Medical D Policies for 2009-2010
Membership Requirements:
1. Attend scheduled meetings with Medical D officers and/or personnel from East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC). Returning and new members must attend all orientation meetings.
2. Review information on the Medical D Website at (www.auburn.edu/aed/med_d).
3. Provide documentation of Hepatitis B immunity (HBV) and a negative TB Skin Test, dated May 15 or later of the current year, by the deadline set by the officers at the beginning of fall semester. New applicants for membership must attach documentation to the application. Returning members must bring documentation to the COSAM Dean’s Office by the deadline set by the officers.
4. Complete a Medical D application each year.
5. Bring your class schedule to facilitate signing up for rotations.
6. Have a minimum GPA of 3.2. All grades must be included in the calculation and the Grade Adjustment Policy (GAP) will not apply.
7. Pay the membership fee of $35.00 after initiation as a new member, which includes receiving a Medical D shirt and nametag. Both must be worn while volunteering as a Medical D member. Returning members can buy a new shirt for $15.00.
8. Read all emails sent by the officers and answer requests for information promptly.
Communication with Members:
Email is the official form of communication for Auburn University. Medical D communicates with its members by email using the Medical D and AED mailing lists. Members should check their email on a regular basis and should follow the directions at www.auburn.edu/aed to subscribe to the AED list. Failure to do so constitutes grounds for dismissal from Medical D.
Selection of Members:
Anyone seriously considering a career in a health profession is encouraged to apply for membership in Medical D. The selection process occurs at the beginning of fall semester, and membership is capped at thirty members. Applicants must be sophomores, must have attended Auburn University at least one semester as a pre-health student, and will be judged on the basis of their overall and science GPAs, evaluation of the application materials they submit including the essays and the resume, and the personal interview. New members will be notified of their acceptance into Medical D by email.
After Selection:
All members must attend a mandatory orientation meeting at the beginning of the fall semester and other meetings scheduled throughout the year. After the orientation meeting and clearance by the Medical D officers, members may begin volunteering. A Medical D shirt, nametag, and closed-toe shoes must be worn while volunteering. Khaki or dress pants are acceptable. Jeans, shorts and skirts are not. Do not wear anything magnetic or metallic while volunteering at EAMC. Failure to follow the dress code can cause dismissal from Medical D.
Volunteer Options:
Volunteer options vary from year to year and will be finalized by the first orientation meeting for the academic year. The following rotations are typical.
Transportation –Transportation involves assisting the transporters at EAMC. Duties include movement of patients and equipment throughout the hospital and assisting with delivery of meals and other items. Transportation is a good way to learn locations of departments in EAMC and meet staff members.
Health Fairs – An EAMC program that provides health screenings in the Auburn-Opelika area. Members are expected to assist at all designated health fairs and will learn how to conduct common diagnostic tests.
Unity Wellness Center – An EAMC program for AIDS patients. Members assist with clerical duties and have limited contact with patients; they learn about the realities of coping with this disease.
Magnolia Place – An EAMC senior community for people with dementia. Members will play games with residents, read to them and take them for walks, and lead them in singing; they learn about health issues related to aging.
Mercy Medical – An indigent-care facility in Auburn. Members assist with clerical duties and help to provide care for the patients; they learn about services available for those without insurance.
Shadowing Rotations – Shadowing rotations take place at East Alabama Medical Center and individual doctors’ offices. Members are able to observe current medical practices and procedures.
Volunteer Responsibilities:
The medical facilities where Medical D members volunteer allow us to serve with the understanding that we will be polite, responsible, and eager to learn. The primary role of members is to provide service with assigned tasks, not to shadow doctors. Volunteers must report to their rotations at scheduled times, wear their Medical D shirts and nametags, and sign a log to confirm their attendance. If a member cannot attend a rotation, he/she should notify the facility and assigned officer of his/her absence immediately. Members are allowed TWO absences per semester. After two absences, the member will be placed on probation. A third absence results in dismissal from Medical D. All members must follow the procedures for their designated rotations.
Membership Limitations:
Membership in Medical D is limited to two academic years to provide opportunities for additional students. This limitation does not apply to those who serve in officer positions.
Resigning from Medical D:
Medical D members who have decided to surrender their memberships for the following academic year should notify the advisor and the president by email no later than July 1. Returning members who cannot meet all membership criteria by the beginning of the fall semester, should also resign at this time.