A. Abilities and Skills

1. Observation. The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences including, but not limited to, microbiologic cultures, microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states, and reading of EKGs and radiographs.  A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand.  Observation requires the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensations such as touch, pressure and temperature.  It is enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.

B.    Patient Safety Measures

1.  Infectious Diseases.   Health-care providers in contact with patients are at risk for contracting and transmitting infectious diseases, especially those having compromised immune systems.  All health care providers must maintain immunization requirements that are established for their own protection and that of served populations against preventable communicable illness. 

     Tuberculosis (TB) screening is required of all incoming students even if Bacillus of Calmette and Guerin (BCG) has been given in the past.  If a TB skin test has not been administered within the past 12 months, two skin tests will be administered during the first month of classes.  If a TB skin test has been administered within the past twelve months, a single TB skin test will be administered in August.  Please refer to the OU-HCOM policy for TB screening and follow-up for more information.

     Documentation of immunizations against the following diseases must be received prior to matriculation:  measles (rubeola), German measles (rubella), mumps, chicken pox (varicella), tetanus and hepatitis B.  The OU-HCOM policy for medical student immunizations specifies:
     •Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR):  Two immunizations are required.
     •Tetanus/Diphtheria (Td): One vaccine within the past 10 years is needed.  International students must provide documentation of receiving the primary DTP series as well as a current Td.
     •Hepatitis B:  At least 2 of the 3 doses of the Hepatitis B series must be completed prior to the start of Clinical and Community Experiences. The third dose must be received prior to February 1 of Year 1.
     •Varicella:  A positive personal history or 2 vaccines are required.  A student who cannot verify through personal history or history obtained from parent/guardian that he/she has had chicken pox is required to receive the varicella vaccine.  Students who are uncertain of chicken pox history may elect to first obtain a titer. 

     Serologic proof of immunity (antibody titers) against measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B is to be obtained prior to matriculation; however, due to the cost associated with these laboratory tests, students may elect to have the titers done through Ohio University’s Student Health Service during the first month of class for about $100.00  The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Guidelines published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be referenced and taken into consideration for those candidates who test negative for serum antibodies (i.e. non-responders).  For more information about serologic proof of immunity required of medical students, please see the policy on immunity.

     Students who are accepted to OU-HCOM and students on the alternate list will receive a letter explaining immunization and serologic proof of immunity requirements and the Immunization Status Report form from Academic Affairs.  If a student is unable to provide documentation, he/she is considered unvaccinated. Students are expected to receive required immunizations prior to the first day of classes.  Charges for immunizations and antibody titers are the responsibility of the student.

2.  Criminal Background Check.  Ohio Law mandates criminal records checks for all prospective employees in positions where the individual will be caring for older adults (Senate Bill 160) or children (Senate Bill 38).  A standard criterion in affiliation agreements with clinical training sites, especially in pediatrics and geriatrics, is a requirement of a criminal record check for students.  Review of an applicant’s character and conduct as a citizen is important to his or her future licensure as a practicing physician.  At the time of matriculation, those candidates who have been an Ohio resident for five years or more must present proof that they have had a criminal background check completed through the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI).  If the candidate is not an Ohio resident or has been an Ohio resident for less than five years, he or she must request that the BCI obtain information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  The candidate must give permission to OU-HCOM to obtain a copy of any arrest or conviction record in the BCI files.

The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine is committed to making its medical programs accessible to people with disabilities. In order to receive accommodations, the candidate or student must document the need and make a request through the college’s Office of Student Affairs.  For incoming, as well as enrolled students, the request should be submitted at least one quarter before the accommodations are needed.  Reasonable accommodations can be made for some disabilities in certain of these technical areas.  With reasonable accommodation, a candidate still must be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner, the essential functions and tasks required in the five ability and skill areas noted above under Section A.