President Langell Addresses NEOMED Community Online

Through telecommunication and online learning, Northeast Ohio Medical University is continuing to meet the needs of its students throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, said John T. Langell, M.D., Ph.D., MPH, in an online address to faculty, staff and students Tuesday, March 17.

Because no large gatherings are permitted, President Langell’s update was made via ZOOM and is available here, including a Q&A session at the end of the address.

Dr. Langell thanked the faculty and staff for making the transition, which the University has been doing in alignment with the chancellor’s office, the governor’s office and the Inter-University Council (IUC). He also praised Amy Acton (’90), M.D., MPH, director of health for the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), for her calm and effective leadership.

President Langell noted that one resident of The Village – the independently managed apartment complex on campus – had been tested for COVID-19 and found to be negative. He added that unlike dormitories, with shared bathrooms and laundry rooms, the apartments at The Village (which remain open) have private facilities.

Some key points from Dr. Langell’s address

• Only mission-critical staff should be working on campus, and supervisors can make that distinction if there are questions.
• A Lean Six Sigma program being established will provide an opportunity for staff to enhance and develop skills. Updates will be forthcoming.
• Although the traditional Match Day event won’t happen, Elisabeth Young, M.D., dean of the College of Medicine, will lead a virtual Match Day celebration Friday, March 20, for fourth-year students.
• Preliminary match results for the College of Pharmacy have been excellent, according to Richard Kasmer, Pharm.D., J.D., dean of the College of Pharmacy.
• National testing needs to be completed so that students fulfill their educational requirements, and leadership is addressing that need. Dr. Langell said he has full confidence in Dean Young and her team.

In answering questions, Dr. Langell left listeners with a thought to keep in mind regarding COVID-19: Self-quarantine is not just for you. We’re trying to protect the at-risk population.

For the latest updates, visit neomed.edu/advisory.