×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog

On successful completion of Year 5 of the MBBS program, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
• Normal structure and function of the body, from conception through childhood, adolescence, reproductive life, adulthood and old age, and including epidemiological, social and behavioural aspects
• Principles of anaesthesia and pain management in emergencies, acute and chronic pain, patient monitoring and end-of-life care
• Common presentations in relation to normal development and/or clinical disorders that may arise during life, and the approaches for their recognition, investigation, treatment and prevention
• Integrating and applying core medical and scientific knowledge to individual patients, population and health systems
• Integrating the principles of disease prevention and health promotion into clinical practice
• Environmental and psychosocial issues and their effect on patients
• The rights of vulnerable individuals and their families, the responsibilities of involved health professionals, and the relevant health, welfare and legal services available
• Managing multi-morbidity in the hospital and community
• Appreciation of the contribution of various health professional team members to patient care
• Identifying, accessing, critically appraising, interpreting and applying evidence from the medical and scientific literature
• Consequences of iatrogenesis on health outcomes

2. Demonstrate competency in the following areas of clinical skills and reasoning:

• Diagnostic reasoning skills including integration and weighted interpretation of findings from history and physical examination to arrive at an initial differential diagnosis
• Selecting and justifying common investigations, with regards to the pathological basis of disease, utility, safety and cost effectiveness, and interpretation of the results
• Applying therapeutic reasoning skills including identification of appropriate therapeutic objectives in both differentiated and undifferentiated clinical problems
• Formulating and justifying appropriate management options, individually and as a member of a team
• Prescribing therapy safely, effectively and economically, using objective evidence, in acute, chronic, perioperative pain, and palliative care settings
• Performing advanced life support skills, with effective use of airway aids and using the difficult airway algorithm that incorporates professional boundaries
• Performing and explaining to patients a range of procedures (as listed in year 4/5 objectives)
• Provide specific advice to the woman about options for confinement in an appropriate setting, including referral to a specialist obstetrician if risk factors are identified
• Providing specific advice to patients on the potential hazards of drugs to themselves, and/or a conceptus
• Communicating effectively with patients and their families, and other health professionals, about diagnosis and management plans, ensuring care handover
• Assisting with completion of patient Extended Primary Care assessment, advanced care planning and patient competency assessment.

3. Demonstrate the following professional attributes:

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally, in a variety of media, with patients, colleagues and others
• Working and communicating with other health professionals to achieve the best patient-outcomes
• Applying the principles of evidence-based medicine
• Maintenance of patient dignity, privacy and confidentiality, and practice of empathetic medicine
• Ethical and professional attitudes and behaviour in interactions with patients, relatives, colleagues and all other clinical staff
• Accepting of responsibility to protect and advance the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and populations
• Understanding the environmental, social and psychological determinants of disease, including issues relating to health inequalities, cultural diversity, and socio-economic and physical environment factors
• Ability to contribute to the teaching and professional development of others

Please see "Assessment Detail"

BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY (MBBS) 2017

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR YEARS 1-6 OF THE MEDICAL PROGRAM

 
The practice of medicine is a rewarding and complex vocation, which requires high-level interpersonal and professional skills, a rigorous scientific base and strong clinical skills. The MBBS Program has been designed to help students achieve competence in these three major domains: Medical Knowledge, Clinical Skills and Reasoning, and Professionalism.

Given the privileged role where the community puts practitioners in a position of trust, the examining faculty has an obligation to determine that graduating doctors are competent and safe, and treat patients and colleagues with due consideration. The assessments planned during the Program are designed to guide student learning, to help students and Faculty identify any area of difficulty so that remediation can be undertaken and to provide the evidence base on which the Program’s accreditors and the wider community can be assured that newly graduating doctors have been adequately evaluated.

PROFESSIONAL BEHAVIOUR


1.1 Professional Standards

1.1.1 Code of Conduct 
All students will be expected to adhere to a Code of Conduct, developed in consultation with the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog and the Medical Board of ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog. This includes aspects of behaviour and attendance. Serious breaches of the Code of Conduct may lead to students being referred to the Professional Behaviour Panel and/or the Program Coordinator, who will arrange for the students to undergo appropriate remediation to improve their behaviour. Continuing failure to adhere to the Code of Conduct may result in the student being reported to the Medical Board of ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog. Conduct which breaches university regulations will be dealt with according to university policy and procedures. 


