COVID-19 FAQs for Medical Students

1. What are the current Massachusetts Travel Quarantine requirements? As of Monday, March 22, 2021, all visitors entering Massachusetts (including returning residents) are advised to quarantine for 10 days upon arrival, unless they have received a negative COVID-19 result on a test administered not more than 72 hours prior to arrival in MA OR are both fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. MA State requirements can also be viewed on MA.gov.

Students who are not able to receive testing and a negative result within 72 hours prior to their arrival will need to adhere to the Massachusetts regulations until their on-campus entry testing comes back negative.  On-campus students will need to complete travel quarantine in their assigned rooms with other members of their household who share the same assigned room or living space. Off campus students will need to quarantine in their off-campus residences. [Updated 3/22/21]

1. What process should I follow for getting COVID testing? Students should NOT contact BMC’s Working Well Clinic regarding COVID related concerns, including testing. All COVID related concerns, including possible exposure to a COVID+ patient, need to be directed to BU Healthway. If BU Healthway advises you to get screened, you should go to the ILI Clinic (1^st floor, Crosstown Building) between 8:30am-Noon Monday through Friday. The ILI Clinic sees walk-ins only; no appointments or referrals are needed. Do not call the ILI Clinic.

• Provide your insurance information; health insurance will be billed
• Results will be available via MyChart, usually within 6-12 hours. The ILI Clinic will call with results within 2 days. (Note: Students are encouraged to sign up for MyChart in order to receive results more quickly)
• It is the student’s responsibility to inform BU Healthway of their test result

BU Healthway will give recommendations for quarantine, return to class/clinical rotations, as appropriate.

See additional details regarding BU’s COVID-19 Screening, Testing, and Contact Tracing here. [Updated 10/5]

2. What are the hours of the BUSM Covid Testing Site? Collection Hours: The BUMC Collection Site (R-107) will be open for appointments seven (7) days a week, 7am-8pm, by appointment only. Appointments are scheduled for 15 minutes, but we have found so far it goes much more quickly.

Detailed hours for all of BU’s collection sites can be found here. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

3. Are COVID tests covered by insurance? Screening tests are covered by the University. Medically necessary tests are covered by BUSM’s student health insurance (Aetna). Students with other forms of insurance should check with their carrier. [Updated 2/25/21, removed Intercession Hours]

4. Is testing mandatory? All students will be required to get COVID-19 testing when they arrive on campus. Further, in addition to the state’s travel requirement, we are strongly advising “stay-in-place” protocols for an extended period of approximately one week for students who arrive from outside the lower risk states. During that time, students will need two negative COVID-19 tests before they are advised to complete their stay-in-place protocol and are eligible to attend classes in person. This includes the entrance test. See Boston University’s chart on COVID-19 requirements for arrival on BU Campuses to help determine requirements specific to your situation. Additional details can be found on BU’s Screening, Testing, & Contact Tracing Page. [Links updated 3/17/21]

5. What happens if I get a positive test result? In the event that a residential student tests positive, they will be moved into isolation housing on campus and have meals and supplies delivered.  If an off-campus student tests positive, they will be provided instructions on how to safely isolate in their own local residence.  All residential students determined to be a close-contact of a COVID-19 positive individual, as a result of contact tracing, will be moved to designated quarantine housing on campus. Students in designated quarantine housing will have a private room and private bathroom and will have meals and supplies delivered to their units.  If an off campus student is identified as a close contact, they will be provided instructions on how to safety quarantine in their own local residence.  For any student in quarantine or isolation, Student Health Services will provide regular telehealth visits. [Reviewed 10/5]

6. If we are completely asymptomatic and get a positive COVID test result during the screening process, what is the implication for missed clinical rotation time and meeting requirements to graduate or be promoted to the next academic year? BUSM will work with students who are required to quarantine to mitigate disruption to your progress through the curriculum. If a student becomes ill, then this will be handled just as any other illness would be (e.g. students who are ill would not be expected to participate in a virtual learning experience). [Reviewed 10/5]

7. What is Boston University’s Stay-in-Place Advisory? Boston University is taking additional precautions given the size of our community, the variety of places from which our students come, and the risk of COVID-19 infection prior to or during travel to Massachusetts.  All students will be required to get COVID-19 testing when they arrive on campus. Further, in addition to the state’s travel quarantine requirement, we are strongly advising “stay-in-place” protocols for an extended period of approximately one week for students who arrive from outside the lower risk states. During that time, undergraduates will need a total (including the entrance test) of three (3) negative COVID-19 tests and graduate students will need two (2) negative COVID-19 tests before they are advised to complete their stay-in-place protocol.  Due to the different frequency of testing for undergraduate and graduate students, the total number of consecutive tests are different, but the time needed to achieve these tests is approximately 8 days.  During this period of BU-advised stay-in-place, students should minimize contact with others to the extent possible and only leave their residence for food, medical appointments, and COVID-19 testing performed on-campus.  [Reviewed 10/5]

