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Medical Documentation Guidelines

Students who anticipate missing 3 or more consecutive days of classes or experiential rotations due to illness, injury, or a medical procedure are asked to submit medical documentation as confirmation of the condition and anticipated impact. Generally, sufficient documentation includes detailed documentation from a medical provider or psychological evaluation.  Students may submit the documentation through an Eshelman Care Referral.

Please note the following requirements for acceptable medical documentation:

  1. Documentation must be typed on office or practice letterhead and dated and signed by a medical professional who is licensed or certified in the area for which the diagnosis is made. The provider’s name, title, and license/certification credentials must be included and cannot be family members or others with a close personal relationship to the student.
  2. The following information should be included and clearly described as appropriate:
  • The level of severity of the condition.
  • The current impact and functional limitations pertaining to the didactic and/or immersion settings.
  • Whether the symptoms are constant or episodic.
  • The frequency and/or duration of symptoms.
  • Any currently prescribed or used treatments, medications, and/or assistive devices/services.
  • The mediating effects and potential side effects from such treatments.
  1. Students who have tested positive for flu, strep throat, Covid, RSV, etc. may provide a copy of the positive test in lieu of a letter from the medical provider as long as it includes the date and location of the test.

Recommendations are welcomed and considered. However, the Office of Student Affairs, in collaboration with the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office (EOC) makes the ultimate determination on eligibility and reasonable accommodations necessary to provide equal access for participation in academic courses, experiential rotations, and learning activities. Any recommendations should be directly linked to the impact or functional limitations associated with the medical condition, or medication prescribed to control symptoms and include a clear rationale based on level of impairment.

Students seeking reasonable accommodation for disability, pregnancy, or religion or a medical condition lasting longer than six months should contact the Equal Opportunity and Compliance Office to begin the process.