PROGRAM IN LIBERAL MEDICAL EDUCATION ACADEMIC

PROGRAM IN LIBERAL MEDICAL EDUCATION

ACADEMIC AFFAIRS POLICIES HANDBOOK

PLME Class of 2022

September 2018

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

Table of Contents

Table of Contents ....................................................................................................................................... 1

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 3

2. ACADEMIC OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM IN LIBERAL MEDICAL EDUCATION (PLME) ................... 4

2.1 PLME Competencies/Course Requirements ...................................................................... 5

I. Biology ........................................................................................................................... 5

II. Chemistry ....................................................................................................................... 6

III. Mathematics .................................................................................................................. 7

IV. Physics ........................................................................................................................... 7

2.2 Additional PLME Course Recommendations for a Liberal Education ................................... 8

I. Behavioral Sciences ........................................................................................................ 8

II. Humanities and Social Sciences ...................................................................................... 8

III. Statistics and Epidemiology Courses .............................................................................. 9

IV. Writing Skills .................................................................................................................. 9

V. PLME Capstone Course .................................................................................................. 9

Awards and Honors...................................................................................................................... 9

Advanced Standing ..................................................................................................................... 10

3. EXPECTATIONS FOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN UNDERGRADUATE YEARS ............................ 10

Taking Courses “S/NC” – Satisfactory/No Credit ......................................................................... 11

Course Performance Reports (CPRs) when taking course S/NC ................................................... 11

Summer and Winter Courses at Brown University ...................................................................... 11

4. EVALUATING THE ACADEMIC PROGRESS OF STUDENTS IN THE PLME ........................................ 12

PLME Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) .................................................................................... 12

a. Notes of Concern for Courses graded “NC” or “No Credit” ............................................ 13

b. Dropping Courses .......................................................................................................... 13

c. PLME Academic Warning ............................................................................................. 13

d. PLME Academic Probation ........................................................................................... 13

e. PLME Dismissal ............................................................................................................ 13

f. Withdrawal from the PLME .......................................................................................... 14

Notes about Biology in the PLME............................................................................................... 10

Taking Courses for Credit Outside of Brown University ........ ....................................................... 11

PLME Educational Plan............................................................................................................... 12

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

8. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR PLME UNDERGRADUATES ................................................. 18

9. LEAVE TAKING IN THE PLME ......................................................................................................... 18

a. Good Academic Standing in the College ....................................................................... 19

b. Leave Taking & Leave Returning Deadlines ................................................................... 19

c. PLME Student Responsibilities ...................................................................................... 19

d. Study Abroad ................................................................................................................ 19

e. Study at a College or University in the United States ..................................................... 19

f. Personal Leave of Absence (LOA) ................................................................................. 19

g. Medical Leave of Absence ............................................................................................ 20

i. Psychological Leave of Absence .................................................................................... 20

j. Deferral to AMS ............................................................................................................ 21

10. APPLYING TO OTHER MEDICAL SCHOOLS .................................................................................... 21

11. EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS: MEDICAL COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST (MCAT) ................................. 21

12. MEDICAL CAREERS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES ............................................................... 22

14. MATRICULATION TO THE WARREN ALPERT MEDICAL SCHOOL (AMS) .......................................... 24

15. AFTER AMS – APPLYING FOR RESIDENCY ....................................................................................... 25

16.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR PLME AND AMS STUDENTS ............................... 26

TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR AMS ADMISSION, CONTINUATION, AND GRADUATION................ 23

7. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PLME AND THE COLLEGE’S DISCIPLINARY PROCESS .............. 17

6. FAILURE TO MEET PLME EXPECTATIONS WITHIN THE COLLEGE ................................................. 17

a. Academic Probation from the College .......................................................................... 17

b. Suspension from the College ........................................................................................ 17

c. Dismissal from the College ........................................................................................... 17

d. Appeals Process for Suspension and Dismissal ............................................................. 17

PROFESSIONALISM..................................................................................................................... 14

a. Termination of Enrollment from the PLME................................................................. 15

h. Returning from a Medical Leave of Absence ................................................................. 20

a. Process of Assessment of Applicants' TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR MEDICINE............... 22

13.

PLME Professionalism Standing Pathway................................................................................... 16

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

1. INTRODUCTION

This handbook was created to familiarize you, the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) student, with the

expectations of the PLME and the opportunities afforded you as you begin your journey towards your medical

degree. We have included the policies, procedures, and guidelines related to PLME academic affairs and the

requirements for promotion to Alpert Medical School (AMS). It is important for PLME students to recognize the

dual missions of the PLME: to provide you with a unique opportunity to develop your academic interests,

particularly through a liberal arts education, while also preparing you for the rigors of medical training. We look

forward to working closely with you on your academic, personal, and professional development.

Julianne Ip, MD

Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME)

Clinical Professor of Family Medicine and Medical Science

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

2. ACADEMIC OVERVIEW OF THE PROGRAM IN LIBERAL MEDICAL EDUCATION (PLME)

The Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) is an eight-year program, the only combined baccalaureate-MD

program in the Ivy League, and a major route of admission to the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown

University. It combines liberal arts education at Brown University with medical education at Alpert Medical School

(AMS). It is designed to enable each student to pursue their own interests (e.g., humanities, social sciences,

natural sciences, physical sciences) in depth as they prepare for a career

as a physician. The PLME encompasses the requirement for

The Nine Abilities

two degrees: a Bachelor’s of Arts or Sciences (AB, ScB) and

1. Effective Communication

2. Basic Clinical Skills

3. Using Basic Science in the Practice of Medicine

4. Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment

5. Lifelong Learning

6. Professionalism

7. Population Health and Advocacy

8. Moral Reasoning and Clinical Ethics

the Doctor of Medicine (MD). In addition, students with

research or other academic interests are encouraged to

work toward a graduate degree, Master of Arts, Sciences,

or Public Health (MA, MS, MPH) or pursue of one of the

medical school’s scholarly concentrations, PhD or MD/PhD.

The PLME is concerned with the general education of the

future physician. This means that its graduates must be

prepared to enter the next phase of their professional

education and be equipped for a life of scholarship and

service as broadly cultured, caring individuals. To achieve

9. Clinical Decision Making

these goals through the PLME, the student is expected to

display initiative and intellectual discipline in a rigorous

academic program, while the faculty and PLME advisors contribute flexibility, guidance, and support.

The PLME and AMS have introduced several innovations in medical education. Among these is a set of

competencies that form the basis for the curriculum of both the undergraduate and medical education

components of the PLME. These competencies, the Nine Abilities, encompass a broad range of expectations for

future physicians, ranging from traditional clinical skills to the more elusive aspects of the art of medicine.

The key to achieving the goals of the PLME undergraduate years is an individualized educational plan.

Achievement of individual objectives, frequent periodic review by PLME advisors, and demonstration of

competence, proficiency, and skills in critical areas of knowledge constitute the milestones on the way to the

medical degree. Each student, in close collaboration with their PLME advisor, will develop an individualized

educational plan in the spring of sophomore year. The plan should include an outlined program of studies,

including concentration plans, a statement of personal goals, and plans for advanced degrees, honors and

enrichment activities. Failure to complete a PLME Educational Plan by the required deadline during Year 2,

Semester II could result in separation from the PLME.

The following pages serve as a guide for PLME students to develop their educational plans. It is vital to

remember that in addition to the PLME requirements listed here, each student must also fulfill the requirements

for a concentration program leading to a bachelor's degree. Please refer to the Brown Course Announcement

Bulletin for details regarding concentration requirements.

