Orthopaedic Education During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 global pandemic presents a challenge to orthopaedic education. Around the world, including in the United States, elective surgeries are being deferred and orthopaedic residents and fellows are being asked to make drastic changes to their daily routines. In the midst of these changes are unique opportunities for resident/fellow growth and development. Educational tools in the form of web-based learning, surgical simulators, and basic competency tests may serve an important role. Challenges are inevitable, but appropriate preparation may help programs ensure continued resident growth, development, and well-being while maintaining high-quality patient care.

Figure 1

Illustration showing theresidency surge plan. Schematic diagram of a residency surge plan for an orthopaedic program with 30 residents. After a 2-week period, the Hospital team switches with the Home team, helping to ensure that at least half of the residents are healthy at any one time.

Figure 2

Illustration showing the sample resident weekly schedule. This sample schedule consists of a few key mandatory weekly meetings for all residents and the program director. A number of service-specific events are mandatory for residents assigned to that service but are made available to all residents wishing to attend. The remainder of time is filled with independent study, research, or webinars made available through the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons or the subspecialty societies. An assigned time with a surgical simulator in the resident workspace is an option for programs that can safely provide this method of learning. All meetings take place via a virtual platform.