Dear students,
In follow up to the message sent on March 27th, we are writing to share some key decisions regarding experiential rotations. The University of Toronto Health Science Faculties have decided to pause all clinical rotations until July 6, 2020. This decision was influenced in part by the fact that our TAHSN hospital partners and other hospital partners across Ontario have indicated they are not able to safely accommodate learners at this time (see attached). Now that we have received this information we are able to confirm the plan for Blocks 1 and 2 of APPE rotations.
In light of the decision to pause all clinical rotations until July 6, students who have APPE rotations scheduled in Blocks 1and 2 may have their placements canceled. We will notify you individually of your options which may include canceling your rotation(s), switching to an NDPC rotation if applicable or any other options that may be available in the next couple of weeks. We will also be working to develop and offer virtual direct patient care rotations with sites across the province. The development of virtual rotations that will allow students to have direct patient care activities is a priority for us and we will make these available as soon as possible. Block 3 is yet to be determined as the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve. Our goal is to resume direct patient care rotations in clinical environments as soon as we are able to do so.
Students will receive communication from the Office of Experiential Education outlining individual student rotation assignments when this information is confirmed and ready to be shared.
We expect that you will have many questions regarding these decisions and what next steps you should take. As usual, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out to Cecelia or I and we would be happy to chat further with you.
Best regards,
Kathy Vu
Director, PharmD for Pharmacists Program