MRS: Restricted Duties for Faculty of Medicine Clinical Learners
March 12
Dear Clinical Faculty and Learners:
Given the evolving situation related to COVID-19, the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto is adopting the following procedural changes for clinical learners coming in contact with patients as part of their training, effective immediately:
All clinical learners – must only attend community placements where screening processes for COVID-19 are in place and where appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided in order to safely assess patients. In the event a community placement location does not have adequate PPE available – or you’re unsure what PPE is appropriate for you – please contact your Clinical Liaison Officers/Clinical Course Supervisor (as applicable) immediately. (This may apply to the Mammography placements for Radiological Technology)
For unlicensed learners (Medical Radiation Sciences Students in clinical areas): All unlicensed learners are prohibited from assessing or consenting patients who:
Feel feverish or have a documented fever
Have a new or worsening cough or shortness of breath, or sore throat
Have presented for assessment of a possible upper respiratory tract infection or pneumonia
Do not put yourself and others at risk: if any clinical learner is experiencing even mild upper respiratory symptoms, please let your Clinical Coordinator or Clinical Liaison Officers/Clinical Course Supervisor know – you cannot be present in the clinical learning environment. We will do our best to ensure lost education time is made up in future.
During this time of heightened concern, the Faculty will do its utmost to support U of T learners and continue educational programs as best as possible while fulfilling our obligation to wise practice in public health and safety.
At all times we must consider how best to care for ourselves and those around us. There is the potential that further restrictions/processes may be put into place over the next days to weeks by both the university and hospital sites. We will ensure that you are made aware of these as expeditiously as possible. For more information, you may also visit the Faculty of Medicine COVID-19: Your Safety and Responsibility webpage.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Catherine Ladhani or Kieng Tan with your questions and concerns.
Take care,
Cate
Cathryne Palmer, MRT(T), MSc Director, Medical Radiation Sciences Program
