It is the expectation that students participate in all mandatory sessions of the MD program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, including, but not limited to, small group sessions, laboratories, Art and Science in Medicine (ASM) sessions, Frontiers in Science lectures, and any sessions or classes designated as "patient encounters" where patients or families are present. Mandatory sessions are marked as such on the course calendars. Students who are absent may miss graded classroom activities, team assessments or other participation opportunities that count towards overall participation grade. At the discretion of the course director(s), and if possible, make-up may be required depending on the nature of the activity or time missed.
Students must fill out the form below to request an absence. Students are allowed up to five (5) personal days and two (2) unplanned days per semester and these days are tracked by the Office of Student Affairs.
1. For planned time off, the student must notify the course director via this request form 4 weeks (28 days) in advance of the mandatory session.
2. We understand that there are times when a student may need an unplanned absence. For unplanned time off, please fill out the absence request form as soon as you know and prior to the start of the session. You must indicate a reason for a last-minute request. Only the following reasons for unplanned time off will be reviewed for approval:
• Acute illness
• Urgent medical evaluation
• Unexpected family/personal emergency* or caregiver obligation
To review the full absence policy, please navigate to the Medical Student Handbook. For any questions or concerns, email medstudentabsence@mssm.edu.