8. If I’m traveling out of Massachusetts, how does this impact the mandatory testing requirements? Students who are traveling out of state and not staying overnight need not make any changes regarding COVID testing. If a student is staying overnight in another state, they should follow the guidelines outlined on Boston University’s chart on COVID-19 requirements for arrival on BU Campuses to help determine requirements specific to their situation. Students coming from lower risk states will need to schedule a test upon their return to campus, while students coming from higher risk states will need to quarantine per the Massachusetts travel order OR have a negative test within 72 hours prior to returning to campus and follow stay-in-place recommendations pending 2 sequential negative tests once back on campus. [Link updated 3/17/21]

9.  How do I quarantine/How do I know if I have to quarantine? In compliance with Massachusetts Public Health Guidelines and travel guidance issued on July 24 by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, any student returning to campus from out of state are exempt from the state’s 14-day quarantine if they are coming from a state deemed lower risk by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 

Students coming from outside of the United States or from states that which the Commonwealth of Massachusetts health authorities classify as higher risk are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, observing “stay in place” protocols. This includes students living in MSR or in off campus housing. “Stay in place” includes staying in their assigned apartments and leaving only for essential needs such as picking up food and attending medical appointments. [Updated 10/5]

10. How Do I Get Blackboard or Questrom Tools Reinstated? Students MUST complete a COVID test before they can be reinstated. There will be no exceptions to this policy. If a student is fully remote, or feel they have been miscategorized for testing, they must update their LfA status on the Student Link
PLEASE NOTE: The updated LfA status does not appear in system records until the next day. If access is needed the same day, the student can email a screenshot of their LfA status to healthwayhelp@bu.edu in order to regain access.

Finally, students must email healthwayhelp@bu.edu in order to be reinstated. The staff at Healthway Help will verify the student’s compliance status and reinstate them as soon as possible.
PLEASE NOTE:  The process to reinstate may take several hours depending on volume. [Reviewed 12/10]

1. If I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the current situation, what resources are available to me? BU Student Health Services has made all of its Behavioral Health services available remotely, including workshops and support groups. 

Additionally, Student Affairs Open Office Hours continue as usual, albeit virtually through Zoom. Office hours are subject to change; please refer to the weekly Student Digest for the most up-to-date hours.

• Mondays @ 12-1 p.m. Dean Sanchez
• Tuesdays @ 2:00-3 p.m. Dean Chen
• Wednesdays @ 12-1 p.m. Dean Young
• Thursdays @ 1-2 p.m. Dean Bryant
• Fridays @ 3-4 p.m. Dean Symes

All SA deans are available for scheduled appointments, as usual, via phone, or Zoom. Just reach out directly to request a meeting (and remember, all emails for our Office can be found on our contacts page). We also invite you to schedule a wellness check-in with our Wellness & Advising Program Coordinator, Camille Serelus, or reach out to other Student Affairs staff members for support. 

Lastly, in the case of an emergency medical students can page the dean on duty by calling (617) 638-5795 and sending a page to #4196 or sending a text page to pager #4196 through the pager directory. [Updated 9/29]

2. Are there any plans for social events for students before the end of the spring 2021 semester, given the loosened state restrictions and updated CDC guidelines around vaccination status? The Student Affairs Office continues to explore the safety and feasibility of in-person gatherings as the rate of vaccinations increase and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts eases restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings. Any definitive updates and changes to university standards will be shared with the student body immediately. [New 3/17/21]

Please see section on BUSM Covid Testing for Q&A specific to the campus testing procedures.

1. If I have symptoms of an Influenza Like Illness (ILI), what should I do? Students experiencing symptoms should contact BU Healthway. Additional details regarding the screening process are included under the BUSM Covid Testing Q&A here. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2. What can I do if I have concerns about improper PPE use by residents and fellows, such as not masking while in small workrooms with others, while I’m on rotations?  We understand that addressing this directly with residents and fellows that are working with you can be uncomfortable for many students. If students observe any concerns about residents and fellows, including improper use of PPE, students can make an anonymous report at https://www.bmc.org/medical-professionals/graduate-medical-education-gme/violation-reporting. Students should continue to use ATM reporting for any concern about mistreatment. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

3. Is there a system in place to notify students if a patient they cared for turns out to be COVID positive? Hospital epidemiology is responsible for contact tracing and will reach out to members of healthcare teams, including medical students, who may have been exposed to a patient who is COVID positive.

