Reduction in Campus Presence and Aron Hall
Every decision we have had to make in the past two weeks has been driven by the importance of reducing the number and frequency of social contacts each of us has. The fewer people we interact with, the less chance there is of viral spread, the more quickly and effectively we will have a positive impact on curtailing COVID-19. This is true on the wards, in our personal lives off campus, and is particularly true in Aron Hall. Reducing the number of people residing in Aron Hall will make it a much safer environment for all.
As a result, our curriculum team has worked tirelessly for the past few days to convert the Year One and Year Two curricula to an entirely online format. Additionally, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the modified Match Day Celebration for the Class of 2020. A separate note will be sent from Dr. Tara Cunningham regarding the residency announcement plans, and the approach for supporting anyone who may need to participate in the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) next week.
As of Monday, March 16, there will no longer be any reason for MS-1 and MS-2 students to be on campus, although you are all still welcome to make use of study and relaxation spaces.
Similarly, MS-4 students may not feel the need to be on campus after receiving the NRMP notification on the morning of Monday, March 16, announcing whether you have matched or not.
This shift in the curriculum and events also means that students who have the flexibility to leave Aron Hall should feel free to do so. We know that some students have already taken advantage of this opportunity. With fewer people on campus, those of us who are still at school and at work every day have a significantly reduced risk of contracting or transmitting COVID-19.
We do appreciate that not everyone has the option of leaving campus, and that not everyone wants to leave, whether or not they have the option. As always, use your best judgement in making this decision.
We need to maintain an accurate Aron Hall census to support you in creative and resourceful ways. All Aron Hall Residents need to complete this form as soon as possible and since we recognize plans are fluid, we may ask for an updated census at another time. We will reach out with more information about how we can best provide you with the comforts of home, regardless of location.
Every action you take, every policy decision you abide by, every single opportunity you have to avoid unnecessary contact with someone brings our school, our city, and our nation one step closer to ending this pandemic.
We thank you for your patience and your fortitude. We cannot imagine a group of people better suited to taking on the world’s health problems than you, our remarkable students.
Staff/Faculty Working Remotely
Effective, Monday, March 16 - because the health and welfare of our staff and their families is of highest priority, the Department of Medical Education leadership team decided to move the majority of staff to mandatory telework. This does not mean we are closing. To the contrary, we will continue to serve our students, faculty and colleagues through this public health crisis while we adapt to working remotely for an extended period.
Refer to the MedInfoApp for the telework contact information.
Expanded UBER Access
Our environment is rapidly evolving given the continuing spread of the COVID-19 virus. We want to ensure your safety and the safety of all individuals in our communities. We understand that there are concerns in using public transportation for travel to your clerkship and clinical sites.
Effective immediately, student travel to required rotations via UBER has been opened up to all-hours and remains until further notice. As you know, the Department of Medical Education sponsors an UBER travel program for off-hour transportation. Usage is typically restricted for travel to clerkships or elective sites that require students to be on site by 7AM or after 7PM.
Please be mindful that this expansion is for essential travel only, to/from your shift. As always, the usage will be monitored for integrity. All details of your trip will be transparent and reported to the professional staff who administer the account. This includes: your name, pickup/drop-off time and location, Clerkship code, etc.
It is important that you ensure your UBER app is up-to-date. Invitations were resent on March 13, 2020 to students who have not yet accepted. You must follow the steps in the invitation sent to your school email, from UBER, to setup your UBER for Business account.
For technical assistance with your UBER business account/the app, please email business-support@uber.com
For troubleshooting the setup of your account, please email Jennifer.bridie@mssm.edu
MS 3 and 4 electives
We understand some students may experience elective changes due to the evolving clinical environment and physician workforce needs that may result in a canceled elective. Additionally, school-related travel to away rotations is prohibited until further notice.
If you are concerned about electives, please contact Dr. Beverly Forsyth beverly.forsyth@mssm.edu and remain confident that we will work with any situation to find a solution. It will be o.k.