Dermatopathology resident training and education during the COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges faced and lessons learned

Dermatology residents' perspectives on virtual dermatopathology education

“…6 Similarly, a 2021 survey of 261 pathology trainees, faculty, and program directors revealed that the advent of digital pathology has had a negative impact on the quality and effectiveness of resident education. 10 In our study, more than half of the dermatology residents favored virtual over conventional dermatopathology teaching for this purpose. This may be, in part, due to the previously mentioned advantages of convenience and access with whole-slide imaging.…”

“…training specifically has also raised questions regarding interpretation accuracy and its effect on workflow. 10 To address these concerns, studies have been conducted to analyze differences in acceptability, diagnostic accuracy, and educative efficacy between virtual dermatopathology and conventional dermatopathology. 1 In a study of 499 dermatopathology cases, Kent et al found that virtually rendered slide images and traditional glass-slide microscopy were equivalent in diagnostic accuracy.…”

Piloting a comprehensive virtual dermatopathology curriculum

“…The use of digital dermatopathology in resident education is increasing. 1,2 This has been accelerated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the reliance on virtual microscopy. 1,2 Online resources include digital interactive textbooks, websites, mobile-based and computer-based platforms, virtual slide libraries, and recorded lectures.…”

“…1,2 This has been accelerated by the recent COVID-19 pandemic, which increased the reliance on virtual microscopy. 1,2 Online resources include digital interactive textbooks, websites, mobile-based and computer-based platforms, virtual slide libraries, and recorded lectures. Despite these extensive resources, a comprehensive asynchronous digital curriculum for residents did not exist.…”

“…The prevalence of mucormycosis increased by 50-fold during the COVID-19 pandemic. 2 Besides diabetes and immunosuppression, breach of nasal mucosa (as is seen in cases of leprosy) may be a potential risk factor for entry of organisms although we need more studies to establish this hypothesis. In addition, patients with recurrent or recalcitrant leprosy reactions are on long-term steroids, which predisposes them to opportunistic infections.…”