At affiliated sites, we have asked sites to inform Dean Yellen if there has been a Covid exposure to a student so we can also be aware. However, public health tracing will also be required and in touch with all providers who meet the definition of exposure. [Updated 12/2]

4. Will surgical masks be available for students who may need to commute on public transportation? BUSM does not supply PPE outside of the school and hospital. Students in need of masks for public transit will need to purchase masks that will meet this need. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

5.What should I do if I, or a member of my household, is immunocompromised and there are concerns about needing to take public transit to a clinical site? Students with medical concerns should apply for accommodations. Information on getting started with this process is available on the Office of Enhancement’s website. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

6. What kinds of precautions are we expected to take as students and what precautions is the university taking? In general, we are following the guidance of the State of Massachusetts and the University.  The types of precautions we are taking include:

• setting up physical spaces to promote distancing – making hallways and staircases one-way, “closing” or removing chairs or seats in enclosed rooms, limiting elevator loads;
• enhanced AND more frequent cleaning of shared spaces;
• personal hygiene promotion like required masks, hand sanitizer everywhere, avoiding sharing;
• signage reminding people of distancing, handwashing, hygiene practices;
• reducing the number of people on campus (everyone who can works from home, LfA); and
• establishing an on-campus lab for testing, and protocols for contact tracing and hot-spotting. 

We expect that students will also follow state and university guidance, helping us to carry out the precautions we have described above. In addition, we are going to count on you to be rigorous with yourself about your health. Monitor your symptoms. Bring a thermometer with you. Get tested if you need to. Follow isolation precautions if you end up with the virus. [Reviewed 9/28]

1. Where can I study on the BUSM Campus? Students can find available study space using the Medical Campus Study Space Finder. Masks and physical distancing are required on campus, including instructional and relaxation space. Food is not permitted in classrooms. Students are allowed to drink beverages through a straw, inserted under their mask, while in classrooms.  [Updated 3/17/21]

2. What hours is the library open?  The library has re-opened and their hours of operation are 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM from Sunday – Friday.

Effective Monday, March 29, 2021, the Alumni Medical Library hours will be the following:

Library

• Monday – Friday: 7:30am – 6:00pm
• Saturday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
• Sunday: 7:30am – 6:00pm

L-11 testing and L1110 Computer Classroom Hours

• Sunday – Saturday (Daily): 6:00 am – 7:00 pm

[Updated 3/25/21]

3. How do we address technology failures on campus (e.g. non-functioning printers) while the help desk and library are closed? Students experiencing technology issues should email bumchelp@bu.edu or call 617-358-4540 (8:30am-5:00pm Mon-Fri) for assistance with on-campus technology. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

4. What can BUSM do to support students who do not have high-speed, reliable internet at home so they’re not at a disadvantage with all of this online learning? Students in walking distance to the campus can study in an open room, practicing social distancing and wearing a mask. If students do not have reliable internet at home, they should prepare to come into the school and use the available spaces in the medical school. If students have chosen to go home, we are not able to assist with that and will expect them to be able to participate virtually in the curriculum as students were notified of this. [Reviewed 10/5]

5. How will changes to the state guidelines impact capacity and availability of Instructional Building spaces? There are no changes at this time, but if any changes are made in the future, they will be communicated to the BUSM community via email, as well as be available on the Educational Media website. [Reviewed 12/10]

1. I have a question specific to my own schedule (e.g. remediating content prior to promotion, LOA, gap year, modified curriculum, returning from dual-degree), who should I contact to determine how the changes will impact my schedule personally?  Contact an assistant dean in Student Affairs to begin the conversation. You can email the office staff to schedule an appointment. Also consider using the daily Open Office Hours. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2.Who is making the decisions regarding our curriculum, and with what level of student input?  The faculty are involved in designing and implementing the curriculum. MEC, in conjunction with Dean Antman and the Associate Deans have been discussing the curriculum regularly, using guidance from the AAMC, LCME, and other medical schools. MEC Student representatives have been involved in discussions and decisions made within that committee. Students may also provide their feedback through SCOMSA and the town halls. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

3. Does the 32 week 4^th year requirement change apply to all classes, or just the class of 2020? The change to 32 weeks was a one-year modification approved by the MEC due to the current COVID-19 situation impacting students’ ability to complete clinical experiences and graduate on time. In spite of the reduced requirement, all efforts were made to work with students to ensure they had 36 weeks of rotations whenever possible. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

4. Other schools have created some online modules/electives related to the epidemiology behind pandemics and infection control principles. Will BUSM be doing this as well? The 4^th year Preparation for Internship module has entire week of information on Covid and preparing to care for patients with Covid-19. Any 4^th year student can access this module if they are interested. All 3^rd years who completed the Preparing for 4^th year virtual elective were also exposed to this during their elective. [Reviewed 10/5]

5. How Do I Get Blackboard or Questrom Tools Reinstated? See information outlined here. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

1. How can I help and volunteer during this time? There are many volunteer opportunities available to support the BMC faculty and staff. Note: the School’s administration is not included in the process of assigning students to activities. (We don’t know who is volunteering and who is not, to help ensure that you feel no pressure to volunteer).

