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HEALTHCARE EDUCATION HEALTHCARE EDUCATION

Cover Story: Miami Dade College Medical Campus

Facing 'Much Different World'

Continued from page 1 "So we've tried to respond to help hospital COVID-19 and who they come in contact
reacting – which they did so magnificently partners, but because of that, we haven't with. The course, which has already been
– to remote teaching. It was a bit of a been able to do some of our clinical rota- offered twice, has been translated into
shock, but we basically shut down for tions," Dr. Stewart said. Spanish and is being translated into Creole
about a two-week period, and our teachers Dr. Stewart's ultimate concern has been as well. "I'm proud of that, we did that in
were online after that and finishing the how to give students the hands-on experi- a very short period of time," he said. "Our
semester." ence they need. "The hospitals are in com- faculty on the Medical Campus created the Discover
On the other hand, Dr. Stewart said, munication with me and they want our course and taught it, and our Continuing South Universsity
there was the challenge of having courses students back because they serve a critical Education Department offered it." He said
that are clinic-based or lab-based, meaning role, fill in a lot of gaps. Jackson Hospital several students were hired to work for a
that some of the programs from the spring was saying they're 100 nurses short. I real- company based in Kansas City that needed
semester – such as physicians assistants ly feel that Miami Dade College has such a Spanish-speakers. Because contact tracing Whether you’re just starting inn the field
and EMS – couldn't go to clinical rotation. great reputation in South Florida that (the is done from home, the students can con- of nursing, or looking to movve your
Students in some programs continued hospitals) are going to provide us opportu- tinue to live in Miami. career forward, South Univer rsity can
elevate your journey as a car
regiver.
with remote learning, but the clinic and nities to get our students back in, maybe Dr. Stewart is hopeful the Spanish and
lab components had to be delayed until quicker than we think. My biggest chal- Creole courses will help provide students
summer. "South Florida is slowly opening lenge is continuing to support our hospi- with employment opportunities. "When
clinic sites, and some of the smaller ones tals however we can with equipment and you put your head down on your pillow at
are allowing our students in, so a lot of our supplies, and also to have our students night, it makes you feel like you're doing
students are getting clinical rotations that ready." everything you can to help. So many peo- West Palm Beach, Florida

we had to delay," he said. The effect has been felt throughout the ple are in situations that six months ago
The College is being creative with devel- campus. Dr. Stewart said each program has they never could have imagined they From all of us at
oping a Plan B for several programs. For adapted and the accrediting bodies have would be in. I'm happy if we can change South University, West Palm
m Beach
example, respiratory care was one area been very helpful. "Everybody under- some people's lives. And who knows, thank you for your servi ce!
where the summer semester could be stands that the world is different, and maybe this will get them started on a
flipped with the fall because it was possi- when we come out of this, it's going to be career in health care. That's one of the
ble to do some things more remotely in the a much different world we teach in," he things I'm selfishly interested in, helping Get Started today! Call uus at
summer, and go back to the clinic in the said. that pipeline to create the workforce to our 866.242.1840 or visitt
fall. An issue with the respiratory care pro- To be even more responsive to current hospitals and our facilities." SouthUniversity .edu/W estPalmBeach
gram: the College loaned some ventilators needs, Dr. Stewart said the College created
to the Jackson Health System when hospi- a contact tracing course. Contact tracing is For more information,
tal administrators sought extra supplies. the chief way to follow people who get call (305) 237-4141 or visit mdc.edu.

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