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Medical University prepares for possibility of SARS Departments on both the clinical and academic sides of the Medical University have been meeting to ensure that the university is ready to face SARS.  The offices of the Medical Director and Infection Control have provided education regarding the clinical course and infection control requirements to clinicians in both inpatient and outpatient settings.  Signs for patients regarding the symptoms and the need to quickly identify themselves as potential SARS patients have been posted at the places patients commonly present including the emergency rooms and Ambulatory Care clinics.  Negative pressure isolation rooms are available throughout the Medical Center for the necessary Airborne and Contact Isolation Precautions. Collaboration with public health authorities is continuous. In addition to patient concerns, there are also concerns from employees and students regarding world travel. The Medical University supports the Center for Disease Control’s position on limiting travel in certain parts of the world where the cases of SARS are high, but realizes there are times when travel to those areas is necessary. Employees or students who must travel to areas listed on the CDC or who travel advisory lists are asked to let their supervisors know so information regarding steps they can take to help prevent exposure to SARS can be provided. They will also be given information regarding necessary monitoring for symptoms of SARS for the first 10 days after returning, including daily temperatures and reporting to Employee Health Services or Student Health Services by phone.  Anyone having any symptoms compatible with SARS will not be allowed to work. Details regarding the specifics on reporting travel and symptom monitoring are being worked out—expect to hear more details next week.  SARS is a major focus of public health concern throughout the world today. As with many emerging infections, the picture changes on a daily basis. The procedures for handling SARS at MUSC may also require change based on the epidemiology of the disease in the world, the United States, and the community.  Information can be found at  http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/ http://www.musc.edu/cce/ORDFRMS/ http://www.library.musc.edu/resources/net/SARS.html     Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.