Returning Students Readjust to RSDM During Pandemic

Camilla Diaz

RSDM students returned to a setting filled with new rules and protocols to protect against COVID-19 transmission. But they were eager to pick up where they left off  in March, when classes moved entirely online.

Once clinics reopened for non-emergency procedures in mid-June, students began arriving to resume treating patients and learning pre-clinical skills.

Although first-year students won't arrive until later this month, others are here to continue their education.

In pre-clinic this week, where classes are staggered to accommodate smaller, socially distanced groups, first-year students worked on hand skills they had been honing before the spring. When they're finished later this month, they'll move up to become second-years.

Despite the challenges of readjusting, clinical instructor Dr. Amey Patil, praised the students for their resilience. "They're coping well,'' he said.

Student Camilla Diaz saw some advantages in the new preclinical environment. "There's more of an opportunity to get assistance instead of waiting around.''

"We haven't been here in awhile. It's been different, but it's nice to be back,'' said student Tiffany Youssef.