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Dean´s letter for the students of the Third Medical Faculty CU

Prague, April 30, 2020

Dear colleagues,

One month ago, a day before the first patient died of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic I sent you and all of the employees a letter very similar to this one. Past five weeks proved that the Czech Republic is on of the countries most prepared for fighting this unpredictable disease. Combination of the high number of the diagnostic tests performed, low death rate and very flat curve of the incidence ranks the Czech Republic among the top 3 countries in the EU. This is thanks to the fast and effective measures adopted, solidarity of the citizens and also because of the volunteer activities in which many of you were involved. Therefore, I would like to thank you all for your involvement which helped the Faculty to overcome these tough and uncertain times.

But we all know that lockdown of the country can not last forever. This would lead to an economic disaster which would be far worse than the current COVID-19 situation. The world is now looking for an answer how to compromise between life protection and economic saving. However, nobody knows the right answer. I am slightly optimistic. We now have experience with the disease, the hospitals are ready to act and massive testing for potential new cases is available. We can expect that the current situation would (with slight fluctuations) last until the end of the year 2020. Therefore, it is necessary so all areas of human life would return to normal. (except the ones with the highest epidemiological risks). Even though, it is certain that the economic will suffer significantly.

How will the Faculty function then? From economic point of view we have the advantage to private companies because the functioning of our institution is crucial. We will not be closed because the need for a new doctors is steady, it might even be higher than before. However, the budget of the Faculty might be negatively influenced as a consequence of the State budget changes or the Charles university funding changes. I believe that atmosphere on the Faculty is better than before, students and employees accepted all necessary changes and adjustments and the management always acted unanimously.

What can we expect in 2020? Strategy of the Faculty approved by the Dean´s collegium on March 19 remain valid:

• Last year students will be given a chance to finish their studies as planned

• Students of all study years will be given a chance not to prolong their studies. The Faculty will accept all voluntary activities as a full compensation for clinical practices for the academic year 2019-2020.

• Entrance exams will be held as usual considering the number of accepted students.

• Academic year 2019/2020 will end as planned. Exam period is prolonged throughout the whole summer. All garants got the email to plan the exams with maximum effort to help the students currently involved in voluntary activities.

• Graduation ceremony and other mass events will be planned considering the current epidemiological measures and responsible institution´s regulations.

• Postgradual training is and will be ongoing.

• Following measures are still in place: wearing of face masks and hand disinfection.

Teaching in 2019/2020 academic year is following the regulations given by the CU rector. Clinical practices are already allowed in a limited size of the study group and if all conditions given are fulfilled and the garant of the each subject allowed it. Considering the fact that only several weeks remain until the beginning of the exam period, it is highly probable that the teaching as known before will not be held until the end of the academic year in many subjects. However, all students will be given a chance to pass their exams and fulfill other credit requirements so that can continue in their studies.

Details regarding organization of the teaching in the academic year 2020/20201 is now too early to discuss. If the situation remain stable and do not get significantly worse, I expect the next academic year to be held in normal or nearly normal regime. All subject garants were also advised to increase the amount of clinical teaching in the next academic year so that the teaching missed during COVID-19 situation is compensated sufficiently to the students.

Do please follow mentioned principles and help the Faculty in these difficult times.

I wish you a good health and I am looking forward to overcoming this situation with your help.

Thank you for your involvement in all voluntary activities.

Petr Widimský