1.1.2 Unprofessional Behaviour 
Notwithstanding the contents of the Code of Conduct, certain behaviours are regarded as being unacceptable in medical students. Examples include (but are not limited to):

inappropriate or inconsiderate behaviour towards patients, volunteers, university or hospital staff or other students, at any time including during group sessions/ lectures 


dishonesty, plagiarism, cheating 


breaches of confidentiality, such as chatting about patients in social media or settings 


unreliability 


intoxication during university activities 


failure to behave in a responsible manner in clinical situations 



1.1.3 Academic Honesty 
Students are advised to familiarise themselves with the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Academic Honesty Policy: 
http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/230. 
The Policy describes the following as examples of plagiarism:

presenting work that is not your own in any format, without appropriate attribution or reference to the original source 


paraphrasing or copying work that is not your own, without due acknowledgement by way of 
reference to the original work 


adopting the ideas of others, or the structure of an existing analysis, without due 
acknowledgement by way of reference to the original source. 


The work of others may be submitted ONLY when use of the work is appropriate and duly acknowledged. 


Cheating in any task or assessment is also expressly forbidden in the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Academic Honesty policy. Examples of cheating include: 

Presenting any data or results of laboratory, field or other work that are fabricated or falsified, as if they were genuine. 


Contributing towards other candidates’ individual assessed work, except in accordance with approved study and assessment schemes. 


Seeking or accepting other students’ assistance in a piece of assessed individual work, except in accordance with approved study and assessment schemes. 


Submitting the same piece of work for assessment in two different courses, except in accordance with approved study and assessment schemes. 


Copying or reproducing restricted examination items in any manner whatsoever, including by photography, screen capture, memorization, or any other form of reproduction. 


Using unauthorized copies of examination items, however and by whomever obtained, for study purposes. 


 
The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog takes plagiarism and cheating in any form of assessment seriously. All assignments need to be submitted with a cover sheet signed by the student, acknowledging an understanding of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Academic Honesty Policy. 
As specified by the Policy, breaches of any of the above will incur penalties which may include receiving a result of zero for the assessment task and failing the course, and being recorded in the Central Plagiarism and Cheating Register of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog. 
If the breach is deemed by the Faculty to be serious enough, in addition to the above, it may proceed against the student under the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Student Misconduct Rules. The Board of Conduct has the authority to impose a penalty on a student including a reprimand, a fine of up to $200, cancellation of enrolment, suspension and/or expulsion from the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog. The Student Misconduct Rules are available online at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/33. 


 
1.1.4 Respecting intellectual property rights 
Course material over which copyright is held, when provided to students, is for individual study. Copyright material is not to be copied or distributed under any circumstances. Heavy penalties may apply if this legal requirement is breached. 
Examination questions are the property of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Adelaide. In some instances, they are owned by other organisations, who have the right to sue if copyright is breached. Some examination questions are quarantined, i.e. not made available to students. Memorisation and subsequent reproduction and/or distribution of these questions, in whole or in part, is cheating and will be dealt with according to the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Academic Honesty Policy, available at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/230/. 


When the MBBS program provides examination questions for private study, such questions may be reproduced or distributed free of charge in electronic or paper format only to other students enrolled in the MBBS program in this ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog. Discussion of these questions with fellow students is actively encouraged. Reproduction or distribution to any person who is not currently enrolled as a student in the MBBS program or who is not a member of the academic or professional staff of the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog is strictly prohibited. Charging a fee for these questions, or for material that includes parts of these questions, is strictly prohibited. 


1.1.5 Use of mobile phones and other electronic devices

As is standard practice in many public places (including hospital wards where mobile phones may interfere with other electronic instruments) students are asked out of courtesy to staff, patients and other colleagues to ensure that mobile phones are always turned off before entering lectures, tutorials, examinations, clinical settings and all other learning environments where ringing phones may be disruptive.

Bringing phones, pagers, portable devices, wireless equipment or any information retrieval system into an examination will result in a fail grade for that examination, except where such equipment is:

required due to disability and has been specifically approved by the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Disability Service, OR

specifically permitted in that examination.

