The College of Pharmacy and COVID-19

Roby Hill
March 19, 2020
MUSC College of Pharmacy facade
Virtual classrooms and remote work stations create temporary vacancy in the Michael P. Araneo Building

The College of Pharmacy considers the health and well-being of its faculty, staff, and students to be its highest priority. In compliance with directives from state and local authorities, and in an effort to help dampen the curve of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the College announced to students last week that it was moving to an online format for classes and asked that faculty and staff work from home.

“First, I’d like to extend my greatest appreciation to each of you for all you are doing to advance the mission of the College during this unprecedented time,” said Philip Hall, dean of the College, in a communication with faculty, staff, and students on March 17. “I’m grateful for the comradery and teamwork as we continue to prevent, prepare and proceed in light of the rapidly evolving coronavirus pandemic. Please be assured that the health and well-being of our MUSC pharmacy family is our highest priority.

“COVID-19 has challenged us to be resourceful, flexible, and most of all, supportive of each other; characteristics we’re proud to say are common within the MUSC College of Pharmacy. Thank you for the work you are doing.”

Some of the modifications the College of Pharmacy has implemented to contribute to the global fight against COVID-19 while safeguarding its members and continuing to deliver its program, patient care, and research, include:

Communications

  • Dean Philip Hall participates in a triweekly call with MUSC enterprise leadership
  • Microsoft Teams channels have been established for the College as a whole, for faculty and staff, and for individual project groups
  • The dean sends a biweekly update that includes the latest developments and links to resources
  • The College has a unique IT service portal for technology requests

College Operations

  • Classes were already recorded and made available for students so this resource continues
  • Various events have been cancelled or rescheduled as needed
  • Faculty and staff are keeping time/project records to show the return on investment
  •  Meetings are conducted via WebEx, Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, or some other conferencing mechanism

College Mission

  • Each research investigator is working with his or her team to organize how to keep research programs on track without compromising safety or well-being
  •  Each clinician and student on rotation is following the guidelines of their service site to continue care for existing patients and anticipated new  ones
  • Current students are using access to recorded lectures and other resources through technology like Panopto, Exam Soft, and Harbor; faculty share tips and tricks for effective distance learning
  • The College continues to admit students for the next academic year. In lieu of campus tours and multiple mini interviews (MMI), prospective students can interview via WebEx while remaining home