• Sign-up link for volunteer opportunities
• Guiding principles for volunteering during COVID-19
• Medical Student Volunteer Attestation form

1.  How do I sign up to attend classes in person? In person preference will be designated by students every 2 weeks through a web based application. If you are scheduled to attend in person, and your plans change, please go into the application and mark that you will attend remotely, to open up space for waitlisted students. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2. Can we choose to come to campus to take our remote exams?  Yes. If you are unable to take exams due to unstable internet connection or another reason, you will need to email the course coordinator so we can designate a space for you to take the exam. We do not encourage students to take the exam on campus unless necessary so that we can maintain a lower density of students and faculty on campus. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

3. How Do I Get Blackboard or Questrom Tools Reinstated? See information outlined here. [Reviewed 12/10]

4. Has BUSM considered extending the option for M1s to learn remotely given the rise in COVID cases around the country? Doctoring was made remote for an entire month from before Thanksgiving to 2 weeks post intersession for this reason. We will also continue testing and PPE to keep students safe. All other courses will be stay LfA for the entire academic year. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

1. Will second year start as scheduled, and should we anticipate remote learning spilling into the start of second year? The second year curriculum began remotely, with in person Doctoring 2 sessions starting the week of September 7^th. Learn from Anywhere is currently in effect for the DRx curriculum. [Updated 10/5]

2. What precautions will be in place to minimize exposure risk? In addition to BU’s COVID-19 Testing Plan, individuals are expected to wear masks on campus at all times. Doctoring 2 students will be supplied with disposable PPE (e.g. face shield, surgical mask, gloves) as is appropriate to the activities for each session. Doctoring 2 will be aiming to group students with individuals that they already live with as much as possible to help minimize exposure risk. [Reviewed 10/5]

1.  How do I sign up to attend classes in person? In person preference will be designated by students every 2 weeks through a web based application. If you are scheduled to attend in person, and your plans change, please go into the application and mark that you will attend remotely, to open up space for waitlisted students. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2. How Do I Get Blackboard or Questrom Tools Reinstated? See information outlined here. [Reviewed 12/10]

1. How will exams be administered during the Learn from Anywhere period? All exams including remediation exams will be administered using Exam Soft and Exam Monitor software, which allows for remote proctoring and security, until further notice. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

1. Will third year orientation be in person or virtual? Third year orientation will run from Monday, May 17th through Friday, May 21st and will have in person sessions throughout the week. [New 3/17/21]

1. Will the USMLE have alternatives for taking Step exams outside of a Prometrics location (similar to what is occurring for the shelf exams)?In response to the large backlog at traditional Prometric testing centers, the USMLE has announced a phased approach to expanding capacity to take the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK examinations. BUSM was approved by the USMLE to become an event-based testing site and administered Step 1 on July 30th and August 13th and Step 2 CK on August 27th and September 10th. At this time, no additional event-based testing dates have been planned by the USMLE. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

1. With hospitals shifting elective procedures and spaces around to accommodate for Coronavirus patients, will the capacity of the 3rd year rotations be impacted? While several of our affiliates are currently not taking students due COVID-19 related changes, our revised block schedule will accommodate all students at our active sites for the year. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2. What will happen with VA Fingerprinting? VA Fingerprinting operations have resumed. Students assigned to the VA will receive an email from their Clerkship Coordinator with instructions and a list of local PIV Offices for students to contact and schedule a fingerprinting appointment. [Reviewed 10/5]

3. What is the proper clinical attire? Many people on the wards are still opting to wear scrubs as their preference, but it not a recommendation, but individual preference. The hospital cannot provide scrubs for daily use for all student rotations. Students can purchase their own, for their daily use. The advice is that whether using scrubs or street clothes, change out of them upon returning home and place to wash. Leave shoes worn in the hospital at the doorway upon returning home.