There is flexibility inherent in the PLME guidelines to allow for personalization of plans. If a student thinks they

have achieved competence outside of the guidelines, such as summer courses (based on Brown the College’s

guidelines) or independent study, the student is encouraged to seek out their PLME advisor for deliberation and

discussion. Advanced Placement (AP) credit is addressed more specifically in these guidelines. Also, Guide to

Brown for Entering Students and their Families includes pertinent information on advanced placement.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

2.1 PLME Competencies/Course Requirements

PLME competencies must be met by the end of the spring semester of the senior year for students to

begin medical school, and preferably before starting their senior year.

I. Biology

Because of the essential nature of the biology competency, there are standards that apply to this competency but

not others.

To fulfill the biology competency, students must take four of the biology courses or equivalents listed in the table

below. The biology courses required to fulfill the biology competency must be taken at Brown during either the

fall or spring semester (NOT during the summer or winter sessions).

Three (3) biology courses listed below must be fulfilled with a grade B or better, except as noted for BIOL 0280,

Introduction to Biochemistry.

BIOL 0280 is required of all PLME students and may be taken S/NC if three (3) PLME biology competencies have

been taken and the student achieves a grade of B or better.

Table 1: PLME Biology Competencies

Brown Course

Course Title/Note

Of the following:

BIOL 0200

The Foundation of Living Systems

AP Biology Exam score of 4 or 5

Minimum IB HL score of 5

Passing score: Brown Department of Biology

Placement Test

Documentation Required

Courses from this list:

BIOL 0470

Genetics

BIOL 0500

Cell and Molecular Biology

BIOL 0510

Introductory Microbiology

BIOL 0530

Principles of Immunology

BIOL 0800

Principles of Physiology

BIOL 1310

Developmental Biology

BIOL 1880

Comparative Biology of the Vertebrates

Neuro 0010

The Brain: An Introduction to Neuroscience

BIOL 0280

Introduction to Biochemistry: Note: BIOL-0280 may be taken S/NC if at least 3

PLME biology competencies from this table have been fulfilled and the student

achieves a grade of B or better.

Total Biology Competencies

Students with exceptional preparation in biology should explore more advanced courses and/or independent work

with their PLME advisor. Students may be referred to the Biology Undergraduate Affairs Office for guidance.

Students concentrating in biology should see their concentration advisors to discuss additional biology course

requirements.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

In keeping with Brown University policies, we have not imposed a cumulative GPA requirement for PLME students.

In the event that a student needs one additional biology course to complete the PLME biology competencies, and

in the same semester decides to take two biology competency courses, the following policy applies:

3. If the student receives an A or B in one biology competency course but a C or NC in the other biology

competency course, the student will NOT have fulfilled the criteria to remain in good academic standing.

4. If a student drops a biology competency course, the student will not have received a grade of B or better.

Thus, a late drop of a PLME biology competency course is considered comparable to receiving a C or No

Credit (NC) in the course, and the student will NOT have fulfilled the criteria to remain in good academic

standing.

5. The required biology courses must be taken at Brown, during the fall or spring semester (NOT during the

summer or winter). See “Expectations for Academic Performance in the Undergraduate Years,” for

further information.

Brown University does not calculate a grade point average (GPA). However, GPAs are calculated as part of the

American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) process that is required to be completed prior to

matriculation to the medical school. GPAs of all AMS matriculates are, therefore, reported to the Association of

American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and other agencies.

II. Chemistry

In preparation for understanding biochemistry, metabolic physiology, nutrition and genetics, a student must have

competency in chemistry. A firm grounding in inorganic and organic chemistry sufficient to understand

intermediary metabolism and the regulation of physiologic processes and biosystems is essential.

Table 2: PLME Chemistry Competencies

Brown Chemistry Department Placement Test is required for all students and will determine competency for Chemistry

0330. Chemistry placement test exceptions are as follows: students who took the AP Chemistry Exam score and received a

score of 4 or 5 and, students with an IB HL score of 6 do not have to take the chemistry placement test for CHEM 0330.

CHEM 0330 or equivalent

Equilibrium, Rate and Structure

CHEM 0350 or equivalent

Organic Chemistry

CHEM 0100–Introductory Chemistry a preparatory course. Students who would benefit from additional

preparation before taking CHEM 0330 may consider taking CHEM 0100.

Each PLME student should consult their PLME advising dean and the Chemistry Department for individual advice

and placement in chemistry. We anticipate that the majority of PLME freshmen will begin with CHEM 0330–

Equilibrium, Rate and Structure.

Students concentrating in the sciences should see their concentration advisors regarding possible chemistry

requirements.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

III. Mathematics

Introductory level knowledge of calculus (MATH 0090 or equivalent) is required for the PLME student. Per the

College’s guidelines, a student can place out of the Math 0090 competency by meeting one of the following

criteria:

Table 3: PLME Mathematics Competencies

AP Exams

AB Calculus 4 or 5, BC Calculus 3: earns AP credit for MATH 0090

BC Calculus 4 or 5: earns AP credit for both MATH 0090 and MATH0100

IB HL

MATH 0900

Introductory Calculus, Part I

*Brown Mathematics Department

Calculus Placement Exam

To document your placement for PLME purposes, students should provide a copy of

the exam to their advising dean and discuss.

*The Calculus Placement test is a self-graded, multiple-choice exam. The exam is completely optional and results

and course placement are purely advisory. It will not be recorded or used for any official purpose. As noted, PLME

students may utilize the exam to fulfill the PLME math competency.

The Mathematics Department will offer course recommendations based on your exam score. Clearly, those

recommendations will be more reliable if you have done some reviewing before taking the exam. For more

information visit the Mathematics Department website

Students concentrating in mathematics should see their concentration advisors regarding possible mathematics

requirements.

IV. Physics

Students need to be able to comprehend and to apply the concepts of physics to basic medical science,

particularly physiology. Understanding the physical sciences ensures comprehension of the integration of

structure and function of living systems. Students concentrating in the sciences should see their concentration

advisor regarding the physics requirement.

Table 4: PLME Physics Competencies

PLME students must fulfill competencies equivalent to two of the following courses (one from each column)

IB HL Score of 5

AP Exams

5 in Physics C (Mechanics exam 2)

PHYS 0040, PHYS 0060, PHYS 0160, PHYS 0470, PHYS 0500, or an

appropriate 1000-level physics course may receive retroactive credit for

PHYS 0030.

Students with these scores may contact the Dean of the College to

petition for retroactive AP credit. While these are the requirements for

earning AP credit, they are not necessarily required for placement in a

physics course when a student enters Brown.

4 in Physics C (Mechanics exam 2) AND,

5 in Physics C (Electricity & Magnetism exam 3)

5 in Physics B

SAT II-Physics

(Subject Test)

750+, a score of 750 or greater on the SAT II Physics subject test fulfills the PLME Physics Competency

PHYS 0030*

Basic Physics

PHYS 0040

Basic Physics

PHYS 0050*

Foundations of Mechanics

PHYS 0060

Foundations of Electromagnetism & Modern Physics

Added in 2020 revision.

