WCMC Medical Excuse Policy
Weill Cornell Student Health Service does not provide excuses for routine illnesses, injuries and
mental health problems that may lead to missed educational activities. Cornell University
expects that students are honest with their faculty regarding their ability to complete work, and
faculty are expected to work with students on these issues. Faculty members who have concerns
about attendance issues should notify the appropriate associate dean or program director for
assistance.
Students with illness in Patient Care Settings
In order to prioritize patient safety, students are discouraged from participating in direct patient
contact when seriously ill. If a student is determined to have symptoms or a condition that
require the student be restricted from direct patient contact, the Director of Student Health will
work with the student and supervising faculty in determining appropriate restriction of duties and
any necessary, “return to work” evaluation. The student and their supervisor will determine the
need and manner for making up missed work.
The following signs and symptoms of communicable illness should prompt students involved in
patient care to receive evaluation at SHS: persistent cough, fever, sore throat, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, rash, red and weeping eyes.
Assistance with serious, ongoing illness or injury
When a student is hospitalized or has a serious, ongoing illness or injury, and with the student’s
consent, the Director of Student Health (or Director of the Student Mental Health Program) will
communicate with the appropriate staff in charge of the student’s educational program and
remain available to discuss related matters of health leaves or accommodations. Medical
students with ongoing illness or injury as a result of infectious agents or occupational hazards are
reminded to contact the Associate Dean for Student Affairs (see the Medical Student Handbook
under “Effects of Infectious and Environmental Disease or Disability on Medical Student
Learning Activities") Physician Assistant Students should reference their Student Handbook.