Getting involved in the COVID-19 response
In instances where students are being used on the front lines, the AMA reminds any organizations that intend to engage students in this way that they are still learners and they do need supervision and guidance.
Q: A lot of my classmates/colleagues are helping out with COVID-19. I’m trying to make the best choice for myself. Where can I explore my options for getting involved in the COVID-19 response?
A: There is a lot of pressure on medical students to jump into the fight against COVID-19, but it may not be the right decision for everyone. Some M4s are being given the option to graduate early. The AMA has published a guide on the way medical schools in COVID-19 hotspots have been utilizing early graduates. It is important that those medical students who are opting to graduate early to join the fight against COVID-19 are doing so voluntarily, and that they are fairly compensated for their time.
There are many additional opportunities for students who are not eligible for early graduation. You can find a list of initiatives at individual schools.
Volunteering may not be the right choice for you, and that’s okay. You should not feel pressured to perform any tasks that make you feel uncomfortable or that put you/your family at risk. It is also important to remember that your fellow classmates may have reasons for not participating that they do not feel comfortable sharing. This could include a family member with a suppressed immune system, or a medical condition of their own. Be aware of putting undue pressure on others to participate—you may not know the whole story.
Q: How is AMA supporting rights and responsibilities of medical students?
A: The AMA has focused its initial efforts on this topic to ensure that medical students are not put in dangerous situations. As noted in the AMA’s guiding principles to protect learners responding to COVID-19, “It is the responsibility of the AMA to support and protect medical students as we rely on them during this time.” Medical students should be free to make their own decisions about participation in direct patient care and should be included in conversations as different options for patient interaction are being discussed. If working in a clinical setting, medical students should be provided with appropriate PPE and be trained on how to use it.
For more information, refer to the guiding principles as well as recommendations from the AMA Code of Medical Ethics on graduating early to join the physician workforce.
Q: My campus/institution is not adhering to LCME/CME guidelines. Where can I turn to for help?
A: The ACGME, AAMC and LCME have all published guidelines regarding the proper treatment of medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The AMA is developing resources to help students advocate for themselves at the local level.
Learn more
Download the COVID-19 FAQs: Impact on medical education and students (PDF).
