Medical students enlisted to track down potential COVID-19 carriers
While some work to slow virus’s spread, others provide daycare for doctors’ kids
Calgary medical students are targeting a deadly virus that killed their school year and freed them up for the fight.
Dozens of University of Calgary students have joined a nationwide group of volunteers backstopping active physicians, while nursing students in the city are pushing to be allowed to help hospitals in the fight against COVID-19.
On Wednesday, Alex Corrigan was in his fifth shift helping provincial health officials track down those who have been in contact with Albertans infected with the novel coronavirus.
“As soon as we were withdrawn from our clinical duties, we were invited to help out,” said the thirdyear U of C medical student.
It’s put Corrigan and others into a crucial role in controlling the march of the virus that’s infected at least 419 Albertans.
The volunteers contact the infected by phone, tracking their previous whereabouts and people they were in contact with.
“We tell them to self-isolate and order tests if necessary,” said Corrigan, 23. “It’s the best chance to control the spread of the virus.”
Breaking the news to those who might be infected can be stressful, he said.
“They’re justifiably upset. They’re quite scared but, by and large, people are very understanding and following our recommendations,” said Corrigan, adding those they call are wary of being duped by COVID-19 scammers.
His colleagues are also helping ensure health-care staff are able to provide care by reducing anxieties brought on by the pandemic.
Of 100 local students who’ve volunteered, about 50 have been matched with medical professionals to provide daycare services after child-care centres were shut down in response to the pandemic, said Brielle Cram.
“We feel as health-care students we have a duty to help pitch in where we can and remove the stressors,” said Cram, a future pediatrician, who founded the local effort.
The students also run errands for medical staff — such as picking up groceries for those who can’t leave home — reducing their contacts.
When she begins a residency at the Alberta Children’s Hospital this summer, Cram said she might be part of the front-line effort against COVID-19.
“Everybody in health care is pretty worried, we’ll likely be experiencing some of it first-hand,” she said.
Bow Valley College nursing students whose graduation was cut short by the cancellation of instruction are hoping to continue their hands-on practicums in hospital and clinics — both to finish their education and lend a hand when it’s urgent, said Morgan Winn.
“I would like to be reconsidered, to be allowed to be fast-tracked to put our skills to good use to train or help when the need is greater than ever,” said Winn, 22.
Winn said she’s completed nearly half of her required practicum hours at her hometown Airdrie Urgent Care Centre and is confident she is up to the task, though cognizant of meeting qualifications.
The prospect of being infected by patients isn’t a deterrent, she said.
“When I signed up to be a nurse, I was prepared for infectious diseases. I didn’t expect it to be sunshine and rainbows,” said Winn.
Rules of qualification governing the role of medical students haven’t changed due to the pandemic, said Jessica Mcphee, spokeswoman for the Alberta College of Physicians and Surgeons.
“Medical students must work under supervision of their undergraduate training program and they aren’t permitted to provide any clinical services independently,” she said in an email.
“The undergraduate medical programs determine what clinical role they may provide.”
The college has sent out letters to recently retired physicians inviting them to lend a hand with the expected rush of COVID-19 patients.