 
Using any digital image capturing equipment, including mobile phones, to capture and/or circulate any images of patients, anatomy and pathology laboratory specimens, and/or medical records, including ECGs, radiology images, laboratory results or de-identified material, may be a breach of privacy and/or copyright laws and is therefore forbidden. 


1.1.6 Electronic communications

Students are required to check their ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog-provided email account daily during teaching weeks. The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog provides facilities to allow electronic communication between staff and students, and between students and their colleagues, through email, electronic bulletin boards and discussion boards. Both the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog and the Faculty of Health Sciences have policies on the appropriate use of these facilities and students should familiarize themselves with these. (IT Acceptable Use and Security Policy http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/2783/). Students are required to use these resources responsibly and those who misuse them (for example by using inappropriate language or engaging in electronic harassment) will be reported to the Program Coordinator. 


1.2 Approved Dress Code

Dress Standards for Medical Students in all Clinical Areas

The medical profession is generally held in high esteem. Continuing enjoyment of this privilege implies certain basic rules of professionalism as to how to conduct oneself and how to dress when involved in patient care. While some rules may be seen to be conservative and/or the views of older colleagues, the major driver behind this dress code are the (published) expectations of patients paired with evidence-based recommendations with regards to infection control and Occupational Health & Safety rules.

A significant proportion of patients are 70 years old or more. Patients and relatives are anxious. It has been estimated that it takes patients on average only 15 seconds to form an initial opinion regarding the competence of their doctor. Most initial opinion is formed through non-verbal cues. Therefore, to maximise a positive patient perception of doctors and medical students, it is mandatory to dress appropriately.

It is difficult to be prescriptive and what counts is the overall picture. Nevertheless, here are some examples: 
 
Acceptable 
Formal attire
Smart casual
Buttoned business shirts/ blouses Dresses or skirts of reasonable length Business trousers
Tidy hair

Not Acceptable
Track suits, board shorts, jeans “Street Wear” (incl. large logos) T-shirts, fleeces
Sandshoes, “sneakers”, thongs Very short pants or skirts
Extreme or unruly hairstyles Extreme examples of body piercing and tattooing

A generally ‘unkempt’ appearance and/or offensive body odour are also unacceptable. Polls of patients clearly indicate what they and their relatives do not wish to see during their patient-doctor experience and this includes: exposed abdomens and/or hips, as often occurs with low-waisted pants or skirts; 
deep, “plunging” neck lines;
mini skirts;
rucksacks;
and water bottles. 


 
There are also areas where breaches compromise patient safety or staff safety: 


Occupational Health & Safety requirements 


No open footwear and high-heeled shoes. Long hair needs to be tied back. 


Infection Control 


No nail polish and especially no acrylic fingernails. Jewellery also frequently harbours microorganisms and must be kept to a minimum, e.g. wedding band and wristwatch. However, during scrubbing all jewellery must be removed. If neck ties are worn they need to be prevented from coming into contact with the patient (e.g. tie clips). 


 Hospital Administration and Security 


Valid ID badges must be displayed always. 


 
1.3 Criminal History Checks 
Many clinical attachment sites (e.g. hospitals and general practices) will not allow students to attend unless students have a valid criminal history check. Most of these placements are essential components for successful completion of the year. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they have a valid criminal history check when required, and to ensure that their documentation is current prior to relevant attachments. Expired criminal history checks will be rejected by the relevant organizations. Lack of attendance due to a lack of a current criminal history check, is not acceptable excuse and may result in a failure of a component of the course.
It is strongly recommended that students make arrangements for this requirement well in advance, as it may take several weeks from submission of an application to receipt of a certificate. 


1.4 TB Screening Notification 
Students who undertake clinical placements, internships or research projects involving children or people who are ill, elderly or vulnerable are required to demonstrate tuberculosis (TB) clearance by producing a TB Screening Notification obtained through a test at SA Tuberculosis Services. The placement coordinator will provide information on specific requirements for individual clinical attachments. Some of these placements and research activities are essential components for successful completion of the year. It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that they have TB clearance done when required. If a student does not have a valid TB Screening Notification they will not be allowed to attend the placement, or undertake the relevant research. 


