Four Strategies for Plastic Surgery Education amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic originated in Wuhan, China, in December of 2019 before spreading worldwide in the following months.1,2 The virus is especially contagious, and any large gathering or close contact between individuals is highly discouraged. This has created certain strains on the current model of resident education.3 Our institution has pioneered four strategies for maintaining high-quality resident education while adhering to the recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: (1) daily briefings; (2) simulation models; (3) information technology; and (4) nationally integrated didactics. Many programs have adapted a rotation strategy to minimize resident exposure to the virus. Each hospital is manned by one resident on a weekly basis. Irrespective of our experience level, we learn best from direct patient care. Residents at home should continue to be involved in the decision-making and surgical planning in the hospital to ensure they take full advantage of their time in residency. Daily briefings allow the at-home resident to participate in discussion of all active patients and surgeries. Assignments are given to the residents at home to review literature or call patients who need to be rescheduled or checked on for follow-up. The daily briefings not only optimize education but also ensure a smooth communication regarding patients. With the reduction in operative cases, residents must keep their technical skills sharp.4 Every institution should implement a surgical laboratory that can be accessed by residents at any time of day. While there are a multitude of available models, chicken thighs or rats are easily accessible models for microsurgery practice. No more than one or two residents should be utilizing the simulation tools at a time, and social distancing measures should be practiced. Alternatively, residents can purchase chicken thighs and practice under loupe magnification at home. The outbreak of COVID-19 has provided an opportunity for programs to further integrate information technology into the teaching and problem-based learning methodologies, especially now that all gatherings with more than 10 people have been suspended, including didactic lectures and grand rounds.2,3 Traditional resident educational programs have been placed on hold, as large group meetings risk exposure of an entire program. To ensure continuity of education, the power of the internet has been utilized to allow for continued resident education. Morning conferences and grand rounds have been delivered electronically, primarily utilizing the Zoom platform (Zoom Video Communications, Inc., San Jose, Calif.). This format allows for faculty and residents to continue to interact and to ask questions, while maintaining safe social distancing measures. Information technology has abolished distance as an obstacle to hearing from those with the most experience. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has initiated virtual grand rounds in which renowned faculty from around the country present on a topic of their expertise. This dynamic lecture format enhances traditional educational conferences and broadens resident education outside of their home program. We believe these four strategies are essential to maximize resident education. The widespread consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to restructure the daily experience of plastic surgery residency programs and to encourage flexibility and innovation for resident education. With its many positives, these adaptations will continue to be integrated into the fabric of residency education. DISCLOSURE The authors have no financial disclosures or commercial associations to report. There were no sources of support for this article.