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We've compiled all the latest stories about the coronavirus pandemic here so you can find them easily.We've also compiled a list of informational resources that can guide you to more coronavirus information.

Newly licensed doctors start their careers early to care for COVID-19 patients

Dr. Katie Harmer, holding signs made by family members celebrating her graduation from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
Dr. Katie Harmer
Dr. Katie Harmer, holding signs made by family members celebrating her graduation from the University of Rochester School of Medicine.

On Wednesday, 99 members from the University of Rochester School of Medicine's class of 2020 took the physician's oath in a virtual ceremony.

It wasn't the graduation ceremony they would have expected even a few months ago; but that was before a coronavirus pandemic swept across the globe.

"I've never felt that duty so strongly as I feel it right now at this time of great need for our community," said Dr. Katie Harmer, an Irondequoit native who plans to stay in the area and practice family medicine.

Before she starts her residency, she'll get further training in how to treat patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19.

Harmer's classmate, Dr. John DeGuardi, will also joining the front lines. He's happy he has the skills to help.

"I thought about all those people in my life who inspired me and the people who inspire me every day," he said. "I feel fortunate to contribute to this cause."

Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a directive to allow newly-minted doctors to join the coronavirus emergency response.

DeGuardi, Harmer, and their classmates will find out soon where their pandemic assignments will take them. It could be Strong Memorial Hospital -- where they will serve their residency -- or somewhere else.

Dr. David Lambert, the University of Rochester's senior associate dean for medical student education, said this is an opportunity, not an obligation, for the new graduates.

Those who will be working with COVID-19 patients will do so voluntarily.

"This has been an upheaval for them," he said. "With them in their personal lives, with family that they're probably worried about locally and a distance away, and they've shown tremendous resilience as things have unfolded very rapidly."

Lambert said the class of 2020's capstone course, which focuses on elective studies, was completed sooner to allow for the conferral of degrees about five weeks early.

The new doctors will be working under the supervision of more experienced physicians.

About 70 members of the University of Rochester's medical school class expressed an interest to volunteer in the pandemic. 

Harmer and DeGuardi both said their friends and family members celebrated their medical school graduation in a way that made them feel special, while still practicing social distancing.

"My entire extended family drove up to the lawn outside my apartment building and organized themselves in little groups, far apart from each other, organized by household," said Harmer. "They brought signs and instruments and they played Pomp and Circumstance and cheered for me."

DeGuardi's friends also blasted the graduation theme from their car stereo and toasted him with champagne - from a safe distance.

The University of Rochester is planning a formal commencement ceremony for graduates of the School of Medicine and Dentistry for May.  That event will also be virtual and it will include speeches from faculty, students, and a guest.  The names of graduates will be read as their pictures scroll across the screen.

Beth Adams joined WXXI as host of Morning Edition in 2012 after a more than two-decade radio career. She was the longtime host of the WHAM Morning News in Rochester. Her career also took her from radio stations in Elmira, New York, to Miami, Florida.