As for your white coat – there are no longer formal recommendations. This is also personal preference. People are wearing white coats more often, including many of your SubI colleagues. (During the surge, white coats were actively discouraged, that is no longer the case). White coats are known to carry pathogens in the best of times. However, we know that COVID transmission from contaminated surfaces is low and the virus probably does not do well on fabrics. You should consider your need for the pockets, which can be helpful since you do not want to be setting things down on hard surfaces. Personal items – ID, pens, pagers, phones, wallets- should be disinfected when you get home. Amanda in Student Affairs can help if you want to purchase another white coat. [Reviewed 12/2]

4. How Do I Get Blackboard or Questrom Tools Reinstated? See information outlined here. [Reviewed 12/10]

5. With the recent uptick in cases and cancellation of elective surgeries, are any rotations going to be changing? All rotations are currently continuing as planned. Although elective surgeries have been limited, many surgeries can continue and students will be rotating through those services. [New 12/10]

6. If I need to make up a third year clerkship in my fourth year, how many weeks will my clerkship be? The MEC voted at the January 2021 meeting that fourth year students who are making up clerkships in AY 21-22 will complete the full length of the clerkship. If the clerkship had a virtual curriculum in AY 20-21 that the student participated in, they will be given 2 weeks elective credit in addition to their clerkship credit. [New 1/15/2021]

7. Will we be able to do away rotations in AY 2021-2022 as 4th year students? BUSM will be adopting the recommendations of the AAMC. In summary:

• students will be allowed to do ONE away rotation in a given specialty
• away rotations start no earlier than Aug 1, 2021
• applications for aways should start no earlier than April 15.  

The AAMC’s statement:

For the 2021-22 academic year, away rotations resume no earlier than August 1, 2021, with the following guidance: 

• After April 15, learners may begin applying for and scheduling in-person away rotations with a start date of August 1, 2021, or later.  
• Programs hosting learners for away rotations are encouraged to adhere to May 1 as the date to begin processing away rotation applications that begin on or after August 1. 
• Given the compressed timeline paired with an inadequate quantity of electives available for completion, medical schools are encouraged to limit approved away rotations in any specialty to one per learner, except in cases where additional rotations are needed to complete graduation or accreditation requirements.  Residency programs are encouraged to take into consideration if a learner exceeded the one away rotation limit during the residency selection process. 
• Programs may continue to offer virtual electives to provide opportunities for learners to explore the specialty and program.  
• The working group will continue to monitor the available information. We plan to provide an update to the community no later than April 15, 2021, either confirming that August 1 remains an acceptable start date, or creating a new start date. 

[New 1/27/2021]

1. When will the clerkship shelf exams be scheduled? Shelf Exams will be administered for students at the end of each rotation on the below dates, which are also noted in the Google Calendar of the Academic Calendars page. Medicine and Surgery students will take their shelf exam on the first shelf date following all six (6) weeks of their clerkship.

Students scheduled for Medicine and/or Surgery in the first 4 weeks or last 4 weeks of the clinical schedule, please check with your clerkship to confirm the timing of your specific exam, as students may be testing April 30^th or May 14^th. Surgery students will also have the option of taking the shelf on September 18^th, following the 4 week block, but prior to the 2 week block.

• September 18th
• October 16th
• November 13th
• December 11th
• January 15th
• February 12th
• March 12th
• April 16th
• April 30th* – Medicine and Surgery Only
• May 14th

[Reviewed 3/17/21]

2. Will Shelf exams be remote or in person? Shelf exams will be delivered remotely and proctored via Zoom by the coordinators for each clerkship. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

1. What process should I follow for getting COVID testing? See the response in the General Questions section here. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2.  What do I do if I can’t access an N95 from a scrub machine at BMC? You must be Fit Tested before receiving an N95 mask; it takes one week to be added from fit-testing. Students who were previously fitted for a Gerson 2130,SAS N95, or 3M 1860 Regular must be re-fitted via a fit-testing session listed here.

N95 Machine Access Instructions

1. Scan Badge on Reader
2. Open door number displayed
3. Retrieve mask from Compartment

Common Error Codes

• Badge Error 64: Mask size not in stock in the machine; try another machine and ensure that it’s one that dispenses the type of mask you are fitted for.
• Receiving a 12- or 13-digit number on the display: Provide that number in an email to DG-N95MaskRequest@bmc.org, as they will need to enter that number in their system to resolve the issue.
• Zero Credits: May occur if you’ve already taken a mask for the day or if you opened the slot and no mask was dispensed due to the machine needing a refill. In this case, please call the transport office, and email DG-N95MaskRequest@bmc.org so that they can update your credits. Everyone receives 1 mask per day, and credits are updated at midnight.

*If an error code is displayed please take a picture of the error code and send along with mask type and BUID number to DG-N95MaskRequest@bmc.org. Please note that you must use your BMC email address to contact this address. BU email addresses may be rejected.

Initial resolution will likely include providing students with a PIN & Access code in lieu of using BUIDs to access the machines. If you continue to have issues accessing masks, please cc Rebecca Halley (rlhalley@bu.edu) on communications for additional escalation and assistance.

If you received the wrong mask or need a mask for your shift, please call Transport at 617-414-5830 or go directly to the Transport Office located in the Menino basement to pick up a mask. Each user is allowed 1 credit (mask) per day. If the mask is soiled or broken, Transport can deliver another one. [Updated 3/17/21]

3. Will we have access to scrubs? Ob and Surgery students will have scrubs, but scrubs are not required in all areas. If you are on another rotation where they don’t traditionally give scrubs and you need scrubs, the current recommendation is for students to buy a pair of scrubs, to ensure students aren’t coming in and unable to get scrubs from the machines.

