Return to Campus #2 - August 9, 2021
The Schulich Medicine & Dentistry leadership team is looking forward to the return of all faculty, staff and learners to campus in person beginning September 7 2021, unless required earlier by your supervisor. This email is a reconfirmation of communication on July 9, outlining the timing of our planned return to campus.
In anticipation of a new academic year and mindful of the continued challenges the COVID-19 pandemic presents to all of us in the pursuit of our education and research mission, the School is pleased to provide the following guidance specific to Schulich Medicine & Dentistry faculty, staff and learners for the months of August through November 2021 inclusive.
These heightened protocols, which may be subject to change in accordance with provincial and/or public health guidelines, are designed to protect the health and wellbeing of all of our School community and demonstrate leadership in the care of our overall campus community.
In an effort to keep everyone safe, the following protocols will apply:
1. All faculty, staff and learners are expected to complete the daily Western screening application before entering any of the School’s campus-based facilities and park in designated parking spots. Schulich Medicine & Dentistry faculty, staff and learners working at off-campus sites are expected to adhere to the screening protocols applicable to that site.
2. Faculty and staff working in any hospital, clinic or regional health care centre may be required by the site to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals who are unable to receive a vaccine and who require an accommodation as the result of a medical condition or other grounds protected by the Ontario Human Rights Code will need to seek an accommodation in accordance with the applicable policies of the site.
3. As exemplified in the policy announcement from the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) outlined below, all learners in any Schulich Medicine & Dentistry program seeking or requiring placement in any hospital, clinic or regional health care centre can anticipate the need to be fully vaccinated prior to assuming an academic placement.
LHSC Immunization Status - Vaccination Requirements: COVID-19
All students are required to be double vaccinated by November 1 with a COVID-19 vaccine in order to be considered fit to be on placement.
Students must have one vaccination prior to the placement with the second dose completed by November 1. Students will obtain the vaccine via public clinics or their own care provider.
Any student with a bona fide medical contraindication to receiving the vaccine shall notify his/her School Placement Coordinator, School Clinical Instructor, or other School contact (as applicable) prior to commencing placement so that any accommodation issues can be addressed.
You can read the policy for medical students and non-medical students.
You can read the communication about vaccine requirements at our hospitals that was sent to students on August 6.
Further, any learner who is not vaccinated may be precluded from a placement of their choice (or equivalent) if the clinical care site requires proof of vaccination status.
4. All faculty, staff and learners are expected to wear three-ply masks indoors in all common areas on campus or equivalent and when working in an area that does not provide for sufficient physical distancing. The School will work with departments on a case-by-case basis to try and find suitable working environments that minimize the need for wearing masks while working.
Schulich Medicine & Dentistry encourages all faculty, staff and learners to continue to monitor information and changes to applicable health and safety protocols.
The entire leadership team at Schulich Medicine & Dentistry expresses its gratitude to all faculty, staff and learners for your continued respect of each other and adherence to the various health and safety protocols. Your diligent efforts protecting colleagues and our community are noticed, recognized and appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you on September 7.
Sincerely,
Senior Leadership Council
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