1.5 Compliance with Immunisation Requirements 
All medical students must ensure that they are compliant with the Immunisation Guidelines for Health Care Workers in South ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Policy Guideline, available from the SA Health webpage: http://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/ . 



1.6 Registration with the Medical Board of ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog 
All medical students must be registered with the Medical Board of ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog, which has the responsibility of ensuring that all persons permitted to practice medicine in ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog should be fit and proper persons who maintain appropriate professional standards. Currently, the staff of the Faculty of Health Sciences manage student registration by providing a list of enrolled medical students to the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlogn Health Professionals Registration Agency. Students do not need to register individually. 
The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences is obliged to report serious cases of health impairment or unprofessional behaviour by students to the Medical Board, which may keep records of such instances. These records may contribute to the decision by the Board whether to grant provisional registration to graduates of the MBBS Program. Failure to achieve provisional registration will prevent a graduate from completing his or her internship within ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog and thus will impede the achievement of full registration as a medical practitioner. 



2. ATTENDANCE

Participation in the MBBS Program in the case-based and clinical activities, including all clinical attachments, is critical to adequate professional development. Commitment to part-time employment is not an acceptable reason for non-attendance at rostered times, which usually include any time from 0800 to 1800 hours, Monday to Friday. Some clinical activities WILL require attendance outside those times, including weekends. Unsatisfactory attendance or late submission of written work can preclude you from passing the Program at any year level. Specific attendance requirements related to structure learning activities are set out in the relevant course outlines. 


2.1 Attendance policy

Students should be aware that patients commonly go to considerable trouble and inconvenience to participate in teaching sessions. Likewise, teachers put considerable time and effort into preparing and presenting teaching sessions. Students are expected to attend at the rostered times and to meet professional standards of behaviour. Attendance and appropriate behaviour is expected at compulsory tutorials, clinical sessions and resource sessions. Attendance and appropriate behaviour is strongly encouraged at lectures. Apparent lack of interest and lack of respect on the part of students will jeopardise the goodwill of patients, teachers and others. A record will be kept in each student’s file of instances of unprofessional behaviour and non-attendance. 

Reasons for absence must be provided and submitted in writing as outlined in section 2.2, ‘Notification of non-attendance.’ A substantial number of absences may result in a student to repeat the year.

A choice to attend other activities, such as paid work, instead of Program activities is not an acceptable reason for non-attendance. 


2.2 Notification of non-attendance

If you have any medical, compassionate or other circumstances which may have prevented you from attending sessions or prevented the submission of written work you must notify the relevant course coordinator. Please see section 6 of this document for timelines and detailed guidelines of how to notify of absence and apply for leave. Failure to follow these procedures may jeopardize your progression in the MBBS Program. 


3. COMMUNICATION

3.1 Academic Language and Learning

Effective communication is essential to the successful practice of medicine. Spoken and written skills develop with use, with increasing insight into the ways in which these skills are used in the study and practice of Medicine and with success in interactions with others. Learning skills similarly develop over time and with practice and training. 


MBBS students have access to the Academic Language and Learning in Medicine program. This service is open to all students, regardless of whether or not English is their first language. Students wishing to improve their spoken or written language skills, or their learning strategies are encouraged to make an appointment with the Program Coordinator and by contacting, Ms Helen Fraser (helen.fraser@adelaide.edu.au). In addition, the Faculty encourages teaching staff to identify students whose command of English interferes with understanding in tutorials, submitted work, examinations or clinical activities. Where a report suggests a problem, which is not already being addressed, a student may be asked to meet with Ms Fraser to discuss the Faculty’s concerns. 


3.2 Legibility

Work submitted by students for assessment, including written examinations must be legible. Assessment of student’s performance can only be made where an assessor can read what a student has presented. This is particularly important with respect to examination scripts because there are no further opportunities for a student to rewrite/ type examination scripts. Thus, submitted material that is illegible will not be marked. Likewise, for examinations which use Answer Scanning Sheets, it is the students’ responsibility to indicate their answers clearly and fully as instructed on the Answer Scanning sheets. Students who have a condition that impairs their ability to write legibly in an examination should apply in advance for Alternative Examination Arrangements (AEA). 


