“ We know that the Black population accounts for 13 percent of the total population , yet this percentage is almost doubled for COVID-19 deaths . The bottom line is this is another extension of systemic racism : the disproportionate amount of co-morbidities such as diabetes , hypertension , obesity , the considerably less access to health care and increased poverty , and not being able to social distance due to service jobs and limited housing are just a few examples of how a racist society makes a pandemic even worse for [ Black , Indigenous and People of Color ].” Jason Rivera , M . D . Class of ‘ 22
“ We continue to live in a time of uncertainty and every decision we make is based on what we know right now . This means the only certainty today is uncertainty . And , for good reason . We see long-overdue calls for social equality , recovery curves , second waves , exhaustion , isolation – just to name a few . Days blur into nights and nights turn into day ; tomorrow feels like yesterday . The walls in our minds are making our worlds smaller . We see horrific images on the TV news and demand change without knowing how . Right now , we are looking at all the recommendations from the Town Hall this month and looking for the ‘ next steps ’ to have a more welcoming and inclusive College of Medicine for all .” Dean John P . Fogarty in a June 22 message to students , faculty and staff .
“ As a result of curricular adjustments brought on by the circumstances , our students are helping us both design meaningful curriculum and activities and champion the efforts among their peers . Our May event , which ended with a ‘ design thinking ’ small-group session for students only , made such a positive impact on our first-year students that as soon as they became second-years over the summer , they organized a repeat of the student panel for our new students – getting them started early . Having students take part of the ownership is , to my mind , one of the most positive indicators on where we are and where we can be .” Nancy Hayes , associate professor and director of clinical foundations
“ It felt liberating to have a role in introducing these issues so early in the curriculum to our newest students , and hopefully it continues for future classes . A common theme I ’ ve seen with being involved with these events over the past year is that we have a lot of allies and I think that is a major key in making change ; when others help to fight your fight .” Barrie Bedasee , M . D . Class of ’ 23
Colin Hackley Colin Hackley
• A major shift in strategy : Summer Clinical Practicum postponed ; M . D . admissions shift to online meetings only ; FSU SeniorHealth closes at Westminster Oaks , moves some appointments to FSU PrimaryHealth ; USMLE closes testing centers , begins canceling scheduled exams ( most FSU med students
were already scheduled for April ); M . D . Class of 2020 and ’ 21 , PA Class of ’ 21 , switch to an online geriatrics course and electives ; In late March , USMLE scheduling becomes unmanageable , forcing FSU to move deadline for completing the exam from April 2020 to February 2021 .
April
• Planning for possibility M . D . Class of ’ 24 will not have in-person classes ; summer clinical anatomy course postponed ; Summer Institute , a successful part of the pipeline program for increasing diversity , is canceled ; By early April , COVID testing results have improved from 7-10 days to 2-3 days ; and the NBME suspends USMLE Step 2 Clinical Skills for at least 18 months ; FSU COM removes that as a graduation requirement .
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FALL ' 20