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

Abstract

Clinical laboratory services and associated training programs faced unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. With the introduction of pandemic related strictly mandated institutional policies of physical distancing, dermatopathology rotations, a key component of both dermatology and pathology residency programs, were impacted. In order to adapt to this new environment, a few modifications in resident training and education were introduced at various institutions. These disruptions initiated a change in the standard teaching approach, with a shift from face-to-face learning to a virtual and online model. These adaptations and innovations are discussed here with their likely benefits and limitations.