Teaching Medical Students on Surgical Placement during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Lessons Learned so Far

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant disruption to the teaching and progression of medical students. With no imminent end to the pandemic, it remains vital that medical students remain integrated into clinical environments to benefit from the teaching opportunities in the hospital setting. Aim: To offer advice on the teaching of medical students undertaking hospital placements within General Surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: We reflected on our experience as clinical medical educators working through the COVID-19 pandemic, supported by feedback from medical students and relevant contemporary educational guidelines and literature. Results: A review on how to optimise teaching medical students during the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing the need for safety and limiting viral transmission, while maximising clinical experience and learning. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has forced widespread changes to the way in which medical students receive teaching. We suggest ways to maximise learning opportunities, on hospital placements, during the pandemic. Maintaining quality medical education during the pandemic is key to producing the best doctors of tomorrow.