Khusid JA, Kashani M, Fink LE, Weinstein CS, Gupta M. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Urology Residents: a Narrative Review.
Curr Urol Rep 2021;
22:45. [PMID:
34427779 PMCID:
PMC8382932 DOI:
10.1007/s11934-021-01063-9]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges for urology resident education. In this review, we discuss the pandemic's impact on urology trainees and their education.
RECENT FINDINGS
Urology trainees were often redeployed to frontline services in unfamiliar clinical settings. Residents often experienced increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Many programs instituted virtual "check-ins" and formed liaisons with mental health services to foster cohesiveness. Urology trainees experienced the integration of telehealth into the clinical realm. Virtual surgery lectures and simulations were utilized to augment surgical education. Academic governing bodies upheld resident protections and provided dynamic guidance for training requirement throughout the pandemic. Medical students were unable to participate in traditional in-person away rotations and interviews, complicating the residency application process. The COVID-19 pandemic shook the healthcare system and ushered in seismic changes for urology trainees worldwide. Though the longstanding effects of the pandemic remain to be seen, urology residents have demonstrated tremendous resilience and bravery throughout this challenging period, and those qualities will undeniably withstand the test of time.
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