Readiness to Return

The UF School of PA Studies wants to ensure that any student who has had a leave of absence for medical reasons or an extended leave of absence for educational or disciplinary reasons is evaluated for their readiness to return to registration. Students will be required to provide documentation of their readiness to return and may be required to have an evaluation from a 3rd party that specifically addresses their ability to return successfully to the PA school curriculum. The most common scenarios, but not all, in which a student would be required to provide documentation for their readiness to return include:

1. A situation in which a student is unable to perform essential functions of a PA student because of a physical illness. (short-term or long-term)
2. A situation in which a student is unable to perform essential functions of a PA student because of a mental health diagnosis.
3. A situation in which a student is unable to perform essential functions of a PA student because of addiction.
4. A situation in which a student may pose a direct threat of harm to self or others due to a physical or psychological condition.
5. A situation in which a student’s ability to perform essential functions may be impaired by the duration of time they spent away from the PA school curriculum.

For situations 1-4, a fitness for duty evaluation will be required. This may come in the form of a complete evaluation of the student’s stressors, abilities, and accommodation requirements (e.g., after a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, a physical injury that impacted cognitive function). It may also be in the form of a note from the treating physician stating the physical limitations of the student and indicating when the student may be able to return to full function (e.g., after a broken leg, surgery, or cancer treatment). The decision for which type of evaluation will be required will be made by the Professional Standards and Promotion Committee, which has oversight of the student’s entire academic history.

COM Policy Regarding Readiness to Return can be found here:
https://osa.med.ufl.edu/support/policies-procedures/readiness-to-return-policy/

COM Policy Regarding Student Fitness for Duty can be found here:
https://osa.med.ufl.edu/support/policies-procedures/medical-student-fitness-for-duty-policy/

Students who are unable to meet the requirements of their individual readiness to return assessments may be asked to withdraw or remain on leave pending further assessment. Additional action may be taken as the UFSPAS deems it necessary.