PHYS 0070* Analytical Mechanics PHYS 0470 Electricity and Magnetism

ENGN 0030 Introduction to Engineering ENGN 0040 Dynamics and Vibrations

PHYS1610

Biological Physics*

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

2.2 Additional PLME Course Recommendations for a Liberal Education

I. Behavioral Sciences

Understanding the way human beings feel, behave, and react to illness constitutes an ancient and revered

tradition in medicine. Students should have sufficient background to ensure adequate introduction to the insights,

language, and methodology of the behavioral sciences. To this end, students are highly encouraged, but not

required, to pursue a course in behavior and/or normal development prior to the medical portion of the

curriculum. This area of your preparation for medical school is becoming increasingly important; thus, a selection

from one or more of the following courses is highly recommended. These are examples of courses and may not be

offered every semester.

Table 5: PLME Recommended Courses: Behavioral Sciences

ANTH 0200

Culture and Human Behavior

ANTH 0300

Culture and Health

ANTH 1305

Medical Humanities: Critical Perspectives on Illness, Healing and Culture

CLPS 0610

Children’s Thinking

CLPS 0700

Social Psychology

CLPS 0701

Personality

CLPS 1700

Abnormal Psychology

EDUC 0800

Intro to Human Development and Education

EDUC 1270

Adolescent Psychology

EDUC 1430

The Psychology of Race, Class, and Gender

EDUC 1580

Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Child Development

Yearly additional courses from the Medical Humanities, Cogut Center, and School of Public Health may be

pertinent, so be sure to check with your advisor.

II. Humanities and Social Sciences

Medicine is practiced in a social context. A well-educated physician should draw upon the perspectives, modes of

analyses, and scholarship represented in the humanities and social sciences, as they shape both personal values

and an outlook on life. Regardless of concentration, every student is expected to integrate aspects of the

humanities and social sciences into their educational plan. No particular subject area is required. Rather, the

student should structure their education in consultation with their advisor to develop an integrated program of

study involving courses in the humanities and/or social sciences. The objective is a coherent plan and significant

scholarship, not a set number of courses. The program is seeking a liberal broad-based education for our

graduates. A well-rounded education, including the humanities and social sciences, is increasingly more important

to the future physician.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

III. Statistics and Epidemiology Courses

Statistics and Epidemiology are extremely important as you move forward in medicine to interpret and

utilize research papers. The PLME highly recommends at least one of the following courses.

Table 6: PLME Recommended Courses in Statistics and Epidemiology

CLPS 0900

Quantitative Methods in Psychology

SOC 1100

Introductory Statistics for Social Research

POLS 1600

Political Research Methods

APMA 0650

Essential Statistics

APMA 1070

Quantitative Models of Biological Systems

Probability

MATH 1620 Mathematical Statistics

ECON 1620 Introduction to Econometrics

PHP 2300 Research Methods

PHP 2390 Quantitative Methods for Behavioral and Social Science Intervention Research

PLCY 1300 Statistics for Public Policy

IV. Writing Skills

All PLME students are required to develop their written communication skills for the College Writing requirement

and also to meet Ability 1: Effective Communication. PLME advisors will assist each student in planning a

curriculum that includes appropriate writing experience (e.g., seminar, papers, a thesis).

The writing requirement at Brown is a developmental process. This means that you must make an effort to work

on your writing at least once during the first half of your education (by your fourth semester), and at least once

during the second half (by your seventh semester).

V. PLME Capstone Course

A PLME Senior Capstone course (PLME 1000) is offered in the fall semester. This course is an interdisciplinary and

integrative science course that will supplement the preparation of the PLME student for the study of medicine in

the 21st century. The course will use a case-based approach to relevant and contemporary subjects in medicine

and health care, such as biological systems and their interactions, mechanisms of intra- and intercellular

communication, drug therapy optimization, and humanistic aspects of patient care. One of the goals of the course

is to transition PLMEs to the Alpert Medical School, therefore completion of PLME 1000 is an academic

expectation of all PLME students. If you are unable to take the course,the course an adequate rationale must be

provided to the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME).

Awards and Honors

During their undergraduate years, PLME students are eligible for awards and honors bestowed by Brown

University and by the PLME. Selection for such awards and honors follows established University procedures.

Please note that students who take advanced standing are not considered for PLME awards.

APMA 1650 Statistical Inference

PHP 1510 Principles of Biostatistics and Data Analysis

DATA 1010 An Introduction to Topics in Probability, Statistics and Machine Learning

MATH 1610

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

Advanced Standing

In accordance with the College rules and regulations, a PLME student may take advanced standing. That is,

students may complete the degree in fewer than eight semesters if they have approved AP exam scores,

international certification scores, or college credits from an approved program of study either at Brown Summer

School or at another institution. (http://www.brown.edu/academics/college/degree/policies/advanced-standing).

However, the PLME is a non-accelerated program and, therefore, a PLME may not take a full year of advanced

standing AND enter the medical school a year early. Pedagogically, the intent of the program is to utilize your

advanced course work to delve more deeply into upper level courses, not to accelerate. The goals of the PLME

dictate that the full eight years be utilized to enhance the student’s development as a future Brown physician

graduate.

Please note that it is still permissible to take one semester of advanced standing, meaning you would be taking 3.5

years of actual coursework at Brown. Graduating in 3.5 years allows you to enter medical school with your class.

Pedagogically, you should engage in advanced research or pursue your other passions and utilize the half year to

enhance your personal and professional growth. The PLME and Medical School transcript is continuous, so time off

will be visible on residency applications.

3. EXPECTATIONS FOR ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN UNDERGRADUATE YEARS

To remain in good academic standing within the PLME, students are expected to meet certain minimum

guidelines.

PLME students must demonstrate consistent and satisfactory progress in meeting competency requirements in

basic preclinical sciences (biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics), the behavioral sciences, and the

humanities and social sciences.

All undergraduate requirements are reasonably expected to be attained within a four-year period, though a longer

period of time may be allowed for students taking a leave of absence, seeking advanced degrees, engaging in

work-study options, or possessing extenuating circumstances other than poor academic performance.

In all cases, an undergraduate PLME student must satisfy all competencies listed in this handbook and be in good

academic standing by the end of their final semester prior to completing a bachelor’s degree in order to begin

medical school.

Notes about Biology in the PLME

Three biology courses (two if the student places out of BIOL 0200) must be completed with a grade of B or better

in order to enter Alpert Medical School. *note the exception of Biochemistry (BIOL 0280) may be taken S/NC if

three other biology courses are B or better (or two if a student places out of BIOL 0200). A PLME student may opt

to take Biochemistry (BIOL 0280) as one of their three biology competencies and in this case must receive a B or

better.

If you drop a biology competency course, you will not have received a grade of B or better. Thus, a late drop of a

PLME biology competency course is considered comparable to receiving a C or NC in the course, and the student

will not have fulfilled the criteria to remain in good academic standing.

The biology courses required to fulfill the biology competency must be taken at Brown during either the fall or

spring semester (NOT during the summer or winter).

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

For students who choose to take more than three biology courses, the first three (two if the student places out of

BIOL 0200) taken from the approved list must be taken for a grade.

In the event that a student needs one additional biology course to complete the PLME biology competencies, and

in the same semester decides to take two biology competency courses, the following holds: if the student receives

an A or B in one biology competency course but a C or NC in the other biology competency course, the student will

not have fulfilled the criteria to remain in good academic standing

Taking Courses "S/NC" - Satisfactory/No Credit

While Brown University does not report grades of “NC” on official transcripts, PLME students should know that

internal transcripts contain these notations. Thus, courses in which students receive NC are known to the PLME

Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) and the Medical Committee on Academic Standing and Professionalism

(MCASP) at the time of their meetings. If a student wishes to drop a course, it must be done by the Registrar’s

deadline so that an NC grade does not appear on the internal transcript. However, excessive drops of courses may

be considered in decisions regarding the expectations for academic performance in the undergraduate years (see

below).