4. ALTERNATIVE EXAMINATION ARRANGEMENTS

The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog offers alternative examination arrangements (AEA) for students who require a variation to the location, duration, or conditions of centrally administered examinations based on some medical or non-medical grounds. AEA applications must be made to the Disability Advisor at the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Disability Service. It is your responsibility to read instructions are available at: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/modified/aea/. Students must retain a copy of their approved application form, as written confirmation may not be provided. 

The Program Coordinator, and the Year 1-3 Coordinator are formally notified if an AEA is granted and no further action is required by the student in Years 1 - 3. In Years 4 – 6, it is the student’s responsibility to directly notify their rotation supervisors within ONE week of the start of each rotation, should they require alternative arrangements for end of rotation assessments. Exams with AEA will usually be held on the same day and at the same time as scheduled in the main timetable. Students are not entitled to sit an examination at another time, and are not entitled to any other concession. Please note that an AEA is not applicable for clinical examinations (OSCEs) and the Disability Advisors are aware of this exemption. 


5. ACADEMIC PROGRESS

There are two processes for monitoring academic progress – one is an internal MBBS Program process, which reviews student performance in each semester and identifies students at risk of a poor result at the end of the year. The other occurs at a ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog wide level at the end of each year and addresses students considered to have made unsatisfactory academic progress. 


5.1.1 MBBS Program monitoring and support for students 


In the MBBS program, student performances are reviewed to identify students who are at risk of unsatisfactory academic performance. This includes performance in summative assessments in the three major Domains of the course in Years 1-3, and clinical attachments in Years 4-6. At mid-year, students considered to be at risk are notified in writing by the Year 1-3 Coordinator, or Year 4-6 Coordinator, and Program Coordinator and support from relevant academic staff will be offered. Similar notice and support will be provided at year-end. 


5.1.2 Additional / Replacement (formerly Supplementary) Assessment 
The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s policy, conditions and procedures for additional/ replacement assessments are available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/modified/replacement/. 


5.2.1 ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog Policy on Unsatisfactory Academic Progress by Coursework Students 
If a student's progress in an academic program is consistently unsatisfactory, conditions may be placed on the student's continued enrolment or the student may be excluded from continuing their studies in that program. The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog’s Academic Progress by Coursework Students Policy specifies how unsatisfactory progress will be identified and addressed, and is available at http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/1803. 


 
5.2.2 Student Grievance Resolution Process 
The ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog has a Student Grievance Resolution Process to help students resolve grievances about an academic decision, administrative decision or unfair treatment. Students with a grievance may consult with a Student Grievance Adviser to assist with the resolution process. For information about the process, support available and the contact details, please refer to the following website: http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/grievance/ 


 
6. LEAVE OF ABSENCE POLICY

6.1. Overview

This section sets out the policies and potential ramifications of taking leave of absence from the MBBS Program. 


Absence is defined as missing one or more components of the MBBS Program without application and approval for leave of absence. Any absence must be supported by a medical certificate or by the granting of leave.

Leave of Absence is a formal application for approved non-attendance in all components of the individual’s MBBS program for a specified period for a defined reason. No approvals will be granted outside of this process. 

MBBS Calendar Year: Attachments cannot be made up outside of the dates set in the calendar year for the MBBS. Students taking leave of absence should ensure that they have received prior approval from the relevant supervisor and have an agreed plan for making up missed work. 


Assessment Implications: The implications of not meeting assessment requirements are set out in the relevant course outlines. 


Please note the specific MBBS Academic Program Rules, which are available on the web:

‘Interruption of a program: Students must apply for permission from the Dean of Medicine or delegate before taking a Leave of Absence. Any extension of the leave without approval will result in the loss of place in the program but an application may be made to be re-admitted to the program subject to the admission procedures in place at the time.’

 
6.2 Types of Leave of Absence
Note that it is the responsibility of the student to notify the Course Coordinator, the clinical placement team and clinical attachment coordinators (in Years 4-6) of any absence as early as possible, and to ascertain the impact such leave will have on their academic standing. 

