MGH Health Screening

Prior to an incoming MGH resident or fellow’s training start date, they must

1. complete and return paperwork sent by their program coordinator,
2. obtain a Medical Record Number, and
3. complete a pre-placement health screening and Occupational Health Service (OHS) Medical Clearance visit.

A Credentialing Packet is mailed to each incoming resident or fellow. Incoming residents and fellows should return all required paperwork using the pink envelope provided. The deadline for returning this information is specified by each trainee’s program coordinator.

All incoming residents and fellows must obtain a Medical Record Number (MRN) prior to making an appointment or visiting OHS for a screening. To obtain a MRN, please call 866-211-6588.

The visit includes a health screening and TB testing. Some programs, usually those whose fellows cannot attend orientation, arrange an OHS session for their trainees. All other trainees should contact Occupational Health at 617-726-2240 (Omayra Balestier) to make an appointment prior to Orientation Day.

MGH Occupational Health is located at 165 Charles River Plaza, 4th floor, Suite 404, Boston. If you would like to provide any information via FAX, you can do so by sending it to 617-643-4633.

Occupational Health Services proof of immunization: Please see below for the proof of immunizations you need to bring to your OHS visit:

Respirator Questionnaire

At the time of your OHS visit if all requirements have been met, your program manager will receive a "2021-22 Health Clearance sticker" for your ID badge. This indicates that staff rotating to other institutions meet OHS Clearance Requirements at BWH, MGH, DFCI, BI, CHMC, MEE, NWH, NSMC, SRH, and BMC.

Tuberculosis Screening and Chest X-Rays

One of the following is required:

1. a) Evidence of TB skin test within 3 months of Occ Health screening date.
2. b) For individuals known to be TB skin test positive, send a copy of a chest x-ray report which rules out active tuberculosis.
3. c) Those individuals who have received BCG vaccine or were born in TB endemic countries (http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/112/2018/04/HighTB-Burden-Country-List-2018.pdf) AND NEVER HAD A POSITIVE TB SCREENING require a TB blood test (IGRA) within 3 months of their start date.

*****We do not accept the IGRA for those who do not meet the testing criteria above*****

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Immunity Required

One of the following is required:

1. a) Documentation of two measles vaccines, two mumps vaccine, and one rubella vaccine or documentation of two MMR vaccines, or
2. b) Proof of immunity to measles, mumps and rubella by titer (blood test).

Hepatitis B Vaccine

For individuals who may be exposed to blood or body fluids during their experience at MGH:

1. a) Documentation of the hepatitis B series and Positive antibody test for hepatitis B

*MGH will provide this vaccine free of charge to individuals who may be exposed to blood or body fluid during their work.

Chicken Pox

One of the following is recommended:

1. a) Documentation of 2 doses of Varicella vaccine or
2. b) Proof of immunity to Varicella by titer (blood test)

 Tetanus

All staff should have documentation of up to date tetanus vaccine (Tdap or Td).

Influenza

MGH requires all healthcare workers receive seasonal flu vaccine or have an approved exemption (for those with a medical contraindication to the vaccine or those who hold deeply help religious beliefs against the vaccine)

N-95 Respirator

All clinicians who will care for patients in negative pressure isolation rooms are required to have annual fit-testing for the N-95 respirator. Please send documentation of your most recent fit-test (to include the brand of respirator and size)

Color Vision

All clinicians who perform point of care testing are required to have a documented color vision exam. Please send documentation if you have had this exam previously (if not, we will perform the exam at your Occupational health visit)

This page was last updated on 2/12/21.