Academics in the Pandemic: Early Impact of COVID-19 on Plastic Surgery Training Programs

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 global pandemic has impacted plastic surgery training in the United States, requiring unprecedented measures to prepare for potential surges in critically ill patients. This study investigates how plastic surgery programs responded to this crisis, as well as how successful these changes were, through a survey of program directors and of residents at academic training programs in the United States. Methods: Two separate anonymous online surveys were conducted via REDCap between April 16 and June 4, 2020. The first survey was distributed to program directors, and the second was distributed to plastic surgery residents. Resident responses were then subdivided for an analysis between geographic regions. Results: Of the 59 program director responses (43.7%), the majority of programs implemented a platoon approach for resident coverage. A minority did the same for attending coverage. In total, 92% transitioned to virtual didactics only. Plastic surgery residents covered alternative services at 25% of responding institutions, and an additional 68% had a plan in place for responding to personnel shortages. Overall, residents were satisfied with their program’s response in a variety of categories. When subdivided based on geographic region, respondents in the Northeast and Northwest were less satisfied with resident wellness, personal and loved ones’ safety, and program communication. Conclusions: With the possibility of a “second wave,” successful methods of academic programs adapting to the pandemic should be communicated to reduce the future impact. Increased frequency of communications between program directors and residents can improve mental health and wellness of the resident population.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Wellness of Canadian Plastic Surgery Residents

“…38 This provided a space for residents to express feelings, present new ideas, and discuss changing needs with regard to their work and physical, emotional, and social challenges. 24,38 Programs are also continuing social and wellness agendas during the pandemic, with initiatives such as group virtual workouts and daily meals, which was found to foster a supportive culture. 24 Other options described in the literature include game nights, cooking classes, and meditation sessions led by residents/faculty.…”

“…24 Other options described in the literature include game nights, cooking classes, and meditation sessions led by residents/faculty. 38…”

“…37 For example, a survey of plastic surgery program directors in the United States found that a majority of program directors hosted weekly/biweekly meetings with all residents during the pandemic. 38 This provided a space for residents to express feelings, present new ideas, and discuss changing needs with regard to their work and physical, emotional, and social challenges. 24,38 Programs are also continuing social and wellness agendas during the pandemic, with initiatives such as group virtual workouts and daily meals, which was found to foster a supportive culture.…”

Impact of COVID-19 on Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Programs: A Quantitative and Qualitative Survey Assessment of Fellowship Program Directors

“…The response rate of 44% is similar to that of other published survey-based studies analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on GME programs. 20,23,24 As our sampling frame was limited to 233 PDs who were members of ASH or ASCO, there is potential for sampling bias and our findings may not represent the experience of those who are not members of these societies. In addition, respondents to our study largely represent the experience of PDs of academic programs.…”

The Virtual Interview Experience: Advantages, Disadvantages, and Trends in Applicant Behavior

“…1 This radical shift significantly altered the plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) residency application process for both applicants and programs. 2 Prior to coronavirus disease 2019, programs could rely on away rotations 3 and interviews [4][5][6] to assess an applicant's "fit" while simultaneously giving the applicant an opportunity to develop their own opinion on the program's attributes, location, and culture. 7,8 After transitioning to virtual interviews, both applicants and programs had to adopt new ways of assessing these characteristics.…”