Attendance & Absences

Students in a classroom

Participation in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program in the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University demands active involvement in all learning modalities by each student. Students registered in each year are expected to attend all educational sessions during the MD training.  In so doing, a student shows an active commitment to professionalism and advancing the curriculum content, teaching and quality. Student academic and social success hinges on attending all scheduled learning sessions.

Our Program competencies dictate that medical students must demonstrate and practice the four pillars of professionalism: altruism, integrity, responsibility and respect. Attendance at all scheduled learning sessions demonstrates professionalism and shows respect for faculty and colleagues.

We recognize that from time to time circumstances will arise which require our students to miss learning sessions. Please review our Attendance and Absence Policy thoroughly to familiarize yourself with the expectations of the MD Program regarding attendance. 

Attendance will be monitored by the Undergraduate Medical Education (UME) office.  Students can refer to the Guide to Attendance in the MD Program to learn about how attendance will be confirmed for each learning event. 

If you need to request approval for an absence, log into Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Hub, select the "Attendance" tab, and complete the online form. If extraordinary circumstances prevent you from registering an absence request in advance of the session you are advised to contact the Learner Experience Office (LEO) at learner.experience@schulich.uwo.ca (London) or learnerexperience@uwindsor.ca (Windsor), then register the request retroactively as soon as possible.

Please note: 

  • Unapproved absences of any kind are considered a breach of professionalism.
  • Students recorded absent from more than one session without approval from UME or LEO may be required to meet with the Vice Dean, UME, London (or delegate) or the Associate Dean, UME, Windsor (or delegate).
  • Any assessment missed due to an unapproved absence will result in a grade of zero being awarded.

If you have any questions, please email undergraduate.medicine@schulich.uwo.ca.