6.2.1 Long-term Leave (more than 5 days)

Under certain circumstances the Program Coordinator may approve a long-term leave of absence from the program. Students should be aware that taking extended leave of absence from any point during the year may require that the student repeat that year level of the MBBS program in full. For long breaks away from the MBBS program, students should note that they might be required to re-enter the program in an earlier year and repeat from that year.

(1) Planned Long-term Leave

Students planning to take long-term leave from the MBBS program must make an appointment to meet with and seek approval from the Program Coordinator beforehand. Students will be notified of the approval (by Program Coordinator signature on the “Leave of Absence” Form) for leave of absence after the meeting with the Program Coordinator.

(2) Unplanned Extended Absence

In some cases, a student may incur an unplanned extended absence from the MBBS Program, such that it would not be possible to pass the year. Students in this situation are advised to inform the Year Level Course Advisor as soon as possible. Approval must still be sought from the Program Coordinator, and a “Leave of Absence Form” must be completed and signed. 


6.2.2 Short-term Leave (less than 5 days)

(1) Unplanned Short-term Leave

Students who miss components of their MBBS program due to illness or unplanned non-medical reasons must complete the "Notification of Non-attendance" form and must be submitted within 3 business days of the end of the period of absence. 


1a. Short-term Leave Of Absence on Medical Grounds

Students who have missed components of their MBBS program due to illness must attach a medical certificate to the relevant "Non-attendance" form (Year 1-3 or Clinical Placement form). Students are reminded that they should have their own general practitioner who is NOT a relative, friend or family acquaintance. Medical Certificates will only be accepted from an independent medical practitioner. Short-term absence due to medical reasons, which are properly documented and notified, will not count against the attendance requirements for course components. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up on missed work within the MBBS calendar year.

1b. Unplanned Short-term Leave Of Absence for Non-Medical Grounds - notification after absence


Students who miss components of their MBBS program for unplanned non-medical reasons must notify the Year 1-3 or Year 4-6 Coordinator as soon as possible, with full details of the reasons for the absence documented as fully as possible in writing. The statement of reasons must also be attached to the relevant "Non-attendance" form. Unplanned absences of 3 days or less, do not require notification to the Program Coordinator but must still be documented and submitted directly to the Faculty as above. Short-term absences due to non-medical and appropriate reasons, which are properly documented and notified, will not count against the attendance requirements for course components. It is the student’s responsibility to catch up missed work within the MBBS calendar year.

(2) Planned Short-term Leave of Absence for Non-Medical Grounds - leave in advance

Strict attendance requirements are an important part of the MBBS course. One reason for this is to encourage from early days the concept of "professionalism" with respect to attendance and respect for patients, colleagues, teachers and supervisors.

Students who are aware that they will miss components of their MBBS program for non-medical reasons for a specified period for a defined reason must, prior to being absent, make application for short-term leave in writing on the MBBS Program Short-term Leave of Absence Application which must be submitted to the relevant Year 1-3 or Year 4-6 coordinator at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the start of the proposed leave. For Years 4 to 6, prior to submitting the application, the leave must be discussed with the attachment supervisor/s and the supervisor must record their written approval on the application form.

The Year 1-3 or Year 4-6 Coordinator will assess whether a student can academically cope with the proposed absence, after first reviewing an application for planned short-term leave. A student can be denied leave primarily on the grounds of being "at risk" academically. The final approval rests with the Program Coordinator, who will advise the student in writing of the outcome of their request. 

For leave greater than 5 days, approval must be sought from the Program coordinator.

 The typical situations where short-term leave will be approved are:

1. Attendance at conferences/meetings which are directly relevant to the MBBS studies

2. Participation in elite sporting or musical activities


3. Compelling compassionate reasons.

Short-term leave will not be granted for:

1. Planned/ Family holidays


2. Attendance at events or courses not relevant to the MBBS studies.

This policy is not intended to discourage students from exploring other life experiences, but as far as possible they should be confined to the university holiday breaks or the student's free time.

Students should be aware that tutorials and clinical attachments require attendance and time away may not be able to be made up. A student who is granted approved leave is excused from the attendance requirements for that period, although the student is instructed to work out how to make up the missed work as best as possible. 

