Dear Preceptors,
In follow up to the message sent previously, we are writing to share some key decisions regarding rotations for the 2020/2021 Experiential Year.
The University of Toronto Health Science Faculties have decided to pause all clinical rotations until July 6, 2020. This decision was made by U of T and applies to all clinical learners in the health sciences. The 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 accommodate learners at this time. Now that we have received this information we are able to confirm the plan for EPE 1, EPE 2 and Blocks 1-3 of APPE rotations.
In consultation with the Provost and Vice-Provost, the Faculty requested and was granted a declaration of academic disruption at the program level for years 1, 2 and 3 of the entry-to-practice Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program effective immediately and to April 30, 2021.
EPE 1 and 2
This academic disruption effectively means that EPE 1 and EPE 2 rotations will be postponed for this summer and will be integrated into the curriculum at a future time. Having taken a close look at our curriculum we are making this decision with confidence that we can fit the EPE 1 and EPE 2 requirements into the curriculum at a future time. We are currently exploring opportunities to provide pharmacy education activities over the summer to interested students. More information on this will be made available in the coming weeks.
APPE Rotations
APPE rotations for our 2T1 class continue to be a priority. In light of the decision to pause all clinical rotations until July 6, we have had to make some adjustments to your rotation schedules. We have decided that Block 1 will be deemed a study block for all students. For Block 2 we will only be offering NDPC rotations. 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. As we await information on the clinical environment we will 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.
As there will be an impact to preceptor schedules, you will be receiving additional communication from the Office of Experiential Education (OEE) outlining changes to your existing schedule.
Virtual Town Halls
We expect that you will have many questions regarding these decisions and what next steps you should take. We are planning to host virtual town halls in the coming weeks, and the dates and times will be communicated once details are confirmed. In the meantime, if you have any urgent questions please do not hesitate to reach out to us at oee.phm@utoronto.ca.
There has been a lot of change in our professional, educational and personal lives in the recent weeks. Please take time to care for yourselves and each other. As a Faculty we appreciate your continued support and understanding as we navigate these challenging circumstances.
Thank you,
Jamie Kellar
Acting Director, Doctor of Pharmacy Program (PharmD)
Sandra Bjelajac Mejia
Interim Director, Professional Programs
Marvin James
Director, Office of Experiential Education