Sent to students on behalf of Richard V. Homan, MD, President and Provost, Dean of the School of Medicine; C. Donald Combs, PhD, Vice President and Dean of the School of Health Professions; and Ronald W. Flenner, MD, FACP, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs.
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented health challenge that is having tremendous impact on the practice of medicine and the health professions, on medical and health education, and our daily lives. This fluid situation demands that we make difficult choices based on a variety of competing factors.
To that end, all MD and Health Professions students are being recalled from all clinical rotations effective immediately and until further notice. This was an extremely difficult decision — and not made lightly. However, it is in line with the actions of other medical and health professions schools across the country.
We understand that as aspiring physicians and health professionals you have a deep desire to be in the clinical setting during this crisis. However, our decision is driven primarily by patient safety concerns — ensuring that the scarce supply of personal protective equipment is available for practicing health professionals while they are delivering medical care.
We are monitoring the situation closely and will reassess this decision as the situation warrants. We are committed to you and your education. We have a plan in place and you will be contacted soon by your clerkship or program directors regarding alternative educational experiences and how your rotations will be completed.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we all grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic and balance the many, competing priorities. We remain confident that we can deliver quality educational experiences that will help you excel as physicians and health professionals.