If you don’t receive a credit back when returning your scrubs, please call (617) 414-5183 to speak with Linen Services. If the issue is not corrected over the phone, please email DG-LinenServices@bmc.org and copy your rotation coordinator so that they are aware of the issue. Please note that you must use your BMC email to contact Linen Services via email; BU email addresses may be rejected. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

4. If I’m completing a clinical rotation off campus, do I need to complete my COVID testing with Healthway? Students using classroom space as part of their rotation must test weekly. If your rotation is offsite or does not have you return to BUSM then you do not need to test weekly. Students should still be logging their daily symptom screen in Healthway, but will not be due for another COVID test until they are returning to BUSM campus. Students can change their Learn from Anywhere status by logging into Student Link to indicate that they are Category 3 and are not coming to campus while they are at an offsite rotation. See the response in the General Questions section for additional details on testing.  [Reviewed 3/17/21]

1. How will final grades in core clerkships be determined in Block 7? The final grades in Block 7 will be calculated using the same grading policy that was given at orientation, the clinical grade will be determined based on 4 weeks rather than 6 weeks of clinical clerkships. All students will receive an incomplete grade until the shelf exam is taken. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2. How will final grades in core clerkships be determined in Block 8, F, F1, and F2? Grades in Blocks 8, F, F1, F2, and the Transition to 4^th Year elective will be pass/fail. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

3. How will the school address clinical experiences that students missed in their third year curriculum, and the fact that each student will have missed different components? The clerkships are tracking which experiences students have satisfied and which still need to be completed. Missing components will be addressed in the student’s fourth-year schedule. The elective/experience that the student uses to remediate the missing clinical curriculum does not count towards 4th year requirements. Students who missed clinical content at the end of 3rd year completed the “Preparing for 4th Year” virtual curriculum, which provides the space necessary to complete the missing clinical time for the majority of students. Clerkship Clinical Remediation 2020-2021  [Reviewed 3/17/21]

4. Will not having clinical experience in a third year rotation affect eligibility to take some fourth year electives which require said rotation as a pre-requisite? See above. BUSM will work with students to ensure that students are set up in the fourth year to complete any missed clinical experiences to satisfy elective pre-requisites. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

5. Regarding students in the Class of 2021 making up 4 weeks of clinical during fourth year in lieu of clinical experience block 8 – is there a possibility we would be placed at clinical sites outside of BMC? While most clinical make up will be at Boston Medical Center, there is a possibility that students in some clerkships will do part or all of their experience at an outside site, depending on space and capacity for the clerkship. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

6. Will students need to complete any OSCEs or OCRAs they missed at the end of Third Year? All OSCEs and OCRAs for blocks 8 and F were completed with alternate activities and will not be done later. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

7. It is advised that students should complete required clinical experiences from our third year and Sub-Is as soon as possible, so that we meet these requirements in the event that there is another pandemic resurgence. Does this mean that the school is advising students who are currently scheduled to make up 3rd year experiences in the Spring of 2021 or Geriatrics after block 14 (both due to availability of rotations) to try to get sign up for earlier blocks?  If there is availability in required experiences and you are choosing to participate in them in a later block, we are suggesting that you schedule them earlier. If the blocks are full, there is no additional capacity at this time. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

1. How will the differences in grading the last 1-2 blocks of the year affect our MSPE? The following statement will be included in MSPE letters to explain the impact of the pandemic on the curriculum:

Due to the COVID 19, pandemic BUSM suspended face to face clinical rotations from March 2020 until June 2020 for the Class of 2020.  During their 3rd year(March-May 2020), the following changes were made.  Students who were completing their 6 week clerkship(Family Medicine, Ob/Gyn, Pediatrics, Psychiatry) when clinical rotations were suspended(March 14, 2020) had their clinical rotation reduced by 2 weeks, to four total weeks and were graded using the H,HP,P,F scale.  Our final 6 week clerkship blocks of the year included only a 2 week virtual curriculum from Monday, March 30th to April 13th in the 2019-20 academic year. Students on a 4- or 8-week clerkship (Neurology, Medicine 1, Surgery) beginning on March 16th completed 4 weeks of virtual clerkship in their third year. All students enrolled in core clerkships which only had a virtual component in the 2019-20 AY will complete the clinical component in the 20-21 AY(please see clerkship narrative for specifics). All final grades for our final clerkship blocks of the year,(Blocks 8, F, F1, and F2) are graded as P/F. From April 14th to May 10th the majority of students were enrolled in the Transition to 4th Year virtual elective, which was also graded as P/F. A few students were enrolled in a selective or neurology in their final blocks which was also graded P/F. All students took their shelf exam for their final clerkship block on May 13th, 2020. Additionally, since March 2020, all students enrolled in Geriatrics or Radiology have also been graded on a P/F scale.  The clerkships with Incomplete or Pass*** grades indicate clerkships that are graded Pass/Fail only for the Spring of 2020.

