rheumatologist, participate along with our clinical faculty. Additionally, experiences with standardized patients and simulation, have also continued.
As one would expect, COVID has affected clinical training for the 3rd and 4th year students.
Year 3 students have completed 18 weeks of their core clerkships with some challenges. Thus far, we have appreciated their perseverance and diligence in acclimating to the changing environments at the clinical campuses. Some were off to a slower start due to scheduling difficulties, yet we are hoping to move forward and find a balance this academic year. We developed a Core Transition Course to attest to the clinical campuses that students completed PPE training, COVID related public health training and background information for functioning during the pandemic. Core Rotation schedules are expected to be compromised throughout the medical education system for the next 18-24 months, therefore, we have put the following provisions in place to assist with the clinical learning experience:
Each core discipline has a Blackboard course which includes guidance for activities for each six-week block. These are meant to complement actual clinical experiences. Rotations will provide more than adequate clinical experiences. Whenever the clinical schedule is reduced, the focus will be on the Aquifer cases in the Blackboard course. Students can move ahead in the sequence and complete as many cases as time allows. There is also a second level of activity which is composing progress notes for each case to practice this skill. We have also given students the ability to identify one of the cases to explore in depth, and prepare a case presentation. We understand that this is not a replacement for actual patient contact, however, these activities will provide valuable learning activities in the scope of their clerkship year. We are also paying attention to optimizing the clinical learning experience. Many students have participated in clinical learning activities that are markedly reduced in quantity from previous years. We are emphasizing the importance of maximizing learning opportunities whenever they are available.
Recently I wrote to all of you seeking assistance for our 4th year students. A number of you responded with the willingness to do what you can – THANK YOU! We continue to face significant travel restriction which limits medical student travel during fourth-year. Our students desperately need clinical experiences, and are able to participate in small time frames, as short as 1-2 weeks. I realize many of you may be working with reduced patient contacts and exploring telehealth options. This is exactly where our future doctors can assist. They will learn about the challenges facing all of us in medicine, and you will be able to mentor your future osteopathic peer/UNE COM alumnus. I will continue to ask for your assistance in giving back to UNE COM in this new way. You can assist with delivering medical education to our students, and our students can assist to deliver medical services to your patients. Thank you to everyone who has reached out, and, if you have any questions about how you may be able to help, please contact me.
There is so much happening here at UNE COM. I am proud of our students, faculty and professional staff in their ability to forge ahead in navigating the rough waters life has thrown us. I am also awed by our alumni and the many, many things you are all doing to care for your patients, and communities. I know we are all juggling so many challenges at times it can feel overwhelming, but things will get better and we all come out of this if we take care of our families, each other and ourselves. Although at times it can feel exhausting, I am really excited for UNE COM’s future, and to ride this wave with everyone.
Feel free to contact my office or email me anytime at [email protected] or (207) 602-2807.
As always, thank you for your continued UNE COM support.
Best,
Jane
Jane E. Carreiro, DO
Vice President for Health Affairs and Dean