The College of Medicine has announced updates for medical students as UNMC works to resume classes and work toward a “new normal.”
In a message sent at the end of April from Kelly Caverzagie, M.D., College of Medicine associate dean for educational strategy, the college laid out its plans for June of this year, the planned return of clinical rotations and other key issues.
Updates were broken out by classes:
Class of 2021
In June, students will be required to complete a “preliminary” clinical course intended to help them get back into the groove of their electives while still not directly caring for patients. A course in leadership also will be offered during this time. Many of these courses will be adaptations to existing electives, while others are newly developed. Students will be asked to rank their preferences for enrolling in these preliminary courses, and selections will be based upon a lottery system if necessary. The courses will be conducted remotely and are not intended to replace traditional sub-internships or electives. No other electives, including the unstructured month, can be taken during this period. This rotation will start on June 1 and conclude June 26.
- Clinical rotations will resume starting on July 6 after students return from their previously scheduled break. Details related to drop/add for these courses will be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks. (This will be a different process than that for the June rotation). If necessary, students who have declared interest in a particular specialty as part of their CST will be afforded preference at scheduling key rotations during these early months.
- NOTE: Due to current recommendations provided by the Nebraska DHHS, students coming back to Nebraska from another state (excluding commuters) will need to perform self-quarantine for 14 days prior to starting back on a clinical rotation. Students who are currently away should ensure they are back in Nebraska no later than June 22 in order to start an elective rotation on time. The message noted that travel recommendations may change at any time and encouraged students to monitor the DHHS Traveler Recommendations website and UNMC travel guidance for any changes.
- The college is aware of the many pressures that the COVID-19 pandemic has caused to third-year students as it relates to planning for residency interviews and matching into a future program. “We are very actively engaged in the national conversation and are monitoring the various ideas and proposals that are being considered,” Dr. Caverzagie said. “Dr. Grant and Dr. Erickson will continue to provide specific updates and information as appropriate as well as work with each of you individually if necessary. Once again, it is important to remember that every student in the country is in the same situation, and your future program directors are very aware of the limitations in which you have encountered.”
Class of 2022
In June, second-year students will be required to complete a course focusing on leadership and the role of a physician that has been designed by Justin Mott, M.D.
“The Curriculum Committee is excited about this course and believes it will continue to provide you with a strong foundation prior to entering into your clinical rotations,” Dr. Caverzagie said. “The reason why you are not provided the same opportunities as the Class of 2021 stems from the reality that these rotations are clinical in nature and require having completed the clinical clerkships prior to enrolling. As with the Impact of Infectious Diseases (IID) course, this course also will be completed remotely. This rotation will start on June 1 and conclude on June 26. Details will be forthcoming over the next one to two weeks. No elective rotations will be allowed during this time.
- The college plans to resume the traditional clerkships starting on June 29 and extending for nine months. This is an abbreviated calendar compared to the Class of 2021 but will follow exactly what was completed by the Class of 2020 during the transition to the new curriculum. Students will proceed through these clerkships in the order previously assigned. Exact details of the calendar will be sent to student over the upcoming weeks.
- On June 25-26, prior to the beginning of clerkships, students will be required to complete a mini-course designed to help prepare them for success in the clerkship. Items addressed during this course will include a refresher in conducting H&P’s, donning and doffing of PPE, an introduction to telemedicine and other potential learning opportunities. Details of this mini-course still are being finalized.
- NOTE: Due to current recommendations provided by the Nebraska DHHS, students coming back to Nebraska from another state (excluding commuters) will need to perform self-quarantine for 14 days prior to starting back on a clinical clerkship. Students who are currently away should ensure they are back in Nebraska no later than June 11 in order to participate in the mini-course on time. The message noted that travel recommendations may change at any time and encouraged students to monitor the DHHS Traveler Recommendations website and UNMC travel guidance for any changes.
CLASS OF 2023
The first block of the third semester of Phase 1 will be gastrointestinal and will start on August 24 as scheduled. Students should plan to be physically present in Omaha as usual and should review the two emails from President Carter and Chancellor Gold for information about UNMC’s plans to be open.
“Of course, this is a relatively long time from now and as always, things are subject to change,” Dr. Caverzagie said. “Subsequent details and instructions will follow in the future. Depending upon the circumstances at the time, we would like to schedule some sort of welcome back event prior to the start of classes but specific decisions regarding this possibility will be deferred until we get closer to that day.”
Other information
- COM Forum: Every Wednesday evening, leaders in the COM conduct an online open forum geared towards faculty, residents and staff. The topics of discussion are wide ranging and include issues that may not always be pertinent to students. The link will be shared with students on a weekly basis. The UNMC COVID-19 resource page also has a great deal of helpful information.
- Student Health: “As a reminder, I want you to know that we are concerned about your health and safety,” Dr. Caverzagie said. “If you are feeling ill or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, loss of smell/taste), be sure to contact your physician or student health for assistance. If you are unsure about what to do, please contact any one of us for guidance.”