The potential for injury to humans always exists in the practice of veterinary medicine and increases whenever an involved person is pregnant. The most significant hazards are accidents that occur while working with animal patients and may cause physical trauma to the pregnant student or the unborn child. Additional hazards exist through exposure to formaldehyde, anesthetics, pharmaceuticals, infectious/ toxic agents, or radiation. Such exposure can interfere with normal fetal development.
Any pregnant student enrolled in the School of Veterinary Medicine should:
- Contact a physician to get a recommendation for a plan to minimize exposure to the hazards associated with a veterinary student's assignments.
- Provide a signed statement from the physician that defines permitted limits of exposure to possible hazards during pregnancy.
- In writing, inform the administration of the SVM, the Director of the UHC, and the DOS of the pregnancy as early as possible, and state their decision relative to continuing the student’s course of study.
- The SVM and SGU will attempt to provide expectant students with the option of continuing their course of study under an Individualized Program of Study if they so desire. If the student's coursework is such that they are enrolled in didactic coursework, the student and their physician can decide whether to remain enrolled.
- If the student is or will be enrolled in coursework involving laboratory or clinical training experience during the pregnancy, the St. George's University Dean of Students Office will:
- Provide the student a list of the potential risks involved in all such laboratory activities for the student to use when meeting with their healthcare provider so that they can make an informed decision about the risks/benefits of the decision to remain enrolled in the program.
- Request written documentation of the accommodations and personal protective equipment the physician recommends to protect the expectant student and unborn child.
- Notify the student's Course Directors and/or clinical sites of the pregnancy and either receive the approvals to provide the needed accommodations or reschedule such activities until the child's birth. In this case, the student will be notified that the projected educational program completion date will likely be delayed.
- Arrange a meeting with the student, the SGU SVM Associate Dean of Students, and the Director of the Health Clinic to clarify, in writing, all matters related to the risks/ benefits and decision involved, the student or deemed appropriate by the SGU Dean of Students or the Director of the University Health Clinic.
- Through the Associate Dean of Year 4 Clinical Training, liaise with appropriate authorities at the affiliated school.
These guidelines are intended to allow the pregnant student to make an informed decision about the risks and benefits of continuing the program while pregnant.
Pregnant students should maintain regular contact with their physicians/health care providers and take appropriate steps to minimize exposure to hazards inherent to veterinary medical education and the veterinary profession. Notifying the SVM of pregnancy is not mandatory, but practical steps to address risks cannot be taken unless the student provides this notice.