Course Performance Reports (CPRs) When Taking Courses S/NC

PLME students who elect to take courses on a Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NC) basis, especially PLME competency

courses, must ask the professor of the course to complete a Course Performance Report (CPR) and complete a

request in "ASK" (College Advising Sidekick). These CPRs will be used in the PLME academic evaluation process. For

all other courses, instructors may decline to submit such a form if they believe they have inadequate information

to do so and cannot be required by the PLME to complete a CPR.

Summer and Winter Courses at Brown University

Students taking summer or winter courses at Brown for PLME competency must adhere to the academic

performance requirements (Page 3) to remain in good academic standing with the PLME (see also Section V.1). The

biology courses required to fulfill the biology competency must be taken at Brown during either the fall or spring

semester (NOT during the summer or winter sessions).

Summer or winter courses at Brown are not counted by the PLME towards a student’s path back to good standing,

if the student is on Academic Warning or Probation with the PLME.

Taking Courses for Credit Outside of Brown University

Brown students have the option of studying away at four-year accredited colleges and universities in the United

States and in certain approved study abroad programs not sponsored by Brown. Students who wish to avail

themselves of either of these options should contact the appropriate Dean of the College Office or Office of

International Programs to ensure that the courses they would like to take elsewhere qualify for transfer back to

Brown. Credit for courses taken at other institutions must be approved in advance through established University

procedures and be officially transferred for credit.

Students receiving a grade of "D" or “F” in any course taken at another accredited institution will relinquish

eligibility for matriculation to Alpert Medical School. While this policy may seem inconsistent with the academic

culture at Brown, a decision to undertake courses at other institutions entails a responsibility to perform to

accepted academic standards at that institution.

NOTE: All PLME biology competency courses must be completed at Brown University.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

4. EVALUATING THE ACADEMIC PROGRESS OF STUDENTS IN THE PLME

PLME Educational Plan

As the basis for a PLME student’s ongoing academic, personal and professional journey, the PLME Educational

Plan is a requirement to remain in the PLME. The Educational Plan aids in reflecting upon each individual’s

interests and pursuit of Brown’s Open Curriculum, and assures the student’s preparedness for Alpert Medical

School. Given the open curriculum and the wide variety of options for meeting competencies, an approved PLME

Educational Plan is developed with the PLME student’s advising dean and is then reviewed by the PLME Academic

Affairs Committee (AAC). The set due date by which the PLME Educational Plan must be filed is on or around April

15 of the student’s 4th semester or Spring semester of sophomore year, whichever comes first. The educational

Plan must be submitted in its entirety, which includes a copy of the ASK approved concentration forms and a face

to face meeting with the student’s PLME advising dean resulting in a signature on the PLME Educational plan from

the advising dean and. Failure to file the PLME Educational Plan by the due date is grounds for separation from the

PLME.

The PLME educational plan is primarily a process, and therefore, may and should be flexible. However, any

changes in PLME competency courses once the PLME Educational Plan has been filed and approved must be re-

approved by the PLME student’s advising dean. Failure to seek re-approval once competency changes have been

made is a professionalism issue and may result in separation from the PLME. Our goal is to balance the PLME

student’s breadth, depth and pursuit of their concentration with a strong foundation in the sciences necessary for

medical school.

In summary:

1. An up-to-date PLME Educational Plan is a requirement to be enrolled as a PLME student: this

includes the plan to fulfill all PLME competencies as well as an approved undergraduate

concentration.

2. The PLME Educational Plan must be filed by a set date on or around April 15th, which will be

determined for each PLME class as they enter their 4th semester, or Spring semester of their

sophomore year (whichever comes first).

3. Once a PLME Educational Plan is submitted and approved, ANY changes in a PLME competency

course MUST be approved by the student’s PLME advising dean. Failure to do so could be grounds

for separation from the PLME.

PLME Academic Affairs Committee (AAC)

A subcommittee of the MCASP, the PLME Academic Affairs Committee (PLME AAC), will review the academic

progress and performance of all PLME students at the end of each regular semester during their undergraduate

years and sends letters to students indicating their academic standing in the PLME. The PLME AAC has the right

and discretion to determine the PLME student’s status based on their judgment as a committee and their overall

determination of the student’s preparedness for entrance into Alpert Medical School as well as the student’s

preparedness for a career as a physician. This may include consistent meeting of expectations and monitoring of

grades and progress to assure students meet their potential and our expectations of professionalism. The PLME

AAC is empowered to place a student on academic warning, or recommend to the MCASP that a student be

placed on academic probation or be dismissed, based on the criteria described below. Such students will be

notified in writing.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

a. Notes of Concern for Courses graded “NC” or “No Credit”

While Brown University does not report grades of “NC” on official transcripts, PLME students should know that

internal tran

scripts contain these notations. Thus, courses in which students receive NC are known to the PLME

AAC and MCASP at the time of their meetings. If a student wishes to drop a course, it must be done by the

Registrar’s deadline so that an NC grade does not appear on the internal transcript. However, excessive drops of

courses may be considered in decisions regarding the expectations for academic performance in the

undergraduate years (see below).

b. Dropping Courses

Courses dropped during the first two weeks of classes will not show on the internal academic record. Courses

dropped after the second week of classes will show on the internal academic record with t

he date each course

was dropped. Thus, for example, a late drop of a PLME biology competency course is considered comparable to

receiving a C or NC in the course, and the student will not have fulfilled the criteria to remain in good academic

standing.

c. PLME Academic Warning

Students who fail to maintain the PLME guidelines, or who fail to remain in good academic standing in the

College, may be issued an academic warning by the PLME. This signifies a serious concern on the part of the

PLME administration that academic performance or progress is falling below minimum expectations. The notice

of academic warning will include specific statements indicating the academic actions and levels of performance

the student must take in order to be considered for a return to good standing in the PLME, and the time frame

in which this is to be accomplished. Significant academic deficiency or failure to improve performance or

progress after an academic warning may result in the student being placed on academic probation.

d. PLME Academic Probation

Decisions to place PLME students on academic probation may be made only by the Medical Committee on

Academic Standing and Professionalism (MCASP). When students are placed on "academic probation", both

students and their parents/guardians will be notified in writing of this decision. A student may be put on PLME

Academic Probation and still meet the College’s standards for a student in good standing.

Academic probation represents a formal notice by the Medical Committee on Academic Standing and

Professionalism (MCASP) to students that their academic performance or progress is below minimum

expectations and that failure to improve performance or progress to an acceptable level may result in students

being dismissed from the PLME. The notice of academic probation will include specific statements indicating the

academic actions and levels of performance the student must attain in order to be considered to remain in the

PLME, and the time frame in which this is to be accomplished. Academic probation includes parental/guardian

notification.

Students who are on academic warning or academic probation at the time of graduation from the College will

forfeit their matriculation to the Alpert Medical School.

e. PLME Dismissal

Decisions to dismiss PLME students may be

made only by the MCASP. A student dismissed from

the College

for

academic reasons is automatically

dismissed from the PLME. Both students and their parents/guardians will be

notified in writing of this decision. A student dismissed from the PLME during the undergraduate years is not

necessarily dismissed from the College. That decision rests with the College Committee on Academic Standing

(CAS).

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

f. Withdrawal from the PLME

Students who have withdrawn from the PLME during their undergraduate education can only obtain admission to

the Alpert Medical School through application via the standard admissions route. Instructions for applicants are

located on the websites of the AAMC (for AMCAS application) and of the AMS Office of Admissions.

