Morning Medical Update: Disability advocates call for required masking; More medical schools withdraw from U.S. news rankings, Free clinics open in Las Vegas schools

Disability advocates call for required masking

Disability advocates and physicians in the Massachusetts Coalition for Health Equity have written an open letter to the state asking for required masking in healthcare settings. This outcry was inspired by the decision to end the COVID-19 state of emergency on May 11. The group also asks that healthcare facilities provide free N95 masks. They have already gathered 700 signatures in support.

More medical schools withdraw from U.S. news rankings

A growing number of medical schools in the U.S. no longer provide data to the U.S. News & World Report because of the way the data is calculated. Those opposed say rankings rely too much on prestige. Instead of relying on the Report rankings, experts advise students to look further and research the schools mission statement, curriculum, and residencies. “The most important thing is that it has to be a place that matches your personality, what you need as a learner, and the type of environment you can thrive in,” Leila Amiri, PhD, associate dean for admissions at the Robert Larner, M.D., College of Medicine at the University of Vermont says.

New free clinics open in Las Vegas

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Medicine (UNLV) has opened two free clinics, serving students in the Clark County School District. One clinic is inside Baily Middle School, where approximately 50-60% of students are uninsured. The other clinic is located inside the district’s family support center where over 80% of students lack healthcare. The clinics are part of a two-year program and will need additional funding.