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COVID-19: Faculty of Medicine Update 2020/03/23 - Message from VP-Dean Eidelman

Published: 23 March 2020

To all members of the Faculty of Medicine, including learners and staff,

Firstly, I would like to express my deep appreciation for the massive efforts deployed by everyone last week. We successfully converted to a remote instruction organization, while ramping down lab research, as necessary, which I know was a very difficult task. Students and residents quickly responded to the directives specific to their courses and training, on campus and in the clinical environment. We also implemented task forces and mechanisms to accelerate the transition to remote delivery. Thank you, all, for your outstanding collaboration to achieve so much in such a short time.

Secondly, I would like to acknowledge challenges outside the Faculty and hardships that many are simultaneously facing. All of us have family, friends and colleagues in other provinces and countries. Beyond the difficulties of social distancing and “sheltering at home,” many are also dealing with health-related, financial or travel-related stresses. In addition to the government programs announced over the last few days, please remember that McGill offers these resources:

Faculty of Medicine students and residents in the health professions schools, please refer to the WELL Office.
All students have access to Keep.meSAFE, a mental health counselling service offered to students in partnership with SSMU and PGSS, which provides 24/7 access to licensed counsellors through telephone and mobile chat in more than 60 languages. To access this service, download the MySSP app in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
McGill employees can contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which is available 24/7.

Today, I encourage everyone to make sure you are up-to-date on the latest University news. The Quebec government announced on Sunday that all schools, universities and daycares would remain closed until May 1. The University is issuing regular email updates (MRO McGill Communications) to the McGill community with important information about how it is planning to resume academic activities. The University sent three messages over the weekend addressing the May 1 extension and Canadians stranded abroad, among other topics. The Principal also issued two messages, one regarding McGill’s first confirmed COVID-19 case and the second about Convocation.

There are a number of resources that have been set-up to keep you informed, including:

All University COVID-19 updates are posted here, together with FAQs and important self-declaration information.
You can find links to Faculty information about our research, schools and certain units on the Faculty’s COVID-19 page.
Preliminary resource information for instructors and students from Teaching and Learning Services (TLS) can be found here.
I also encourage everyone setting up at home to read this article, which provides tips on promoting your musculoskeletal health.

As we look ahead, I strongly urge everyone – students, faculty and staff – to manage your energies and establish healthy routines. This is the number one priority to safeguard your and your families’ health and will be key in sustaining our resilience.

The Faculty’s goal is to maintain normal, remote operations to the extent possible throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. It may not be perfect, but we will strive for the best possible outcomes in these circumstances, while staying healthy ourselves. Thanks to all for collectively supporting this goal, for following all directives related to social distancing and self-isolation (if sick or returning to Canada), and for continuing to work together, with patience and empathy, in support of our mission.

Should you have questions specific to the Faculty, do not hesitate to email us at: covid19.med [at] mcgill.ca. As well, for non-Faculty specific inquiries, you can email COVID-19.info [at] mcgill.ca for any other questions pertaining to the COVID-19 situation.

Sincerely,

David Eidelman, MDCM
Vice-Principal (Health Affairs)
Dean of the Faculty of Medicine

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