5. PROFESSIONALISM

As future physicians responsible for the well-being of patients, students enrolled in the Program in Liberal Medical

Education (PLME) are expected to uphold high standards of professional behavior. The professional behavior

expected of PLME students includes, but is not limited to, fulfilling all academic and extracurricular commitments,

adhering to Brown’s Academic Code and Non-Academic Code, responding to communications from the PLME

advising deans and staff in a timely manner, and treating all community members with respect. It also is expected

that PLME students behave in a professional manner as they are part of a medical education program leading to

medical licensure. This would pertain to being timely, attending meetings or informing the appropriate personnel

if unable to attend, and appropriate behavior in regards to alcohol, illicit drugs and overall social interactions with

members of the Brown and greater Rhode Island communities.

Incidents of unprofessional behavior on the part of students enrolled in the PLME and Alpert Medical School

(AMS) are rare. The vast majority of students act in ways that uphold the values of the profession throughout their

undergraduate PLME and medical education. However, in order to ensure that issues of professionalism are

handled in a manner that is consistent and fair, the medical school has adopted the following policy and

procedures to be administered through the Medical Committee on Academic Standing and Professionalism

(MCASP):

Issues of professionalism are documented through the “Professionalism Report Form,” a brief reporting

form that can be completed by individuals within the community. First reports of unprofessional behavior

are submitted to the student’s advising dean. Reports will be placed in the student’s PLME file which is

shared with the medical school administration. Anonymous reports will not be accepted, but the identity

of the person making the report may be kept confidential at the discretion of the PLME advising dean. Any

behavior that rises to the level of a violation of the Academic Code or Non-Academic Code will

automatically be dealt with via the University processes. Brown’s Academic Code and Code of Student

Conduct are available online. Students who are unsure about any point of Brown’s Academic Code or

Non-Academic Code should consult with their advising dean.

Two or more reports will be considered a pattern and be brought to the attention of the Associate Dean

of Medicine (PLME) and the PLME Academic Affairs Committee (AAC). The PLME AAC will share this with

the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education. The incident will then be reported to the MCASP. The

student in question will be alerted if their behavior is to be discussed at the MCASP. The Senior Associate

Dean for Medical Education will communicate any actions by the MCASP to the student and include the

Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME).

The MCASP will determine if the pattern of behavior warrants a “Professionalism Warning.” A

Professionalism Warning will take the form of a letter to the student, and will 1) express concern regarding

the pattern of behavior; and 2) ask the student to respond to the committee in writing with a brief

reflection on the behavior in question and a concrete plan for remediating the issue. The Associate Dean

of Medicine (PLME) will act as a resource for the student in writing an appropriate response and outlining

a plan.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

A Professionalism Warning will also include a statement that the MCASP may impose a “Professionalism

Citation” if 1) the response is not received within an appropriate time frame, as determined by the MCASP

and the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME); and/or 2) the remediation plan is not enacted within an

appropriate time frame, as determined by the MCASP and the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME). A

Professionalism Citation may result in dismissal from the PLME.

If a student who previously received a Professionalism Warning has an additional Professionalism Report

Form filed either as an undergraduate or AMS student, that student may be asked to appear before the

MCASP. If the student is enrolled in the PLME at the time the additional Professionalism Report Form is

filed, the MCASP will then determine if a Professionalism Citation and/or dismissal from the PLME is

warranted. If the student is enrolled in AMS at the time the additional Professionalism Report Form is

filed, the MCASP will determine the next course of action as appropriate.

It should be noted that termination of enrollment of a student from the PLME, without appearing before

the MCASP, may be warranted if the student does not respond to the PLME advising deans and

administrative staff despite multiple attempts of contact. For more information, please refer to the policy

on Termination of Enrollment from the PLME.

Students who are sanctioned by the College committee overseeing the Academic and Non-Academic Code will be

reported to the PLME. Unprofessional behavior which is inconsistent with the expectations of the medical

education program will be brought to the attention of the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education and may

be presented to the Medical Committee on Academic Standing and Professionalism (MCASP), as would be the

case for any medical student. Details regarding relevant policies are contained in the AMS Medical Student

Handbook .

a. Termination of Enrollment from the PLME

Termination from

the PLME is an administrative procedure that removes the PLME student from the Program. It

can be based on the complete lack of responsiveness by the student despite multiple attempts of contact by the

PLME advising deans and staff, and/or failure to follow protocols as outlined in the PLME Handbook.

The student may initiate an appeal of the PLME Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) decision to terminate their

enrollment from the PLME by contacting their PLME advising dean and the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME)

within 72 hours of notification of the Committee’s decision.

As the termination of enrollment is administrative since there

was complete lack of responsiveness by the

student and/or failure to follow protocols as outlined in the PLME handbook, the policy and procedures

administered through the MCASP (as outlined in the PLME Handbook under “Professionalism in the PLME”) will

not be implemented. Termination of enrollment from the PLME will include parental notification, including

confirmation that the notification was received.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

PLME Professionalism Standing Pathway

No additional

Professionalism

Reports filed

Student enacts

rem

edi

atio

n plan and no

additional Reports filed

PLME Professionalism Citation issued.

Considered for Dismissal from PLME by

MCASP if additional Reports filed

No Citation issued;

Student continued on

PLME Professionalism

Warning

Student fails to

enact remediation

plan or additional

Report filed

Considered for PLME

Professionalism Citation by

MCASP

PLME Professionalism

Warning not issued

Single Professionalism Report filed; Triggers

meeting with Academic Dean

Additional

essionalism

Report filed

Considered for PLME Professionalism

Warning by MCASP

PLME Professionalism

Warning issued

Comes to AMS on Good

Professionalism Standing.

Any additional reports and

MCASP will consider for AMS

Professionalism Warning (no

first FYI-only report)

Comes to AMS on AMS

Professionalism

Warning. Any

additional reports and

MCASP will consider for

AMS Professionalism

Citation

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

6. FAILURE TO MEET PLME EXPECTATIONS WITHIN THE COLLEGE

Students who are on academic warning or academic probation with the College at the time of graduation from the

College will forfeit their matriculation to the medical school.

a. Ac

ademic Probation from the College

Students who are on Academic Probation from the College are automatically placed on academic probation in the

PLME; see PLME Academic Probation (Section 7d.)

b. Suspension from the College

After a suspension from the College, a PLME student is automatically dismissed from PLME; therefore,

readmission to the College via formal petition to the Deputy Dean of the College, will be required and does not

result in automatic reinstatement into the PLME. A student who has been readmitted to the College may, after

successful completion of at least one semester of courses approved by the Associate Dean of Medicine, petition

the Medical Committee on Academic Standing and Promotion (MCASP) for readmission into the PLME.

c. Dismissal from the College

Formal petition to the Committee on Academic Standing will be required. PLME students who have been

dismissed from the PLME for any reason during their undergraduate education will forfeit their assured place in

the Alpert Medical School. Should such students successfully complete their undergraduate degree, admission to

the medical school is only possible by applying through the standard (AMCAS) route.

d. Appeals Process for Suspension and Dismissal

Upon notification of suspension or dismissal, a student may initiate an appeal by

filing a letter within 72 hours to

the Dean of Medicine & Biological Sciences requesting reconsideration of the decision. The letter should include a

statement describing the basis for the request and any documentation in support of the request. The Dean may

either: (1) reconsider the matter themselves, (2) direct the matter to the MCASP for review and consideration or

(3) direct the matter back to the MCASP for reconsideration and re-issuance of a recommendation to the Dean, if

the decision for suspension or dismissal came from the MCASP. The Dean will review the appeal in a manner that

they determine is appropriate under the circumstances. The Dean may, at their discretion, interview the student.

