Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Department of Physician Assistant Studies
Student Health Service
The following Student Health services are available at the Medical Center Employee Health Services Clinic on a walk-in basis Monday through Wednesday and Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Thursday from 7:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.:
• All activities relating to immunizations, such as continuation of hepatitis B vaccinations, checking hepatitis B titers post-vaccination, updating tetanus boosters and other immunizations, and maintenance of immunization records;
• All human or animal blood and body fluid exposures (initial work-up, treatment, and follow-up);
• Any communicable disease exposures and follow-up;
• Yearly tuberculosis screening;
• All work-related injuries, illnesses, and follow-up;
• An Acute Care Clinic with Physician Assistant/M.D. coverage is available Monday through Friday for walk-ins from 7:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and by appointment from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday and 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday. The student also will continue to have the option of seeking acute care from his/her primary care physician in WFU Family Medicine.
Each student is assigned to a primary care physician (PCP) who is a faculty member in the Department of Family and Community Medicine. Students are encouraged to utilize their PCPs for all acute or chronic health problems for which they might not normally wish to visit Employee Health Services. The earlier hour availability at the Employee Health Services Acute Care Clinic might allow students to be seen for acute care problems prior to the beginning of their daily classes or clerkship rotations. Employee Health’s nursing services are also available from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Problems may be referred to the PCP at the discretion of Employee Health.
Contact Dr. Scott Spillmann (716-8036) or Jeanne Goss (716-2195) at Employee Health with questions regarding the Student Health Service. Contact Donna Phoenix (716-3724), Department of Family and Community Medicine, with questions regarding PCPs. (WFUSM Bulletin, p. 52)
Mandatory Student Health Records
A complete physical examination, immunization history, and personal health history are required for admission to the School of Medicine and must be received by the Student Health Service prior to matriculation. (WFUSM Bulletin, p. 49)
Mandatory Immunizations
North Carolina Immunization Rules 15ANCAC 19A.0400, effective July 1, 1994, require that specific immunizations be documented within thirty (30) days following enrollment. We require that all immunization obligations be fulfilled before matriculation. Failure to comply will result in suspension until immunization or documentation is complete.
Diphtheria/Pertussis/Tetanus (DPT)
• Tetanus/Diphtheria (TD or Td) within past 10 years
Rubeola (Measles)
• Two doses live attenuated vaccine or two MMRs given after 12 months of age and at least one month apart, or
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (rubeola titer)
Mumps
• One dose live attenuated mumps vaccine or one MMR after 12 months of age, or
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (mumps titer)
Rubella (German Measles)
• One dose live attenuated rubella vaccine or one MMR after 12 months of age, or
• Laboratory evidence of immunity (rubella titer)
Chickenpox (varicella zoster) titer
• History of disease will not be accepted. No exceptions. Varicella Vaccine will be required for negative titer results
Hepatitis B
• The series of three shots is highly recommended for medical and PA students. This is the only immunization not required before matriculation. Students who refuse must sign a document of declination. All or part of the series may be received outside of Wake Forest University School of Medicine, but documentation must be given to Employee Health. A blood titer determining immunity is recommended after the series is finished. Students will be billed for the vaccine and post-vaccine titer through the cashier’s office.
Tuberculosis
• A PPD test is required within the 12 months prior to the matriculation date. Tine tests are NOT acceptable.
• A PPD test is not required if prior results have been positive. When a prior TB test has been positive, you must provide a copy of your chest x-ray report made within the 12 months prior to the matriculation date and documentation of any treatment received.
Wake Forest University School of Medicine’s requirements exceed the state laws because it follows the guidelines provided by the Immunizations Practices Advisory Committee of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for persons working in health-related occupations [HHS Publication No. (CDC) 84-8017]. (WFUSM Bulletin, p. 49)
Blood-borne Pathogens Prophylaxis
In keeping with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, all students must annually document attendance at a training session devoted to the avoidance of biological hazards. This instruction will take the form of mandatory lectures emphasizing the control of blood-borne pathogens.
The procedures for care and treatment after accidental exposure to a biological hazard are available from Employee Health who should be contacted at 716-4801 immediately upon a needle stick or other work-related hazardous occurrence. After 5:00 p.m., weekends, and holidays, students should contact the Nursing Supervisor through the hospital operator to report any blood/body-fluid exposure. (WFUSM Bulletin, p. 50)