Incidental Findings

During your studies, faculty may demonstrate or supervise procedures such as physical exams, point-of-care ultrasounds, or lab sessions performed on students. Occasionally, a faculty member may notice an unexpected abnormality—called an incidental finding. If this occurs, the faculty member will inform you and maintain confidentiality. Depending on the finding, a University representative may contact you by mail, phone, or in person. You cannot decline this information.

An incidental finding may cause anxiety, so you should follow up with your primary care provider, student health, or emergency services for diagnosis. Upon request, the faculty member will provide details for your provider. Any costs for diagnosis or treatment are your responsibility, not the University’s.

Students who become aware of an incidental finding during the activity must respect confidentiality. Program faculty, the Program Director, and the Medical Director cannot provide medical care to students except in emergencies.