UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., and Nebraska Medicine CEO Jim Linder, M.D., sent the following message to UNMC students on March 16:
Dear UNMC Students and Extended Family,
As you know, these are extraordinary times with tremendous change occurring in our community, state and nation due to the ever-evolving pandemic associated with the novel coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease that it causes. As you know, UNMC and Nebraska Medicine are world leaders when it comes to planning for and treating highly infectious diseases. We continue to lead the world in efforts to combat the effects of COVID-19 on our community.
For the past several weeks, the UNMC colleges and institutes have worked closely with Nebraska Medicine to identify the role that UNMC students will play in response to fighting this virus. At present, no student will be expected to care for patients who have been diagnosed with, or are under investigation for, COVID-19. This policy will also extend to students who are scheduled for learning experiences outside of Nebraska Medicine clinics and hospitals.
It is important to note, however, that as this pandemic continues to evolve, the current role of students may change as the health system and community pandemic surge plans are activated. Our students are highly talented and motivated individuals that could positively contribute to this work, and many students have already expressed the desire to do so. Should that need arise, we want to assure you that any student who may expect to encounter a COVID-19 patient will be adequately trained and supplied with the appropriate equipment to maintain the safety of the student, patients and health care providers of that respective health care environment. In fact, many programs are developing plans to proactively train students should this need arise. We also anticipate that students will have opportunities to contribute outside of direct patient care as well.
In conclusion, we want to assure you that UNMC and Nebraska Medicine are fully committed to providing an excellent educational experience for our students while ensuring their personal safety and the safety of their extended family. Thank you for your commitment to practicing strong public health practices and for your continued flexibility as we progress through this pandemic.
If you have any questions or concerns, now or as we move into the future, you are encouraged to contact Phil Covington, UNMC assistant vice chancellor for student success (philip.covington@unmc.edu, 402-559-2792), for more details. Please feel free to share this message with your family and loved ones.
Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D.
Chancellor
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Jim Linder, M.D.
CEO
Nebraska Medicine