To all Medical Students training in Canadian medical schools,
The COVID-19 pandemic is a worldwide health challenge unprecedented in your lifetime but not unprecedented in our history. Our prime concern is your health and safety. In alignment with the recommendations of public health authorities across the country, all medical schools have postponed clerkship. At this moment in time, we do not know when clerkship will resume.
We want to reassure you that all 17 Undergraduate Deans are working together to ensure that decisions regarding your education are made in an equitable and fair manner. For example, the UG deans have unanimously agreed to stop receiving new applications for visiting electives through the Student Portal as of this weekend due to the uncertainty of elective capacity at all the universities and the cost to students for applications.
We are collaborating closely with Postgraduate Medical Educations Deans, and our Deans as members of the AFMC.
The AFMC is also working in very close collaboration with partner organizations directly involved in your medical education journey such as the Medical Council of Canada, the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada, The College of Family Medicine of Canada and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, the Canadian Federation of Medical Students and the Fédération médicale étudiante du Québec to ensure coordinated decision making in the best interest of students. We are also all members of CaRMS who would make any adjustments as required for a successful match for the class of 2021.
The end goal is, while keeping you safe, to enable to you be supporting the health system, to continue receiving your education, to re-engage in clinical activities and to facilitate your graduation and transition to residency in a manner that is co-ordinated in a pan-Canadian manner.
Our promise to you is that we will work tirelessly to reach this goal and to communicate with you often. During this most difficult time please do all you can to look after yourself, look after your family, your colleagues, your neighbours. Please utilize the many resources available to you at your school and reach out when you need help.
Most sincerely,
Dr. Evelyn Sutton Chair
On Behalf of the AFMC Undergraduate Medical Education Deans
