Because residents have limited access to the OR (operation room) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, watching surgical videos may be a helpful way for them to continue their training. 

University of Virginia, Charlottesville

These are some strategies used at Brooke Army Medical Center to train residents during the COVID-19 pandemic: 
- flipped classroom for conferences 
- daily practice questions in a closed Facebook group 
- virtual weekly academic conferences 
- telehealth clinics 
- simulation labs outside of hospitals -watching high quality surgery videos

Strategies used to teach residents during the COVID-19 pandemic 

Chick R.C. et al. (2020) Using Technology to Maintain the Education of Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Journal of Surgical Education. doi: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.03.018

Using Technology to Maintain the Education of Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic

In a flipped classroom environment, residents are given prerecorded video lectures to watch before a conference. The conference session then becomes a time for synthesis, application, and case-based discussion. There are several benefits to this style of learning. For one, it's shown to enhance knowledge acquisition without requiring extra time for preparation. It is even preferred by the trainees and allows them to go back and look at the videos on their own time.   

Flipped Classroom Conferences to Train residents during the COVID-19 pandemic

Asking trainees daily practice questions in a closed groups give the trainees extra practice and a method for discussion. In a survey of the participants of this group at Brooke Army Medical Center, it was found that 100% found the practice questions helpful and 95% were likely to use it again. 

Daily practice questions in a closed Facebook group to help train residents during the COVID-19 pandemic

These telehealth clinics allow trainees to continue communication with patients through virtual consults. In an initial consult, the resident gathers history and information that they can use to make their plan. The student then talks to an attending surgeon over the phone about their findings and plan. Lastly, there's a three-way call between the surgeon, student, and patient. 

There are some limitations to this solution for resident training. First, patients may have limited internet or technology access. Next, students are unable to do a physical exam on their patient. Lastly, information security could be put at risk. 

Telehealth clinics to train residents during the Covid-19 pandemic 

These simulation labs can help make up for the lack of OR (Operation Room) time that residents are suffering from due to COVID-19. It is best if the simulation labs are not in hospitals as to ensure the safety of the trainees and hospital patients. 


Simulation labs to help train residents during the COVID-19 pandemic

These virtual conferences consist of a live video feed for the lecturer and the participants. The lecturer can see the trainees’ responses & ask them questions. These conferences can be recorded and stored so they are accesible later. There are several useful platforms for these conferences, including GoToMeeting, Zoom, WebX, and Skype. 


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