Taking unapproved leave means that the student is not excused from the attendance requirements, and thus is at risk of not meeting the requirements for progressing through that year of the course. Students are strongly advised to ensure that they are not putting their successful completion of that year at risk by their planned absence. 


6.2.3 Prolonged or Repeated Absences 


It should be noted that an extended absence may result in an inability to redeem work and may result in an unsatisfactory result. 


6.2.4 Elite Athlete Support 


The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences is willing to assist elite athletes to balance their sport and study more effectively. Where the pursuit of athletic activities may interfere with academic performance, students are encouraged to prioritise their studies. Students participating in sports at an elite level must register with the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog of Adelaide’s Elite Athlete Program, and should also contact the Program coordinator by email if they are required to develop a program based on their individual needs. 


 
6.2.5 Summary of Process for Student Leave in the MBBS Program

There is an expectation that students in the MBBS program will behave professionally in terms of requesting and notifying relevant academic staff when needing to take leave that is unexpected or planned. Professional behaviour includes attendance at all learning activities offered as part of the MBBS program, although non-attendance at a large group session (e.g. whole class lecture) does not require formal notification. Failure to explain and notify relevant staff of absence from any small group sessions or placements will be considered as unprofessional conduct. Any student with a history of recurrent unexplained absences will be required to meet with the Year 1-3 Coordinator or Year 4-6 Coordinator to explain the absence, and depending on the reason for non-attendance, provide supporting documentation.

Generally for the leave of absence process students should: 

Contact their Supervisor/Tutor as soon as possible for unplanned leave such as a short illness, or in advance to inform them of any planned absence, and seek approval from Supervisor/Tutor

Develop a “make-up” plan for time missed with the Supervisor/Tutor, and send with relevant form to approving academic

Submit signed form and notify all those affected by your absence

Forms can be accessed from the FHMS Website (https://health.adelaide.edu.au/) under 'Current students' --> 'Forms' -->

 
Categories of Leave


All Years: Semester/Year/Long term leave - Submit 'Leave of Absence' form

Meeting with Coordinator of Medical Program - requires signature from Program Coordinator (Prof Nicky Hudson), as delegate of Dean of Medicine

Note: International Students: For leave of absence of 1 or more semesters, students must ALSO submit 'International Student Centre Amendment to Enrolment Form" (for students studying on a student visa with active confirmation of enrolment and who wish to take a break from or discontinue their study)


Year 1-3 Leave: < or = 3 days - Submit "MBBS Years 1-3 Non-Attendance Form" to Year 1-3 Coordinator (judith.nairn@adelaide.edu.au) within 3 business days of non-attendance

Notify relevant tutor(s)

No need for supporting documentation

This includes planned short term leave of up to 3 days (which can be submitted in advance) as well as unexpected/unplanned absence.

EXAMPLES: - Minor illness not requiring GP visit, but preventing student from attending hospital (risk to self and/or patients); Personal leave; Co-curricular Activity requiring a day's leave such as an Adelaide conference, job Interview, leadership event.



Year 1-3 Leave: >3 days - Submit "MBBS Years 1-3 Non-Attendance Form" to Year 1-3 Coordinator (judith.nairn@adelaide.edu.au) within 3 business days of non-attendance

Notify relevant tutor(s)

Need supporting documentation

Requires signature from Year 1-3 Coordinator

EXAMPLES - Extended illness >3 days requiring medical attention (hence medical certificate) - Presenting at an interstate or international conference - Attending a significant family/life event interstate or overseas 


Year 4-6 Leave: < or = 3 days - Submit “Clinical Placement Non-Attendance Form” (Under name 'Clinical Placement') to cpteam@adelaide.edu.au within 3 business days of non-attendance

Notify Supervisor/Tutor

No need for supporting documentation

This includes planned short term leave of up to 3 days (which assumedly can be submitted in advance) as well as unexpected/unplanned absence.

