Academic Medicine Open Forum

Hello - I'm wondering if any schools have considered or taken action to cancel or postpone medical student travel related to formal curriculum (e.g., international rotation) due to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic?  Thanks for any information you can share.

------------------------------
Kelly Caverzagie
Associate Dean for Educational Strategy
University of Nebraska College of Medicine
------------------------------

Kelly,

On January 24th, I canceled all student travel to the Far East - I know this was early, but we had students heading to Japan, China, Taiwan, and other countries in that region; there were 2 students already in Japan and I required them to return to the US.  I just had a feeling more was going to happen.  Early last week (February 24), rotations were canceled in Germany and Italy; we had 2 students in Italy and I also required their return; they are now staying at home.  On March 2, 2020, I canceled all student travel for international electives.  As a school, we also decided to reimburse students if they were unable to get airline reimbursement for travel cancellations.

Allan

------------------------------
Allan Tunkel
Senior Associate Dean for Medical Education
Warren Alpert Medical School
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-03-2020 10:29
From: Kelly Caverzagie
Subject: International Rotations and Covid-19

Hello - I'm wondering if any schools have considered or taken action to cancel or postpone medical student travel related to formal curriculum (e.g., international rotation) due to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic?  Thanks for any information you can share.

------------------------------
Kelly Caverzagie
Associate Dean for Educational Strategy
University of Nebraska College of Medicine
------------------------------

We have cancelled all school sponsored travel to level 3 countries and have warned all that the rapidly changing ratings may result in any student who travels abroad being required to undergo 14 day quarantine upon return. We are discussing ending international travel for housestaff and students but have not pulled the trigger yet. 

Eva

------------------------------
Eva Aagaard
Senior Associate Dean for Education
Washington University School of Medicine
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-03-2020 10:29
From: Kelly Caverzagie
Subject: International Rotations and Covid-19

Hello - I'm wondering if any schools have considered or taken action to cancel or postpone medical student travel related to formal curriculum (e.g., international rotation) due to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic?  Thanks for any information you can share.

------------------------------
Kelly Caverzagie
Associate Dean for Educational Strategy
University of Nebraska College of Medicine
------------------------------

Hi Kelly - we've canceled all outgoing and incoming international rotations.

------------------------------
Jonathan Amiel
Interim Co-Vice Dean for Education
Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 03-03-2020 10:29
From: Kelly Caverzagie
Subject: International Rotations and Covid-19

Hello - I'm wondering if any schools have considered or taken action to cancel or postpone medical student travel related to formal curriculum (e.g., international rotation) due to the evolving Covid-19 pandemic?  Thanks for any information you can share.

------------------------------
Kelly Caverzagie
Associate Dean for Educational Strategy
University of Nebraska College of Medicine
------------------------------