be expected to participate should this occur.
Harassment Policy
The University of Florida College of Medicine is committed to the maintenance of a supportive and productive environment for its students, staff, residents and faculty. In order to ensure that such an environment exists, inappropriate behavior in all forms is not permissible. Students, staff, residents, and faculty of the UFCOM-J are expected to abide by the Guidelines on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment, and Harassment of the University of Florida as published at: http://www.hr.ufl.edu/forms/publications/eeo_harassment_brochure.pdf
Drug-Free Workplace
As University of Florida residents, the Standard of Conduct promulgated by the university is applicable. UF Drug-Free Workplace Policy
Moonlighting/Outside Employment
Any professional activities outside the established educational program must not interfere with the residents' educational process or quality care of patients. All residents must adhere to State University System Guidelines regarding outside activities/outside employment, conflict of interest and additional compensation, in addition to applicable ACGME Duty Hours requirements. Residents who are J-1 or H1B Visa holders are not permitted to moonlight; the ECFMG expressly forbids outside employment. Termination as a participant in an exchange visa program may occur. Although Residents may not be required to engage in outside activities, Programs do carry the authority to determine allowance of moonlighting and the responsibility for enforcement of the policies.