[Updated 10/5]

2. If block 8/F/F1 is a specialty we were interested in pursuing, how will this affect the evaluation of our applications by residency programs? A note will be placed in your MSPE explaining that the P/F grade is related to COVID-19 (see above for specific wording) and the CDs will work closely with the students to be sure that they are able obtain LOR. [Updated 10/5]

3. What changes have been made to requirements for when to take Step 2 CK/CS? Are there options to take Step exams outside of a Prometric location? USMLE has suspended the Step 2 Clinical Skills Examination. Students will not have to take the Step 2 CS this year. The full announcement is available on their page. Students will still be required to take the Step 2 CK by November 1st. BUSM was approved by the USMLE to become an event-based testing site and administered the Step 2 CK on August 27th and September 10th. At this time, no additional event-based testing dates have been planned by the USMLE. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

1. What are the 4^th year curriculum requirements? The Medical Education Committee has approved the following curriculum changes as a one year measure for the Class of 2021 due to the COVID-19 situation and resultant scheduling limitations:

Requirements:

• Students must take Geriatrics, a Sub-I, and a clinical elective
• 24 weeks of electives must be completed (3 clinical electives)

For this academic year:

• Geriatrics will be graded pass/fail
• Medicine 2 and Surgical Subspecialty Selective Requirement has been replaced with any clinical elective.
• 6 clinical rotations and 3 non-clinical rotations (12 weeks of non-clinical electives): Students looking to take more than 3 non-clinical rotations must get an exception approval from SEPC.
• If you completed the Preparation for 4^th year elective counts as 4 weeks of an elective towards your 24 week elective requirement; As of August 13, 2020, the Medical Education Committee voted that the Transition to 4th Year elective will no longer be included in the three non-clinical electives limit. Students who were required to take this elective at the end of their third year are now able to take three non-clinical electives in addition to the Transition to 4th Year elective.
  

Note: The elective/experience that the student uses to remediate the missing 3rd year clinical curriculum does not count towards 4th year requirements. Students who missed clinical content at the end of 3rd year completed the “Preparing for 4th Year” virtual curriculum, which counts as a 4-week elective towards your 4th year requirements and provides the space necessary to complete the missing clinical time for the majority of students.  [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2. Does the “Preparing for 4^th Year” Virtual Elective count as a a clinical or non-clinical elective towards 4^th year requirements? As of August 13, 2020, the Medical Education Committee voted that the Transition to 4th Year elective will no longer be included in the three non-clinical electives limit. Students who were required to take this elective at the end of their third year are now able to take three non-clinical electives in addition to the Transition to 4th Year elective.

The decision to change this requirement was because most of the Class of 2021 was required to take the Transition to 4th Year elective, and a large number of students will exceed the required number of non-clinical electives with their current fourth year schedule if it is counted as one of the three non-clinical electives. The school would like to allow students to continue in their planned teaching and research electives and as such the Medical Education Committee voted to amend the requirements for this year. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

3. How will Medicine 2 be graded in 2020-2021 for students who take this? Medicine 2 will remain on the Honors/High Pass/Pass/Fail grading scale. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

4. Which 4th year rotations have changed to Pass/Fail this year? Geriatrics and the Radiology Core-Elective have moved to Pass/Fail this year. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

5. Which electives are currently available for upcoming Blocks? As availability is continually in flux as students update their schedules, students should check with the Rotation Director/Rotation Coordinator to check on the most current availability. All elective add/drop requests should be completed via the electronic system, and all rotations must be finalized no later than one week prior to rotation start date, and no changes may be made after that point.   [Reviewed 3/17/21]

6. How far in advance do I need to schedule a research rotation? Research rotations must be scheduled 8 weeks in advance and must have IRB approval. Additional information is available on the Registrar’s website. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

7. What are the current recommendations around applying for away rotations for 2020-2021? Will BU allow students to do away rotations if they are accepted? Away rotations have been suspended as of May. Below is the Schools policy statement:

Visiting Rotations for Medical Students for AY 2020-21

The Coalition for Physician Accountability Recommendations report, Medical students in the class of 2021: Moving across institutions for post graduate training, recommended that away rotations be cancelled except for specialty rotations that are unavailable at the home institution or are required for graduation (DO schools), and that even for these exceptions, travel to away rotations should be limited to geographically proximate locations.

