Impact of Covid-19 on undergraduate and residency training

Surgeon. 2021 Oct;19(5):e199-e206. doi: 10.1016/j.surge.2020.09.014. Epub 2020 Nov 12.

Abstract

Background: The covid-19 pandemic has dramatically changed lives of residents and medical students. In particular, the learning process has undergone widely changes, especially due to the rules of social distancing which have forced universities and various institutes to modify lessons, work shifts and internships.

Purpose: The purpose of our review is to evaluate how the various institutes have faced the covid-19 emergency and guaranteed the perpetuation of the learning process of resident and students.

Methods: A comprehensive search of the medical literature in PubMed and Google Scholar was performed including all the works explaining how the institutes have reorganized teaching for resident and undergraduate students.

Main findings: The use of internet for the dissemination of teaching material and educational meetings has built bridges, albeit virtual, between resident and teachers. New techniques for teaching and conducting exams have been introduced. The rotating team system allowed the continuation of the teaching activity in safety.

Conclusion: Thanks to remodulation of the teach modalities, the massive use of internet platforms, a wise distribution of work shifts, and others, universities and hospitals have not only reduced the impact on the learning process of resident and students but also turn this pandemic into a moment of personal and professional growth for the new generation of healthcare professionals.

Keywords: Covid-19; Learning; Pandemic; Resident; Trainee; Undergraduate students.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19 / epidemiology
  • COVID-19 / prevention & control*
  • COVID-19 / transmission
  • Communicable Disease Control*
  • Education, Distance / organization & administration*
  • Education, Medical, Undergraduate / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Internship and Residency / organization & administration*
  • Specialties, Surgical / education*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United Kingdom