COVID-19 CLINICAL CLKERSHIP UPDATES AND PROTOCOLS

April 25, 2020

As per the NBME website the following update is available:

NBME received information that Prometric will extend its closure of test centers in the United States and Canada until May 31, 2020, with the exception of essential services programs. Certain centers will resume testing on a site-by-site basis for these essential services programs in accordance with local laws and social distancing guidelines starting May 1, 2020.

Essential Services Programs include (in no particular order):

• USMLE® (Step 1, Step 2 Clinical Knowledge, and Step 3)
• North American Veterinary Licensing Examination® (NAVLE®)
• Certification examinations
• International Foundations of Medicine® (IFOM®)
• NBME® Subject Exams*

* NBME Subject Exams and IFOM are considered essential. However, to ensure that examinees for licensure and certification have a better chance of scheduling, NBME requests that medical schools use web-conferencing with remote proctoring for NBME Subject Exams and school-based administration of IFOM.

March 3, 2020

Students who are scheduled to sit for the NBME/USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK are kindly asked to keep abreast with the updates provided by the Prometric testing centers.  Please follow updates on the sites given below.

Please note that according to the NBME/Prometric websites all Prometric Centres are closed till a tentative date of April 16th due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is possible that the testing centres may extend the closure date if they deem it is in the best interest of the students. In that instance the centres have stated they will be attempting to employ alternative methods to administer the test.

If the testing center is closed during your testing period, please contact the clinical department immediately so that we may reschedule your date.

If your selected exam date is after the closure period you currently do not need to reschedule at this time. However, keep in mind the situation may change and we will need to monitor and follow the protocols set by NBME and the Prometric Centres. If you would prefer to reschedule to another date in June please contact the clinical department immediately.

Prometric Testing Centers:  For USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK, CBSE NBME and CCSE NBME.

Website Information:  https://www.prometric.com/closures

CSEC Testing Sites: For USMLE Step 2 CS 

Website: https://www.csecassessments.org/

March 20, 2020

Due to the current COVID-19 situation and the recommendations of the CDC and WHO guidelines to avoid crowded places, gatherings and social isolation, All Saints University St. Vincent has cancelled the upcoming EXIT OSCE scheduled for April 2020.   A new date will be scheduled when it is declared safe to do so.  Students will be informed in the forthcoming days.

Students who are taking the USMLE Step 2 CS exams- see above.

March 20, 2020

There will always be extenuating circumstances that must be taken into consideration. All Saints University St. Vincent will examine each student case and work with the Student and the preceptor to make a decision that ensures the safety of the student and security of their future. Students who have matched can participate in selected approved virtual learning modalities offered by their clinical site as an alternative to direct patient contact. This can be used as acceptable credit towards the clinical rotation but must be approved by the Clinical Department. This can only be offered to students who have matched.

March 20, 2020

Effective March 18^th, 2020 all Clinical Clerkship Rotations in all Clinical Sites were ceased because of COVID-19 Pandemic.  While we understand your need to continue your medical education in a timely manner due to financial constraints etc, All Saints University St. Vincent prioritizes the health and safety of its students, faculty and staff.

March 20, 2020

No, all rotations must cease at this time. To ensure all our students are safe and reduce risk during this time, it is imperative that students follow the advice and recommendations given.

Clinical Rotations that are stopped are anticipated to resume on May 4, 2020. This is a tentative start date that will be based on the developments of COVID-19 pandemic. Students will be given ample notice via email about confirming the start date or if there are any further postponements.

Students will resume their rotation at the point where it was stopped and ideally with the same preceptor and at the same clinical site. Students will only be moved to a different site and preceptor under special circumstances. In all cases, students will continue their rotation where they left off.

For example:  OBGYN rotation stopped at end of week 2, will resume at the beginning of week 3 with the same preceptor at the same clinical site.

If for any reason your rotation preceptor or an alternative preceptor or site is not available at the time of resumption you will be eligible to start a different rotation. After completion of that rotation you will be scheduled to complete the previous unfinished rotation. In all other cases students will be required to resume the same rotation that they were previously registered in.

March 20, 2020

No, all rotations must cease at this time. To ensure all our students are safe and reduce risk during this time, it is imperative that students follow the advice and recommendations given.

March 20, 2020

Students will not incur any additional charges for clinical rotations that were already paid for.   The student will be able to resume from the point where they stopped during the rotation as long as they were previously in good standing with Accounts Department.

April 16, 2020

Additional AMA approved virtual electives have been added in various fields. Information has been emailed to all clinical students. Please contact the clinical department for further details on what you are eligible to register for.

March 20, 2020

The university will be offering an online non-credit medical review course for all clinical students. An email will be distributed shortly with further details. This course will be free of charge at this time.

Additionally, some of the clinical sites are offering non-credit courses, virtual research opportunities and etc. An email will be distributed by the Clinical Department shortly with all available options for you based on your clinical site. It is important that any course or option you partake in is online so that you may comply with CDC and WHO recommendations of social distancing.

Note that these non-credit courses will not count towards your rotation. They are being offered to ensure that we minimize the disruption to your education during this time.

March 20, 2020

Please be advised that students who continue their rotation at this time will be violating university procedure and will be subject to disciplinary action, including, but not limited to, suspension or dismissal. Such suspension or dismissal will be without refunds or compensation to me for any costs or fees paid or owed for clerkship registration, administration, placement and rotations and related expenses.

March 20, 2020

If you are not sick, then take every precaution to avoid getting the Coronavirus or any other kind of infection.

• Avoid contact with persons who are sick
• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20-30 seconds using antibacterial soap and running water.  If soap is not available, then use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Do not shake hands with anyone during this time
• Cover your cough and sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.  Be sure to properly dispose of the tissue in the trash.  Wash your hands after you dispose of the tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, objects and working areas.
• Social Distancing – Stay at least 6 feet away when speaking to someone.  Avoid crowded places and social gathering.
• Avoid use of Public transport if you can.

March 20, 2020

• Avoid contact with others.
• If you are sick
• Wear a mask if you are sick and around other people and before you enter a Healthcare Provider’s office
• If you are caring for others: If the person who is sick is not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live in the home should stay in a different room. When caregivers enter the room of the sick person, they should wear a facemask. Visitors, other than caregivers, are not recommended.
• Persons with suspected symptoms of COVID-19 (Fever, persistent cough and shortness of breath) should contact the public health authority and/or Coronovirus hotline for the city you are currently located in immediately for further directions on protocol.
• A 14-day self-isolation is recommended for everyone, whether you have the symptoms or not.  Remember, be responsible and prevent the further spread of the virus to others.

March 20, 2020

Students can reach out to:

The Office of Student Affairs via email: adstudentaffairs@allsaintsu.org

The Office of Clinical Affairs via email: clinical@allsaintsu.org

The Office of the Registrar via email: registrar@allsaintsu.org

Canadian Head Office via phone: +1-416-675-0101

March 20, 2020

Persons should keep abreast with the updated information provided on credible websites such as:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html

https://www. canada.ca/coronavirus