Based on this report, for the 2020-21 academic year, Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM) has suspended: all outgoing rotations to other institutions for BUSM Students, who will only be able to participate in elective rotations at our own affiliated institutions (described in the BUSM catalogue at Kaiser, VA, etc.)

[Reviewed 10/5]

8. What if I feel that I meet an exception for an away rotation, as outlined by the AAMC? Students who believe they qualify for the away rotation waiver/exception should contact Dean Jackson to meet with her. [Reviewed 10/5]

9. Will External Virtual Rotations be eligible for credit? Virtual electives will not be given credit unless they have been approved by the home institution’s medical education committee for credit. Virtual electives can be submitted to the elective curriculum subcommittee for review and credit consideration as well. [Updated 12/2]

10. How will the pandemic impact our graduation date? The university will sponsor an all-university Commencement ceremony on Nickerson Field on May 16, 2021. See Commencement website.

11. How Do I Get Blackboard or Questrom Tools Reinstated? See information outlined here. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

Please see the General Questions Health & Safety section for questions that apply to all students.

1. Does the school have a plan in place for students who miss 2 weeks due to sickness/quarantine in the middle of a rotation? Quarantine is defined as being confined to home for 14 days due to being out of state, COVID-19 illness, or exposure. Absences due to illness will be excused. We will work with students who are missing rotations due to quarantine-related absences around completion. Students in some cases may be able to continue with telemedicine. However, students who are ill and unable to participate will be excused and make up the time at the end of the year. [Reviewed 10/2]

2. When/how will I receive PPE for my return to the clinical environment? All students must complete fit testing before participating in patient care (Please see the BMC website for their Fit Testing schedule). You can let your faculty know that you need to complete this as part of your re-entry if you have not completed it yet. Please follow PPE guidelines in your area. You will use the same PPE as the other members of your healthcare team. The school has worked with BMC to arrange this and you are not responsible for bringing any of your own PPE. You should also follow the same guidelines and policies regarding utilization and conservation of PPE as providers on your care team. Please email Rebecca Halley in Medical Education if you have any difficulty receiving PPE. [Updated 10/5]

3. If I’m completing a clinical rotation off campus, do I need to complete my COVID testing with Healthway? See information about screening & testing while off campus here. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

4.  What do I do if I can’t access an N95 from a scrub machine at BMC? See information about accessing N95 here. [Updated 3/17/21]

5. Are goggles an acceptable alternative to face shields when seeing patients? Yes, per a discussion with Healthway in early January, googles and face shield will be considered equivalent protection. If an individual is a close contact and wearing a N95 with eye protection (either face shield OR eye goggles), then they are exempt from close contact quarantine. If you are in need of either, and are unable to locate them, inquire with the faculty or staff at your site or your rotation director. If you continue to have difficulty, please email Rebecca Halley (rlhalley@bu.edu) in the Medical Education Office. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

6. What are the travel restrictions/testing requirements for students at clinical sites? Students must follow state and site guidelines based on their rotation site. As guidelines may vary slightly by hospital and evolve as state and federal guidelines change, so students should reach out to the rotation administrator for specific instructions.  Students must continue to complete the daily Healthway attestation regardless of site. Students who will be entering BUSM buildings must be compliant with BU attestation and testing guidelines. [New 3/18/21]

1. How do I get 4th year access to EPIC? All 4th year students should now have appropriate access to EPIC as of the week of June 8th. 4th year students who do not have appropriate access can reach out to Rebecca Halley (rlhalley@bu.edu) for assistance. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

2. Will we have access to scrubs? See information about scrubs access here. [Reviewed 3/17/21]

3.  What do I do if I can’t access an N 95 from a scrub machine at BMC? See information about accessing N95 here. [Updated 3/17/21]

1. What will the curricular changes mean for billing and financial aid, particularly for students who won’t have sufficient credits in the spring semester to maintain full time status? President Brown has approved our request to change the start date of the spring 2021 semester to October 19, 2020.  This will allow students to complete the required 12 weeks of coursework to maintain a full-time enrollment in the spring.  The end date remains the same, May 9, 2021.

• Billing Deadline: Remains unchanged (December 21^st, 2020); students will not need to accelerate payments.
• Financial Aid Awards: Financial aid fund disbursal will credit spring 2021 charges in advance of the December 21, 2020 billing deadline
• Spring 2021 Refund Requests: If you plan to request a refund of your excess financial aid funds, please submit a refund request in late December through the BU Student Link, Money Matters Tab. SFS will commence refund requests approvals for the spring 2021 semester on January 4, 2021.
• Cost of Attendance Appeals: Please see the Cost of Attendance Increase Request page for information

Student Financial Services is also available for any questions via email at osfs-med@bu.edu or during their Zoom drop in hours on Fridays from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. [Reviewed 12/10]