PROCEDURE CHANGES: International Travel for Medical Learners
March 4, 2020
Dear students, staff and faculty,
With the increasing number of countries affected by COVID-19, the Faculty of Medicine has adopted procedures regarding international travel by medical leaders, as detailed in the attached document. What this means for the MD Program is that all medical students returning from any international travel (e.g. for electives, selectives, research, vacation, etc.) are required to submit a completed a screening form to their designated Academy contact (provided on the linked form) prior to returning to educational or clinical activities, and wait for instructions about next steps. This requirement is how we will ensure that the MD Program is acting in accordance with the international travel procedures in a manner that is effective and supportive of medical students.
Any medical student who is symptomatic upon or subsequent to their return from international travel must stay home, use the screening form to inform their Academy, and wait be advised of next steps as per Toronto Public Health and applicable hospital guidelines.
Given that global information regarding COVID-19 is changing rapidly, thank you in advance for respecting these procedures, which will enable the Faculty and MD Program to support medical students as best as possible while fulfilling our obligation to wise practice in public health and safety.
I know this is a difficult time – please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or concerns.
Kind regards,
Patricia Houston, MD, MEd, FRCPC Vice Dean, MD Program Professor, Department of Anesthesia Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto
