UST's Faculty of Medicine and Surgery starts limited face-to-face classes

The Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the the University of Sto. Tomas is set to begin limited face-to-face classes for clinical clerks on Wednesday, June 9, according to a report posted by UST's official student publication.

The Varsitarian also reported that the classes will be conducted for about a month or until July 10.

Clinical Clerks Council President Michael Cuevas was quoted as saying that the "university had placed sufficient measures to ensure the safe conduct of on-site classes."

“The facilities to be used have been arranged for the supposed start last March, so they just tweaked the schedule,” he added.

The clinical clerks are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before attending face-to-face classes and to follow health guidelines imposed by the government and additional policies implemented by the university, including the following:

• The students are to present school IDs and provide updates on the status of their health through the StaySafe.ph application.
• Building gates will open at 7:30 a.m. for the morning shift and 12:30 p.m. for the afternoon shift.
• Pedestrians and dropped-off clerks are allowed to enter and exit Gate 11 on Dapitan Street.
• Clerks driving their own vehicles are allowed to use the gate on Lacson Street.
• Clerks are discouraged from loitering around the campus and must leave after their shifts.
• They are also prohibited from leaving the premises during the shift and are required to bring their own food and drinks before entering the grounds.
• No food deliveries are allowed.

On-site clerkship, the report said, is required for graduating medical students under a Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) directive.

These students have been given copies of schedules of on-site duty as well as online classes.

The University, the Varsitarian reported, has "retrofitted its facilities and passed inspections by health authorities, the city government and higher education officials."

The same school publication noted that "Participation in face-to-face classes is not mandatory, according to CHEd." -- BAP, GMA News