Four Strategies for Plastic Surgery Education amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Four Strategies for Plastic Surgery Education amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Sir: I was with great interest that we read Kania et al.’s Viewpoint article proposing strategies for preserving and promoting plastic surgery training during the current health care crisis.1 Their recognition of the importance of striking the correct balance between the necessities of social distancing and fostering the progress of future plastic surgeons is laudable. Their first strategy for the involvement of said residents is to include them in decision-making surrounding patient care through daily briefings followed up with administrative tasks. This is undoubtedly an extremely effective strategy demonstrating a wise use of hospital resources by keeping residents constantly engaged with “normal” hospital activities, and could even perhaps be extended to a broader spectrum, such as online hospital multidisciplinary meetings (e.g., breast multidisciplinary teams). The second strategy adopted recognizes the need for surgical and manual abilities to be maintained and developed through a more hands-on approach and is likely based on the assumption that distance training would not cut the mustard.2 We commend the introduction of a dedicated resident space for such practice but would suggest that there are further ways in which this specifically designed task could be complemented by online tools. Indeed, despite the current use of video conferencing, we would offer that the current crisis calls for a more articulated learning approach most commonly referred to as blended learning.3 The current strategies adopted by Kania et al. propose asynchronous offline activities (assignments and a surgical laboratory) with the addition of synchronous online activities (daily briefings, online teaching, and lectures in the form of virtual grand rounds), which in our opinion could be even further enhanced to the benefit of the residents. Therefore, we propose the addition of the following: