Trivial question, but I'll ask it....

[openstage]

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FIRST... There are certainly more serious life and death issues than going to med school. This pandemic will have a devastating impact on peoples health, the economy, tourism, entertainment not to mention people's mental health.

Assuming we are still trying to limit community spread, what impact do you predict this may have on the start of medical school this summer? Orientation, lectures and classes, lab work, community service, patient care, students in rotations, residency interviews? What changes could occur in programs that seem proactive, logical or extreme in vigilance?

Just curious what your productive thoughts are on this?

 

[Ihave Nonamè]

I think a bit of panic is in the air. All I ever hear is conversation about this virus. And when someone so much as sniffles, I see fear in the eyes of people nearby. I personally hate that all classes will be online. I fear not having enough social interaction.

 

[FutureSurgical]

I'm praying this is seasonal. My guess is it'll be the 5th coronavirus that spreads every year that starts the common cold. I think (pray) it'll be gone from the US and major industrial nations by the time we begin in the summer/fall

 

[Isoval]

Rule One : Take a Breath

This is a constantly changing situation with no definitive answers. Anything we say hear is pure speculation and all that will cause is stress, worry, and anxiety without giving any information.

but if you take a breath, you might get the coronavirus!

 

[Ihave Nonamè]

I'll add that I think this virus will become another seasonal illness as it has come too far now. It will affect the elderly and the immunocompromised, so I think these individuals should take extra precautions and stay away from crowds. But in my opinion, I don't think we're doing ourselves any good panicking or even trying to hide from it.

Also, because several mild cases are not being tested (particularly in the US!), I think the mortality rate is flawed. I think it is likely quite a bit lower than has been announced.

 

[deleted994889]

I feel the panic is a (more than) a little overblown. If you want to avoid travel and large public gatherings, that's all good. Most cases are mild, not unlike the flu or cold. So if you're not living in fear of those, I wouldn't let it interfere with your everyday life.