Class of 2T0 update
Dear Class of 2T0,
We hope you and your families are keeping well during these very challenging times. We wanted to take this opportunity to provide you with an update regarding some of the issues we have been addressing. Please feel free to reach out anytime if you have further questions or concerns. We look forward to seeing you during the virtual town hall next week. We are here for you during these very uncertain times.
Take care and stay well,
Patricia Houston
Vice Dean, MD Program
Stacey Bernstein
Clerkship Director, MD Program
What will happen on the last day of class?
We look forward to celebrating this momentous occasion together, albeit virtually. We know this wasn’t exactly what we were all planning for or expecting, but there is still much to celebrate! You are about to be our newest graduates. You should have received a Listserv invitation for a celebration on the last day of class, April 6th. Your mystery speaker will share some words of wisdom, together with some MD Program faculty members.
Will the Portfolio course continue?
Although in person teaching and clinical placements have been cancelled, the Portfolio program across all 4 years will continue, with the modification that all meetings will take place virtually either by telephone or video conferencing. The upcoming session will be modified to include an opportunity to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic. Your last portfolio session will take place on April 6.
Will our convocation be impacted?
This afternoon, the University announced that all Spring 2020 Convocation ceremonies are cancelled. Please see a message from President Meric Gertler regarding this decision.
While our designated June 2, 2020 pre-convocation and convocation ceremonies cannot be held in the traditional Convocation Hall space, the MD Program, with the Class Presidents, will plan for an alternative experience where we can all come together as a community to celebrate, congratulate and recognize your successes. Convocation awards will be decided upon, and awarded to students. We promise that we will make best efforts to share this plan with you as soon as possible and to keep you closely informed as plans develop.
In the meantime, please review the FAQ page and the main convocation web page for updates and for helpful information for students.
Will our formal be impacted?
Your Class Presidents have been in contact with vendors about the student formal. All communication regarding this event will be shared by them.
Is the MCCQE exam being postponed?
The 2020 MCC Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part I and Part II sessions have been postponed. They are closely monitoring the situation and will be announcing the new examination schedules as soon as reasonably possible.
What can I do to help?
We think it is wonderful that so many of our students want to know how they can help. We encourage you to connect with MedSoc, as they are setting up a mechanism for this.
Volunteer opportunities are not curricular and independent of academic studies and the University, even if the activities take place on sites that are affiliated with the University (e.g. at major hospitals or with academic appointees requesting volunteers). As a volunteer, the University’s insurance coverage, WSIB coverage through the University (including the coverage applicable during student placements), financial support, or logistical support would not be available to you.
When will I have an opportunity to ask more questions?
The MD Program will be hosting a Year 4 Town Hall on April 2 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. via Zoom. Faculty attendees will include Drs. Bernstein, Houston, Pignatiello and Radhakrishnan. We will continue to provide regular updates by email and are happy to address any questions you may have. Our virtual doors are always open.
Please note that all COVID-19 related information is available on the Faculty of Medicine website.