M.D. Student Handbook

This policy explains what it means to be in good academic standing, requirements to maintain that status, and steps when a student is not meeting academic expectations. Learn more about our policy on academic standing. 

This policy outlines expectations for successful completion of each phase of the M.D. curriculum. Learn more about our policy on student progression. 

This policy defines due process for students who are being monitored by the Committee on Student Promotions and Professional Standards. Learn more about our policy for student monitoring.

This policy outlines the requirements and timelines for M.D. students who are taking the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USLME), including eligibility, postponement criteria, and the consequences for exam failure. Learn more about our USLME policy.

Einstein outlines the essential abilities and attributes that all students in the M.D. program must possess to successfully complete the program and provide safe, effective, and compassionate care. Our policy ensures that students can meet the academic, clinical, and professional requirements of medical education with or without reasonable accommodation. Learn more about our technical standards. 

All medical students have access to a comprehensive academic advising system that includes faculty, course and clerkship directors, student affairs staff, and learning specialist who maintain a clear separation between advising and student assessment or promotion decisions. Learn more about our academic counseling policy. 

The College of Medicine’s conflict of interest guidelines ensure that individuals who provide health or mental health services to a student, or those who have personal relationships to the student, do not participate in that student’s academic evaluation or promotion. Learn more about our conflict of interest and grading policy.

Preclerkship courses are graded pass/fail. To pass, the student must complete all course requirements and meet the minimum score threshold of each course. Learn more about student grading in the preclerkship phase.

Einstein has established grading standards and components for required clerkships to ensure fair, transparent, and consistent assessment of student performance. Learn more about our clerkship grade policy.

To support fairness and timely feedback, the final grades for all courses and clerkships are submitted within six weeks of the end of the course or clerkship. Learn more about our timeliness of grades policy.

Einstein ensures that M.D. students receive timely, specific feedback during required clinical rotations that are four weeks or longer. A midcycle feedback session gives a student the chance to speak with an advisor about their performance, set goals, and get support to improve before the rotation ends. Learn more about our policy on midcycle feedback for students on required clinical rotations.

If a student has concerns about a final grade in a course, clerkship or acting internship, this policy outlines how to request an informal review and submit a formal appeal. It explains the steps, timelines, and rules for the appeal process, including who to contact. Learn more about our grade appeal policy for pre-clerkship courses and for required clinical rotations.

Students must complete patient logs during required clinical rotations to receive a final grade or sit for the subject exam. This policy outlines student and faculty responsibilities, available alternatives for meeting requirements, and the consequences of incomplete logging. Learn more about our completion of required clinical experiences policy.

During each required clinical rotation that is four weeks or longer, students must complete at least one observed clinical encounter (OCE) during which a faculty member, fellow, or chief resident watches the student perform key parts of a patient history and physical exam. Learn more about our observed clinical encounter policy.

If technical problems, including wifi outages or system crashes, occur during an in-person computer-based exam, students have the option to retake the exam, and only the higher score will count. Learn more about our policy on technical issues during computer-based examinations.

This guide outlines what students need to know to successfully take pre-clerkship assessments, both on and offsite. It includes key rules about timeliness, technical requirements, academic integrity, and how to access help. Learn more about our student guide for preclerkship assessments.

This policy outlines attendance requirements, defines excused or unexcused absences, and describes requirements for make-up work. Learn more about our attendance policy for M.D. students.

This policy explains the types of leaves available to M.D. students who need to step away from the curriculum, what they can expect during their leave, and the steps that need to be taken to return to Albert Einstein Colle of Medicine. Learn more about our leave of absence policy.

During inclement weather, student safety is a priority. There may be times when Einstein transportation cannot operate safely. Always check the Einstein website, contact our security and transportation office, and communicate with the appropriate site leader for the most up-to-date information. Learn more about our inclement weather policy.

To help support student wellbeing, Einstein limits the amount of time that students are scheduled for required academic activities. In the preclerkship phase, required activities are capped at 50 hours per week with at least two half days free. During clinical rotations, student workload is capped at 80 hours per week with required time off between shifts and at least one full day off every week. Learn more about our student schedule and work hours policy.

Student wellbeing is a critical part of sustaining health, balance, and professional development during the demanding clerkship year of medical school. During third-year clerkships, students may leave their clinical sites on designated WellMed Fridays after completing morning duties. Learn more about our policy on WellMed Friday dismissal times.

Einstein provides weekday shuttle service between campus and the 180th Street subway station, as well as to the Montefiore Moses Campus. A car service is available for medical students attending required academic activities at locations that are not covered by shuttle routes or that take place during off-hours. Transportation is strictly for approved educational purposes and must be scheduled in advance. Students are expected to rideshare when possible and follow reservation policies. Learn more about our transportation policies and procedures.

