The situation is complicated by the fact that practical training cannot be avoided at virtually any of the faculties, the rector noted, who listed among the high priorities ensuring the conditions for graduating students to get their diploma. At the same time, Rector Merkely made it clear that the university cannot compromise on leaving anything out from the curriculum, although some changes to methodology may be made.
As the sixth year of medical training comprises mostly practical training, this provides a special opportunity for graduating students to find placement in clinical care under the framework of volunteer work, in some cases in line with the practical training they are still missing. Volunteer work will be credited based on its type and extent at the various years of education, with the dean to make the final decision based on the recommendation of the head of department. In answer to a question, the rector said that pharmacy students can perform volunteer work not just at the university’s pharmacies, but can also provide efficient help at various clinics and departments.
“It is our fundamental interest that you learn your profession and that graduating students complete their diplomas as quickly as possible, but this cannot happen without fully completing the curriculum. Our goal is to provide flexible assistance in this aim under these extraordinary and special circumstances this year. We will be led by goodwill and helpfulness in ensuring that you receive all the knowledge you require,” said the rector. The required additional practical hours will be able to be made up by students after the ban on visitors at institutions is lifted, likely within a shorter, but more intensive period in every case.
During the forum, the rector answered questions that were submitted by students beforehand as well as during the online forum. He noted that the exam period will start when the adequate education of the curriculum has been completed. This is expected to be different in every year, as in the first three years, which mostly focus on theoretical education, this can be almost completely covered through distance education. He said that volunteer work can be counted toward summer practices as well. For example, within medical training, practice as a nurse or internist can be accepted in full, and surgical practice in part, provided that it takes place within the framework of epidemiological activity. Volunteer work can be conducted not just at university institutions, but at any other health care institution as well, in which case the head of the given department must provide a certificate detailing the exact type of work that was carried and its duration.
As to whether attendance at Zoom classes is mandatory, the rector said that students can view the interactive classes for 72 hours after they are held, but his conviction is that knowledge can best be gained if it involves not just passive listening, but the opportunity to pose questions on the spot. So far, students’ activity has been very positive, he noted. It is possible to hold oral exams via Zoom, thesis defenses are already going on, he found it unlikely that final exams would also be held electronically. It is possible that theoretical comprehensive exams be held before practical exams, but these would only be valid if the latter is passed successfully.
The student forum was held as the final event of a two-day online conference. The program, which was held outside of regular training on Monday and Tuesday when the rector ordered a recess, covered numerous topics related to the ongoing epidemiological state of danger, said Dr. Péter Hermann, vice-rector for education. Everyone contacted during the organization of the conference over the weekend accepted the request to hold lectures, thus there were six presentations held each on Monday and Tuesday, he added. The 500-person limit allowed by Zoom filled up quickly, therefore the lectures have been recorded and are available for viewing by students online until Sunday.
Topics addressed included infectious diseases, epidemiology, WHO recommendations, general infection control, microbiological examinations, acute dental care during the epidemic, procedures implemented by Semmelweis University, as well as lectures on COVID-19 and hand hygiene, the vice-rector noted.
Pálma Dobozi, Eszter Keresztes
Translation: Tamás Deme
Featured image (illustration): Attila Kovács – Semmelweis University
