CINCINNATI, Ohio — Starting medical school during the pandemic wasn’t what first-year University of Cincinnati College of Medicine student Dalton Hartwick had in mind, but it’s something he said he’s learning to adapt.

 

What You Need To Know

  • University of Cincinnati College of Medicine students began classes August 10

  • Instead of in-person lectures, most of the curriculum is online

  • Students still had the chance to participate in a white coat ceremony


“We’ve gotten used to that; we’ve had to miss our graduation ceremonies, so now this,” said Hartwick. “I think we’re excited to still be able to attend medical school and get started no matter how it has to happen.”

This fall instead of in-person lectures and peer tutoring, most of the curriculum and learning are virtual. Although it may be challenging, Hartwick said it's preparing him and his peers for the future.

“These are skills that we’re going to need to learn along the way, so I’m trying to be optimistic and think maybe we’re getting the upper hand having to be so adaptable and flexible right off the bat with virtual learning. But overall, with the technology, we have lectures (that) are pretty much the same,” said Hartwick.

Despite having to do classes online, Hartwick had the opportunity to participate in a non-traditional white coat ceremony with his peers.

“It’s still exciting obviously to get that white coat, and I think that that personal excitement is still worth something in the end,” he said.

Dr. Abbigail Tissot, the College of Medicine Assistant Dean of Admissions and Recruitment, said they’re doing all they can to make sure the students’ experience goes as well as possible. 

“Our Office of Student Affairs at the College of Medicine has definitely kicked up our support of resources, launching new programs to make sure that these students are just getting a certain amount of outreach to make sure that they’re settling in and that we’re answering questions protectively and that they feel cared about,” said Tissot.

And as for Hartwick, he said he’s optimistic about this school year and is confident that the college is taking the right measures to keep everyone safe during these uncertain times. 

“The university is doing an amazing job,” he said. "The dean spoke to everyone in the beginning of the year and they’re really taking every precaution that they possibly can.”