EXAMPLES: - Minor illness not requiring GP visit, but preventing student from attending hospital (risk to self and / or patients) - Personal leave 


Year 4-6 Leave 4 or more days - Submit “Clinical Placement Non-Attendance Form” (Under name 'Clinical Placement') to cpteam@adelaide.edu.au

Notify Supervisor/Tutor

Need supporting documentation

Need signature from Clinical Supervisor and Year 4-6 Coordinator (4-5 days) or MBBS Coordinator (more than 5 days)

(To be obtained by the faculty staff, not the students themselves - 'Office Use Only')

Students are also required to contact their Course Coordinator, especially in the case where students may need to make up for time missed on placement

EXAMPLES - Extended illness >3 days requiring medical attention (hence medical certificate) - Presenting at an interstate or international conference - Medical Student Convention OR Global Health Conference – Significant life event 


Please note: Leave of Absence, Non-Attendance, Short Term Leaves and any medical certificates cannot be used for applications for replacement assessment - they only notify the Year 1-3 coordinator of the reason for non-attendance at CBL, MPPD, Clinical Skills and Resource sessions in Yrs 1-3 and Clinical Placements in Yrs 4-6. The forms and procedures for replacement assessment are available online from http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/modified/replacement/. Minor or unsubstantiated reasons will not be accepted. Absences will be subject to approval at the discretion of the Program Coordinator. Please submit by email to Year 1-3 Coordinator or Year 4-6 Coordinator



7. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS


7.1 Provision and Maintenance of Contact Address and Telephone Number 


Students must advise of any changes in their contact address or telephone number as soon as possible by amending their details through Access Adelaide at https://access.adelaide.edu.au/. 


 
7.2 Responsibility to read email regularly 


It is essential that students regularly read their ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog e-mail, as important information will be sent to you from both academic and administrative staff. E-mail contact from the Faculty of Health Sciences will be made ONLY to a student’s ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog allocated email address. 



7.3 Authorised Statements Concerning Examination Requirements 


The procedures and arrangements for the MBBS Examinations are available in the relevant course outlines. Any variation in these procedures will be notified in writing via email. It is the responsibility of the individual student to monitor their email address, and alternative addresses will be not be utilised. Proof of delivery by the ×îÐÂÌÇÐÄVlog shall be sufficient evidence of notification.

Requirements for Year 5 of the MBBS Program

To complete Year 5 students must achieve a Non-Graded Pass (NGP) in the end of year summative assessments and in each of the following core courses:


5005 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU Medical & Scientific Attachment III

5006 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU     Medical & Scientific Attachment IV

5007 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU    Medical & Scientific Attachment V

5009 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU    Geriatrics and General Practice

5014 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU    Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine & Intensive Care V

5015 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU     Paediatrics and Child Health

5016 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU   Human Reproductive Health        

Students are required to take both the Part A and the matching Part B course.


Requirements to achieve a NGP in MEDIC ST 5000AHO/BHO The end of Semester 2  summative assessments:  

Assessment Task	Task Type	Weighting (%)	NGP	Additional assessment to determine final result(NGP or Fail)**	Fail
Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)*	Summative	50	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E
MCQ paper	Summative	50	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E

* The OSCE is a hurdle requirement. The hurdle benchmark is set at 45%. If students do not meet the hurdle, but are passing the overall semester 2 summative assessments, they will be offered a redemption assessment.

 Requirements to achieve a NGP in courses

Courses	Unit value of the course	NGP	Additional assessment to determine final result (NGP or Fail)**	Fail
5005 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU Medical & Scientific Attachment III	2	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E
5006 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU Medical & Scientific Attachment IV	2	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E
5007 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU Medical & Scientific Attachment V	2	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E
5009 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU Geriatrics and General Practice	4	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E
5014 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU Anaesthesia, Pain Medicine & Intensive Care V	2	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E
5015 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU Paediatrics and Child Health	6	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E
5016 AHO/BHO ARU/BRU Human Reproductive Health	6	Bands A, B, C	Band D	Band E
Total	24

The Bands of achievement are:

Band	Descriptor	Indicative % range
A	Above expected competency for Year 5	70+%
B	Clearly at expected competency for Year 5	56-69%
C	Just reaches expected competency for Year 5	50-55%
D	Just below expected competency for Year 5	45-49%
E	Far below expected competency for Year 5	<45%

**The result of a passed additional assessment is 50% = C band

To progress into year 6 a student must have achieved a NGP in six of the seven core courses (clinical attachments) and the end of year summative assessments. A NGP must subsequently be achieved for the remaining core course (clinical attachment).