Upon appeal, the Dean may sustain, modify or reverse the original MCASP decision. The decision of the Dean is

final.

7. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PLME AND THE COLLEGE DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

Prior to the receipt of the bachelor’s degree, PLME students are subject to the rules and regulations governing all

other students in the College. With respect to academic discipline (such matters as plagiarism or cheating on an

examination) and with respect to non-academic discipline (such as abuse of alcohol or disorderly behavior), PLME

students will be subject to the same policies and procedures for adjudicating alleged infractions as are all

undergraduate students at Brown.

The PLME, as a matter of principle, will not attempt to duplicate hearings or other procedures. Further, the PLME

will not serve as a review mechanism or appeals board.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

Additionally, the PLME expects that candidates for the degree of Doctor of Medicine will behave in accordance

with the highest expectations and traditions of the profession. Thus, a determination by an appropriate University

body that a student is found in violation of either an academic or a non-academic regulation will have a bearing

upon the determination that a student is fit to continue their progress towards the medical degree. The Dean of

Medicine and Biological Sciences (or their representative – usually the Medical Committee on Academic Standing

and Professionalism) may decide that as a result of such a violation, the student is no longer fit to receive the

medical degree and may separate the student from the PLME.

For that reason, the PLME has established procedures, in consultation with the Dean of the College and the Office

of Student Life, to ensure that we are notified promptly if a PLME student is determined to be found in violation of

any academic or student conduct code and also of any sanction imposed by the duly designated College

authorities. The MCASP and the Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences (or their representative) retains the

authority to determine the extent to which a disciplinary action in the College impinges upon the student's status

in the PLME. AMS reserves the right to impose additional sanctions for violations of the institution’s academic and

non-academic codes.

8. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR PLME UNDERGRADUATES

The PLME offers a spectrum of activities, programs and experiences that can contribute to a student’s personal

and professional growth. These professional development (PD) activities are designed to promote a student’s self-

awareness, academic excellence, ethical development and sense of social responsibility.

Your goals for professional development should be to:

a) Develop a commitment to excellence, honesty and integrity in your academic, personal and professional

lives;

b) Develop the ability to work collaboratively with faculty, peers, patients, other health professionals and

members of the community;

c) Reinforce the conviction that the welfare of patients and society has priority over one’s self-interest;

d) Promote increased self-awareness and the ability to balance personal priorities with an appreciation of

the interests and concerns of others; and

e) Develop a commitment to lifelong learning and the pursuit of intellectual and creative interests, both

professional and personal.

Brown’s notion of liberal learning, with substantive focus on flexibility and choice, enables each student to select

from a variety of opportunities, while addressing individual interests and needs. Participation, while planned

individually, occurs with other PLMEs, medical students and alongside or collaboratively with practicing physicians.

While the goals for professional development are the same as those for the medical school, the objectives for

undergraduates are developmentally appropriate.

At regularly scheduled meetings with the PLME advisor, students will discuss their interests and create a plan to

address the goals of professional development. Together, they will select from among a variety of

existing

opportunities or formulate an approach to developing new ones.

9. LEAVE TAKING IN THE PLME

Consult an Academic Dean of the College: Students planning to take a leave of absence should consult with a Dean

to disc

uss their plans for time away and file the leave-taking form which will be shared with all University offices.

Students should consult the website of the Dean of the College for Leave of Absence

information and Returning

to Brown from a Personal Leave for additional information and a checklist of your responsibilities to the College.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

a. Good Academic Standing in the College

PLME students in good academic standing may elect to take leaves of absence for study, work, travel, self-

exploration, or for other reasons without any adverse effects on their academic standing. Such activities are

encouraged. See information about Leave Taking in the PLME.

b. Leave Taking & Leave Returning Deadlines

April 1 - Leaves and Re-admissions: Fall Semester

October 1 - Leaves and Re-admissions: Spring Semester

Readmission requests received after these dates may be denied because of enrollment limits.

c. PLME Student Responsibilities

PLME students must notify the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME) about their decision to take a leave of absence

after they have consulted with an Academic Dean of the College. This should be done prior to leaving campus.

PLEASE SEE REAPPLICATION PROCESS TO THE PLME.

If your permanent mailing address has changed, or will change while you are on leave of absence, you must make

the change to your Banner information and notify the PLME Office.

d. Study Abroad

Students planning to study outside of the United States should con

sult the Office of International Programs and

Exchanges in J. Walter Wilson.

If a student chooses to study abroad, they are on LOA from the College. The student must submit a letter

requesting readmission to the PLME. This readmission is handled administratively by the Associate Dean of

Medicine (PLME). The PLME student is routinely readmitted.

A student who had academic difficulty before they took their LOA to study abroad is an exception. In general, this

would not be an issue since students must be in good academic standing in order to study abroad. However, a

PLME student may have been on PLME academic warning or PLME academic probation prior to their LOA. The

student is returned to the PLME provisionally on “academic warning" or "academic probation” for the first

semester following their return to Brown. After one semester, the PLME Academic Affairs Committee reviews

their academic standing and continuation in the PLME.

e. Study at a College or University in the United States

Students planning to study at another institution in the United States should meet with an Academic Dean of the

College.

f. Personal Leave of Absence (LOA)

Students who wish to take a LOA for ANY reason must receive permission for the LOA from the Associate Dean of

Medicine (PLME). The PLME student will be readmitted to the PLME according to the following procedures.

The Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME) will need to hear, in writing, from the PLME student yearly to extend the

LOA.

The PLME student must notify the Office of the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME) by April 1 for a fall semester

readmission or by October 1 for a spring semester readmission.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

g. Medical Leave of Absence

Clearance from University Health Services and permission from a Dean in the Office of Student Life (Box P, x3-

3800) are required.

The students on LOA for medical reasons must work with the Office of Student Life and Brown Health Services to

assure that their health has improved to the point that they may return. The Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME)

will work with the OSL to coordinate this effort.

The College has a protocol for readmission for students on a LOA for psychological reasons. The Association Dean

of Medicine (PLME) will work with the Office of Student Life and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) to

assure that the student’s psychological health has improved to the point that they may return. The protocol

requires a letter to the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME) requesting readmission along with:

-A letter from the treating therapist sent to both the Director of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)and

the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME);

-A meeting with Brown Counseling and Psychological Services for an evaluation;

-A plan for continued therapy and intervention.

• A letter from the student’s physician must be sent to the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME) for review

by the Medical Director of Brown Health Services who will make a recommendation to the Office of

Student Life;

• The student must submit a plan for continued therapy and intervention;

• The Alpert Medical School, through the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME) will ascertain if the PLME

student can meet the Technical Standards for the Medical School. Per the Technical Standards Protocol, a

committee will be initiated if there is any concern.

i. Psychological Leave of Absence

The student must request readmission in writing to the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME);

h. Returning from a Medical Leave of Absence

The student also must not impose extraordinary demands on the College or PLME staff in terms of needs for

support.

The Alpert Medical School, through the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education, will ascertain if the PLME

student can meet the Technical Standards for Medical School

. Per the Technical Standards Protocol, a committee

will be appointed when necessary.

