Hurricane Helene Updates:
CLASSES WILL RESUME MONDAY, OCTOBER 7
Thursday, October 3 | Sent to Students, Faculty, and Staff
Students
- For M1 and M2 students, we will be resuming in-person classes on Monday, October 7th as you are able. We understand that not everyone may be able to return. We are aware that some of you are likely dealing with post-storm challenges and will need extra time. Please reach out to the Office of Student Affairs directly so we can offer individualized support and accommodations. We are here to assist you in every way we can during this time.
- For M3 and M4 students, please continue to return to your clinical rotation sites as you are able. Please check to see if your site is open before traveling at Prisma Health Closures. We are trying to track how many students are not able to get to clinical sites, so we ask that you complete the absence request form and submit the day as a scheduled request. If you have any specific questions, you can reach out to Dr. Sarah Payne-Poff and Alex Tharpe (please send email to both).
- Any students needing help with transportation to campus, we have several faculty and
staff available to assist with transportation needs. Please complete the transportation
form linked HERE and we will be in touch to coordinate.
Please continue to stay in touch with your class president through WhatsAPP (as that access may be easier than email). - The leadership team discussed holding a virtual town hall for students to answer questions
about upcoming schedule changes, exams, etc., which will likely take place tomorrow.
Please answer this brief poll to let us know if this would be helpful for you »
Faculty & Staff
- Starting Monday, October 7th we are anticipating a transition back to normal operations, as you are able. However, if you're still navigating personal circumstances, such as property damage or other disruptions, please prioritize your well-being and your family’s needs. We deeply appreciate the teamwork shown across departments during this difficult time, and I want to recognize that this past week of working remotely as you are able did not mean business as usual. Nothing has been routine this past week as many of us have been displaced from our homes. Your dedication—working nights, weekends, and odd hours—has not gone unnoticed, and we will continue to remain flexible as we continue to navigate the aftermath of this tragic storm.
- If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your supervisors and any member of our leadership team.
CLASSES CANCELED FOR REMAINDER OF WEEK
Friday, September 30 | Sent to Students, Faculty, and Staff
Students
- All M1 and M2 in-person classes are canceled for the remainder of the week. We are looking to post recordings and hopefully some live sessions (as able) to cover as much content as possible for this week. We are trying to help students with transportation and internet/power/cell service issues gain access. We want to be as fair and equitable as possible as we look at scheduling, upcoming exams, and subsequent modules. We are trying to stay as close to on track as possible to avoid longer days of content or moving content and exams to after the winter holiday break. Additional information will be forthcoming; we appreciate your patience as we navigate this unprecedented situation.
- For M3 and M4 students, we are asking you to return to your clinical rotation sites as you are able. Please check to see if your site is open before travelling at Prisma Health Closures. We are trying to track how many students are not able to get to clinical sites, so we ask that you complete the absence request form and submit the day as a scheduled request. If you have any specific questions, you can reach out to Dr. April Buchanan april.buchanan@prismahealth.org, Dr. Sarah Payne-Poff Sarah.Payne-Poff2@prismahealthr.org, and Alex Tharpe TSANTAKI@greenvillemed.sc.edu (please send email to all).
- For students on their OB and FM rotations, you will receive a separate communication regarding the OSCE/OSAT. The shelf exam will be offered both October 3rd and October 8th.
- Any students needing help with transportation to campus, we have several faculty and staff available to assist with transportation needs. Please complete the transportation form linked HERE and we will be in touch to coordinate.
- Please continue to stay in touch with your class president through WhatsAPP (as that access may be easier than email).
Faculty/ Staff
- Wednesday – Friday will be remote work as you are able. We will reassess and provide updates for next week as soon as possible. We understand that many of you do not have power or access to WIFI.
- We understand that this may be a challenging time for many, and we are here to support you. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need any assistance or have any concerns.
View this flyer for resources and more information »
URGENT NEED FOR STUDENT VOLUNTEERS
Sunday, September 29 | Sent to Students
Due to the ongoing hurricane Helene situation, there is an urgent need for volunteers to assist at Special Needs Shelters and lend a helping hand. These shelters are being set up to support displaced patients who require specialized care, including those who are oxygen-dependent and have mobility challenges.
We are looking for SOMG students to volunteer to assist with monitoring patients using portable oxygen concentrators and to help with overall shelter operations.
While BLS certification is not required, any experience in this area will be valuable. Dr. Bridges has approved this opportunity to count toward your IPM volunteer hours.
I encourage you sign up if you are available and we will distribute additional information about where to report and what to bring. It would be an incredible service to the community If you or any of your classmates are able to contribute to a full or partial shift.
Important Details:
- Signup: Dr. Bridges has created a sign-up sheet on Campus Connect, which you can use to register.
- Shifts: We are arranging rotating shifts from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for the next four days. You may also opt to do split shifts. If registering for a partial shift, please sign up and email Dr. Bridges (bridgeep@greenvillemed.sc.edu).
- Current Needs: We are expecting to open a facility at the Bon Secours Arena at 1:00 p.m. today. Initially, we will need 10-20 volunteers, but this may increase in the coming days.
- Service-Learning Hours: M1 and M2 students: This is approved for IPM service learning hours. A full 12-hour shift will count as your EMT shift for IPM.
Thank you for your willingness to help during this critical time. Please sign up through
Campus Connect (look for Special Needs Shelter Day and Night links).
View the Flyer »
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need clarification.
Thank you for considering and please stay safe.
Johnathon Elkes, MD
Department of Emergency Medicine
Division of EMS and Disaster Medicine
Medical Director, City of Greer Fire Department
Medical Director, Inman Community Fire Department
CLASSES CANCELED ON MONDAY, SEPT 30 AND TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1
Saturday, September 28 | Sent to Students, Faculty, and Staff
Due to Hurricane Helene's effects, all SOMG classes (M1, M2, and M3 students) are
canceled on Monday and Tuesday. For M3 and M4 students, you are excused from clinical
rotations on Monday and Tuesday, but please view the information via this link for instructions on how to communicate your intentions with your supervisors.
Faculty and staff: We know many of you are without power and/or Wi-Fi, so please work
remotely as you can. We will reassess Monday afternoon to determine plans for the
remainder of the week.
Please view other important information via this link »
Thank you, and please stay safe!
CAMPUS CLOSING AT 5 PM TODAY
Thursday, September 26 | Sent to Students, Faculty, and Staff
WEATHER CLOSURE: Due to inclement weather associated with Hurricane Helene, the USC School of Medicine Greenville campus will close and move to virtual classes beginning Thursday, Sept. 26, at 5 p.m. All classes scheduled for Friday, Sept. 27 will also be virtual. Please be safe and we will see everyone back on campus on Monday.