COVID-19 Update for PGME trainees, training programs and learning institutions - March 17 | Additional information

To: Residents, Fellows, Program Directors, Program Assistants, Fellowship Directors and Administrators, Family Medicine Site Directors, VP Education, Vice Chairs Education, HUEC, Clinical Department Chairs, Department Business Managers, Hospital Medical Education Staff

cc: PARO, COU, TAHSN, Linda Quattrin, Lynn Wilson, Post MD Staff

Dear colleagues,

On the heels of the update I just sent, I have now received the notice circulated from Dr. David Williams, Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health last pm indicating that the mandated isolation for all travellers applies only to non-healthcare workers. Hence the directions of many of our hospitals to return to work for select members of their provider workforce is not contradictory to Public Health Directives. I am happy that communication is converging on this issue; PARO has made a similar statement.

Clarification re: Non U of T Electives:

All residents and fellows currently here for electives originally scheduled to start prior to March 16, 2020, either under the two-week quarantine or engaged in clinical activity, may complete their elective as planned. We understand that many schools are recalling their trainees; therefore, please check with your home PGME office to confirm your ability to continue your elective at U of T. Electives that have been scheduled to start between March 16 to June 30, 2020 have been cancelled. Acceptance and processing of elective requests from Non U of T trainees has been suspended. (See document CANCELLATION OF ALL VISITING ELECTIVES - all visiting electives from Canadian and international schools).

Kind regards.

GLEN BANDIERA MD, MEd, FRCPC

Professor, Department of Medicine

Associate Dean, Postgraduate Medical Education