For all PLME students who are on academic warning or academic probation prior to their LOA (personal, medical or

psychological), in addition to the protocols listed above, the PLME students must complete a FIRST semester of 4

courses immediately upon readmission to Brown the College before they are considered for readmission to the

PLME.

The PLME student must choose the courses in consultation with the Association Dean of Medicine (PLME) and one

or more of the four courses should demonstrate progress in meeting the PLME competencies. Immediately upon

completing the ONE (1) semester, students must notify the Association Dean of Medicine (PLME) of their interest

in returning to the PLME and reapply at that time, by providing the ONE semester’s grades, appropriate

information regarding medical or psychological status, and letter of intent to return, all of which will be reviewed

by the MCASP.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

j. Deferral to AMS

Students cannot take more than the ONE semester to reapply to the PLME and this must be their FIRST semester

upon return to Brown.

For all students who are in their final semester or who have completed an undergraduate degree but not yet

matriculated into the Alpert Medical School prior to a psychological leave, the following is required (in addition to

the protocols listed above):

The PLME student should complete one year pursuing a full-time job or college courses (not at Brown University)

and, provide a letter to the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME) from an employer or a college dean (not from

Brown University) detailing the student’s responsible interaction with co-workers and employer, or fellow

students and faculty. * If the PLME student has been promoted to the Alpert Medical School, they must be in

contact with the PLME office through the Associate Dean of Medicine (PLME) annually to complete a LOA/deferral

form. Failure to be in contact on an annual basis will result in loss of the PLME seat at AMS.

Note: The official Brown University transcript does not differentiate between medical or psychological leave.

PLME students may defer entry into Alpert Medical School for the purpose of enriching their professional

development.

PLME students who defer their entry into the medical school will be allowed to hold their place in the medical

school for one year by seeking yearly approval for their deferral from the Associate Dean of Medicine

(PLME). However, approval will only be granted when deferral is for the purpose of promoting the student’s

professional development.

Deferrals of more one year may be proposed to the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education.

PLME students who are not allowed to continue their deferral are withdrawn from the program. They may reapply

to Alpert Medical School through the standard admission route.

10. APPLYING TO OTHER MEDICAL SCHOOLS

The mission of Alpert Medical School is to train physicians to meet the future health care needs of our nation.

Enrolling a targeted number of students to each class is a necessary first step to meeting this goal.

PLME students have the option to apply to other medical schools. In doing so, they will be withdrawn from the

position being held for them in the Alpert Medical School and will no longer be considered a matriculating eight-

year PLME student. However, they will have the option of applying to AMS via the standard (AMCAS) route, in

which case their application will be considered alongside other standard route applicants.

Individuals are asked to notify the PLME Office of their intent to “apply out” by October 15 of their senior year, or

by October 15 of each year they are on deferral. Students should know that the Office of the Associate Dean of the

College for Health and Law Careers will provide the PLME with the names of PLME students applying to other

medical schools at the start of each academic year.

11. EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS: MEDICAL COLLEGE ADMISSION TEST (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is NOT required for students enrolled in the PLME.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

12. MEDICAL CAREERS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Brown University has as its primary aim the education of a highly qualified and diverse student body. The University

offers equal educational opportunities and reasonable accommodations for the needs of qualified students with

disabilities. Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, reinforced by the Americans with Disabilities Act

(ADA) of 1990, maintains that no qualified individuals with disabilities shall, solely on the basis of their disability, be

excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any

program or activity in higher education.

Brown's Office of Student and Employee Accessibility Services

vii

(SEAS) offers undergraduate, graduate, and

medical students with special needs and helps to facilitate their integration into the campus community. Students

who wish to have information regarding accommodations for disabilities should contact the SEAS at 401-863-9588

or [email protected]. For additional information refer to the SEAS Grievance Policy

viii

Students recovering from alcoholism or drug addiction may contact the Dean for Issues of Chemical Dependency

housed in the Office of the Dean of the College, at 401-863-9800. The Dean provides confidential consultation for

all members of the campus community about drug and alcohol issues.

A career in medicine requires that candidates for the medical degree be capable of attaining competence in the

knowledge, skills, abilities, and personal values expected of all graduates of The Warren Alpert Medical School of

Brown University, with reasonable accommodation. Brown's policies regarding the Technical Standards for

Medicine

and the procedures for their evaluation are listed below. If you have a disability that you believe may

affect your ability to meet the technical standards, please contact the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education

at (401) 401-863-1618 as soon as possible to discuss your situation. If you do not contact the Senior Associate Dean

for Medical Education, we understand you to be stating that you will be able to meet the competency requirements

for medicine without any accommodations.

1. No inquiry will be made on the application forms concerning disability. Brown's policies regarding technical

abilities and skills necessary to meet the competency requirements are included with the letter of admission,

and students are asked at that time to contact the Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education if they have

any concerns about their ability to meet these standards.

2. Applicants who are identified as having a disability through volunteered information, supporting credentials, or

interviews will have an assessment of their ability to meet the competency requirements only after a

determination is made of their admissibility to the medical program.

3. Those applicants with disabilities deemed admissible to the Alpert Medical School will be requested to have

submitted on their behalf appropriate documentation in regard to the disability from a qualified health

professional. The health professional will be asked to provide an opinion on the candidate's ability to meet the

competency requirements for the medical degree. The applicant may also be requested to respond to that

question.

4. The responses will be submitted to a committee appointed by the Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences.

This committee may ask for a review of the supporting documentation by appropriate members of the faculty

in regard to the applicant's meeting the competency requirements. The committee will ascertain what

accommodations, if any, the medical program would need to make in order that the applicant might be able to

meet the competency requirements, and assess the feasibility of any needed accommodations.

5. The committee will review the information received to determine if the applicant will be able to meet the

competency requirements, with reasonable accommodations on the part of the medical program, if necessary.

6. The committee will recommend to the Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences acceptance of applicants who

can meet the competency requirements or will recommend rejection of those applicants who cannot meet the

competency requirements.

 a PROCESS FOR

ASSESSMENT OF APPLICANTS’ TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR MEDICINE

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

13. TECHNICAL STANDARDS FOR AMS ADMISSION, CONTINUATION & GRADUATION

Applicants to the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and therefore the Program in Liberal

Medical Education, are selected on the basis of their academic, personal, and extracurricular attributes. In

addition, all students must possess the intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities necessary to undertake

the full curriculum and to achieve the levels of competence required by the faculty. The required abilities and

characteristics for completion of the M.D. degree consist of certain minimum physical and cognitive abilities and

sufficient mental and emotional stability to assure that candidates participate fully in all aspects of medical

training. In addition, students must demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a health care team. Medical

education focuses largely on the care of patients, and differs markedly from postsecondary education in fields

outside of the health sciences. Technological accommodation is available to assist in certain cases of disability

and may be permitted in certain areas. However, under all circumstances, a candidate for the M.D. degree

should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. For example, the use of a third party means that

a candidate's judgment must be mediated by another person's (the third party) power of selection and

observation. Therefore, the use of a third party to assist a candidate or student in meeting the technical

standards for admission, promotion or graduation is not permitted. An accommodation is not reasonable if it

poses a direct threat to the health and safety of self and/or others, if making it requires a substantial

modification in an essential part of the curriculum, if it lowers academic standards, or if it poses an undue

administrative or financial burden. The following abilities and characteristics are defined as technical standards,

which, in conjunction with academic standards established by the faculty, are requirements for admission,

promotion and graduation.

a. Technical Standards for Medical School Admission*

A candidate for the MD degree must have abilities and skills in five varieties, including observation;

communication; motor; conceptual, integrative and qualitative; and behavioral and social.

