I wanted to take a moment to reach out during this unprecedented time to thank you.
In the space of a few weeks, we have all had to adapt to new ways of living and working together. The speed with which we have been able to mobilize during this transition is a reflection of your commitment to public health and solidarity as a member of the Faculty of Medicine’s alumni community.
Health care delivery involves many diverse professions, and this crisis has no doubt affected you in different ways. We are grateful for the contributions you make every day, and it makes us realize how connected we are to other health professionals in our community and around the world who are also working to manage the impact of COVID-19. You may be treating patients on the front line, finding new ways to deliver or inform the public about health care in the face of clinic closures and social distancing measures, or utilizing your research expertise to better understand and slow down the transmission of this virus. No matter what role you play in health care, I hope you share our collective pride in how members of our Faculty of Medicine alumni community around the globe are rising to the challenge.
For example, more than 600 UBC medical students have responded by volunteering to assist the 811 provincial health advice and information telephone line, providing health guidance and alleviating fear and confusion, as well as engaging in other public health activities related to managing the outbreak. In addition, several of our researchers have received federal funding to launch studies focused on accelerating the development, testing and implementation of measures to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. As an institution of learning and knowledge creation, we are doing our part to take action in ways that will both save lives today and improve our response to outbreaks in the future.
I invite you to connect with your classmates and our alumni community to support each other through this difficult time, and to read more about the response from UBC along with the latest research at our website.
In spite of the physical distances that currently separate us, may we take comfort in knowing that we are connected by our shared understanding that the health of our cities, provinces, and planet depends on how well we care for each other. Wherever in the world this message finds you, please know that the UBC Faculty of Medicine is committed to your health and safety, and we are grateful to you as a member of our alumni community, and for your partnership in transforming health for everyone.
Sincerely,
Dermot Kelleher MB, MD, FRCP, FRCPI, FMedSci, FCAHS, FRCPC, AGAF
Professor, Department of Medicine
Dean, Faculty of Medicine
Vice-President, Health
The University of British Columbia
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