UCSF has match day outdoors & plans on contact tracing... in 2024

What are medical students learning?

I didn’t attend this year’s match day, but I cheered for the terrific students who worked with me who matched at terrific programs.

Ade Ademson, a dermatology researcher did attend UCSF match day. Here is what he reports.

And it gets worse

And Ade does not hold back

First, there is the medical and public health issue. Is there any rational reason to hold a large gathering outdoors in 2024 because of COVID19 concerns?

The answer is no. Population immunity to COVID19 is sky high. All people will get COVID again. Most of society has returned to normal. Forcing this one event outdoors will make ~0 difference in the world, and merely inconvenience the attendees.

Second, is there a reason for contact tracing? There is little credible evidence contact tracing for this virus ever helped and no reason to think it serves any purpose in 2024.

Third, what percentage of the medical school faculty agree with this policy? Who makes these decision? I suspect only a tiny minority think this makes sense.

Fourth, what is the stated reason for this? Who actually sets the policy?

Fifth, what message does this policy send medical students?

I am concerned that this is a great example of the pervasive problem in medical school. We promote an irrational culture where we capitulate to the idea that students and staff are weak and vulnerable and have to be shielded from all risks in life. This affects policies on work hours, and patient load. Mental health days, and whether we can even gather to celebrate match. A tiny minority of “complainers” is setting policy for everyone.

What do you think? Leave a comment.