1. Observation: The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic

sciences, including but not limited to the observation of radiologic images, microbiologic cultures,

and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. A

candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand.

Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation. It is

enhanced by the functional use of the sense of smell.

2. Communication: A candidate should be able to speak, to hear, and to observe patients in order to

elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity, and posture, and perceive nonverbal

communications. A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with

patients. Communication includes not only speech but reading and writing. The candidate must be

able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and written form with all members of the

health care team.

3. Motor: Candidates should have sufficient motor function to elicit information from patients by

palpation, auscultation, percussion, and other diagnostic maneuvers. A candidate should possess

the abilities necessary to perform basic laboratory tests (urinalysis, CBC, etc.), carry out diagnostic

procedures (digital rectal exam, paracentesis, etc.), and read EKGs and y-rays. A candidate should

be able to execute motor movements reasonably required to provide general care and emergency

treatment to patients. Examples of emergency treatment reasonable required of physicians are

cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the administration of intravenous medication, the application of

pressure to stop bleeding, the opening of obstructed airways, the suturing of simple wounds, and

the performance of simple obstetrical maneuvers. Such actions require coordination of both gross

and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

Intellectual-Conceptual, Integrative and Quantitative Abilities: These abilities include measurement,

calculation, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis. Problem Solving, the critical skill demanded of

physicians, requires all of these intellectual abilities. In addition, the candidate should be able to

comprehend three-dimensional relationships and to understand the spatial relationships of structures.

Behavioral and Social Attributes: A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full

utilization of their intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all

responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature,

sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to tolerate physically taxing

workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing

environments, to display flexibility, and to learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent to the

clinical problems of many patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills,

interest and motivation are all personal qualities that are assessed during the admissions and education

process.

*Recommendations of the AAMC Special Advisory Panel on Technical Standards for Medical School Admission,

approved by the AAMC Executive Council on January 18, 1979

14. MATRICULATION TO THE WARREN ALPERT MEDICAL SCHOOL (AMS)

Selection Factors: Students applying to the medical degree-granting program at Brown University are selected on

the basis of academic achievement, faculty evaluations, and evidence of maturity, motivation, leadership,

integrity, and compassion.

They must be capable of meeting the competency requirements expected of all graduates, with reasonable

accommodation, described in the Student Policies Handbook

. Technological compensation can be made for some

disabilities in certain of these competency requirements.

Candidates accepted for admission who will need special accommodations cannot be admitted unless those

supportive services are available, as determined by the Dean of Medicine and Biological Sciences. The process for

assessing whether applicants will be able to meet the competency requirements for the medical degree, with

reasonable accommodation, is described below.

Applicants are assessed without regard to sex, race, religion, color, national or ethnic origin, age, physical

disability, or sexual preference.

Matriculation to the medical school is contingent upon successful completion of the following administrative

requirements (Failure to submit the AMCAS application as directed with result in the forfeiture of the student’s

place in the first-year medical school class entering in the following August):

1. Submission of an AMCAS application according to deadlines that are communicated to all prospective

PLME students planning to matriculate the following August.

2. The Alpert Medical School Office of Admissions will disseminate procedures for online completion of the

AMCAS application during the summer prior to students’ senior year or the year(s) of approved leave.

Students who have deferred their admission to the medical school must provide current contact

information to the PLME Office and to the Office of Admissions. Students complete and certify an AMCAS

application by November 15 of the academic year prior to the fall semester in which they plan to enter

the first-year medical school class.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

1. Submission of an AMCAS application according to deadlines that are communicated to all prospective

PLME students planning to matriculate the following August.

2. The Alpert Medical School Office of Admissions will disseminate procedures for online completion of the

AMCAS application during the summer prior to students’ senior year or the year(s) of approved leave.

Students who have deferred their admission to the medical school must provide current contact

information to the PLME Office and to the Office of Admissions. Students complete and certify an AMCAS

application by November 15 of the academic year prior to the fall semester in which they plan to enter

the first-year medical school class.

3. Submission of information necessary to complete a Criminal Background Check, which is administered by

the AAMC-approved vendor (Certiphi Screening, Inc). PLMEs are provisionally accepted to the medical

school until the CBC results are obtained and reviewed by the Office of Admissions. A special committee

will review any positive CBC results on a case-by-case basis.

a. The provisional acceptance of PLME students may be revoked pending the deliberations of this

committee.

b. Upon successful completion of the AMCAS application and CBC processes, all PLME students will

receive an official letter of admission to Alpert Medical School.

15. AFTER AMS: APPLYING FOR RESIDENCY

PLME students should be aware that as Brown medical students applying for residency programs, their

applications will include a continuum Brown transcript which will show both medical school grades AND

undergraduate grades. In addition, any sanctions during the undergraduate or medical school years for academic

or non-academic performance (including, but not limited to, issues of professionalism) may be reported to

residency training programs and/or licensing boards as required.

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

16. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES FOR PLME AND AMS STUDENTS

Please visit the PLME ENRICHMENT BROCHURE at for more information on the following opportunities

http://www.brown.edu/academics/medical/plme/current-students/enrichment-activities:

 Community Health Advocacy Program (CHAP)

 Biology Undergraduate Education

 Brown Alumni Association (BAA) and Brown Medical Alumni Association (BMAA)

 Center for Careers and Life after Brown (Career LAB)

 Clinica Esperanza

 Office of Diversity and Multicultural Affairs (ODMA)

 Global Health Initiative (GHI)

 Interdisciplinary Framework in Global Health Scholarship Program

 Institute at Brown for Environment and Society (IBES)

 Hospital Volunteer Opportunities

 International Health Institute

 Medical Student Interest Groups

 Medicine in Action Program

 Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research training Program (MHIRT)

 Office of Women in Medicine & Science (OWIMS)

 Preclinical Electives

 Program in Liberal Medical Education

 The RI Free Clinic

 Student Employment Office/Human Resources

 Study Abroad: Office of International Programs

 Study at Other U.S. Institutions

 Swearer Center for Public Service

PLME HANDBOOK CLASS OF 2022

Website References:

Brown Course Announcement: http://bulletin.brown.edu/

Mathematics Department website: https://www.math.brown.edu/~calcplacement/

iii

Good Academic Standing: https://www.brown.edu/academics/college/degree/index.php?q=policies

AMS Student Policies Handbook: http://brown.edu/academics/medical/student-affairs/policy-and-

procedure/student-handbook

Dean of the College for Leave of Absence

:http://www.brown.edu/academics/college/degree/sites/brown.edu.academics.college.degree/files/uploads/Le

aveTaking%20Checklist%20March%202014.pdf

AMS Student Policies Handbook: http://brown.edu/academics/medical/student-affairs/policy-and-

procedure/student-handbook

vii

Brown's Office of Student and Employee Accessibility Services:

http://www.brown.edu/Student_Services/Office_of_Student_Life/dss/

viii

SEAS Grievance Policy: http://www.brown.edu/campus-life/support/accessibility-

services/appealsgrievances

Dean for Issues of Chemical Dependency:

https://www.brown.edu/academics/college/support/substance-abuse/dean-issues-chemical-

dependency

Technical Standards for Medicine:

https://www.brown.edu/academics/medical/sites/brown.edu.academics.medical/files/download/Technical%20S

tandards%2011%202015.pdf

Student Policies Handbook: http://brown.edu/academics/medical/student-affairs/policy-and-

procedure/student-handbook