This policy describes what students should do in the event of an active shooter on campus and includes information about how to plan evacuation routes and participate in emergency preparedness training. We encourage all students to remain vigilant and report concerning behavior to the office of security and transportation. Learn more about our active shooter policy.

This policy describes the procedure Einstein follows to address situations in which a student who resides in on-campus housing has been missing for 24 hours or longer. It includes information about how to report a missing student, and the steps Einstein takes in response to reports of missing students. Learn more about our missing student policy.

Einstein provides a free security escort service to ensure students feel safe when walking on or near campus, especially during evening or nighttime hours. Security escorts are available upon request by contacting Einstein Security. Learn more about our security escort policy.

Einstein students are expected to uphold professional, ethical, and personal standards as they serve as healers, advocates, scientists, educators, learners, colleagues, and role models. Our code of conduct emphasizes respect for patients, peers, and the community; academic integrity; responsible conduct; and a commitment to equity and lifelong learning. Each year, our students are required to attest to understanding and adhering to this code. Learn more about Einstein’s code of conduct.

Students are expected to always uphold professional standards, whether on or off campus. This policy outlines what constitutes professional misconduct, how such cases are reviewed, and the types of sanctions imposed for misconduct at Einstein. Learn more about our policy on professional misconduct.

Students are expected to use social media responsibly and professionally. Students may not post on behalf of Einstein without permission, use the Einstein logo, or take photos/videos in teaching, research, or clinical spaces for personal accounts. Content shared online must comply with Einstein’s code of conduct, HIPAA, FERPA, and other relevant policies. If a student mentions Einstein on a social media profile, they must also include a disclaimer that the views expressed are individual views and not the views of the institution. Learn more about our use of social media policy.

During all clinical activities, including clerkships, electives, and other patient-facing experiences, students are expected to dress neatly, wear their Einstein ID badge, and follow any site-specific guidelines to maintain a professional appearance and ensure patient comfort and safety. Learn more about our dress code for M.D. students in patient care settings.

Completing course and instructor evaluations is a required part of being a professional and engaged member of the Einstein community. Learn more about required student course and clerkship evaluations.

Einstein is committed to a respectful, professional learning environment and has a zero-tolerance policy for student mistreatment, including humiliation, discrimination, and abuse. Students can confidentially or anonymously report concerns through multiple channels without fear of retaliation. Learn more about our student mistreatment policy.

Einstein maintains a safe, respectful, and discrimination-free environment. Title IX prohibits sex discrimination, sexual harassment and all forms of sexual misconduct (including dating/domestic violence, stalking, and sexual assault) involving students, faculty, staff, or third parties in Einstein’s educational programs. Students who experience or witness misconduct are strongly encouraged to report it to the Title IX Coordinator or another designated official without fear of retaliation. Learn more about our policies and procedures to address Title IX and other sexual misconduct.

Einstein ensures a safe, supportive learning environment where all medical students are appropriately supervised during clinical activities to protect both student learning and patient safety. This policy explains who can supervise students, how supervision levels are determined, and what to do if you ever feel unsafely supervised. Learn more about our policy on medical student supervision during required clinical activities.

Einstein medical students may apply for funding to attend academic conferences. A conference budget, as well as permission to miss coursework or clinical responsibilities, must be obtained in advance. Students must follow Einstein’s reimbursement policies for travel. Learn more about our conference funding policy.

This policy outlines how final grades, academic status changes, and leaves of absence are recorded on an official transcript and explains how the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)—a key component of the residency application—is prepared and released. Learn more about our policy on transcripts and performance evaluations.

Einstein is a dry campus, and student organizations generally may not serve alcohol at events. In rare cases, alcohol service (limited to beer and wine) may be approved by the Office of Student Life, if strict safety and oversight requirements are met. Student clubs and interest groups who are approved to serve alcohol must provide trained, sober monitors and follow all campus and legal regulations. Learn more about our student activities alcohol policy.

On-campus housing transfers are allowed for specific reasons, including changes in family status, medical needs, roommate issues, or financial concerns, but must happen during designated time periods. Learn more about our policy on residence hall transfers.

Einstein permits service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) on campus and in student housing. Approved animals must be registered in advance with appropriate documentation. While Service Animals are allowed in most campus areas, ESAs are only allowed in housing. Owners must follow strict rules for care, control, and cleanliness, and renew documentation regularly. Pets that are not approved service animals are not permitted. Learn more about our policy on service and assistance animals.