The COVID-19 Pandemic Increased the Use of Virtual Fellowship Interviews, Reduced Case Volume, and Limited Sideline Coverage Opportunities During Sports Medicine Surgeon Training

Abstract

As one-year orthopaedic sports medicine fellowships rely heavily on elective cases and sports coverage, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated fellowship programs to temporarily transition to virtual mediums for fellow education. Early in the pandemic, there was uncertainty as to how programs would address concerns of trainee readiness, adequate education, and accompanying psychological impact. However, with a return to prepandemic elective procedure volumes and sideline sports coverage responsibilities, sports medicine fellowships have regained some of their traditional education opportunities. Moreover, the implementation of novel training resources, including virtual didactics, augmented reality surgical skills labs, and telehealth medicine training are poised to outlast the current public health crisis and further supplement fellowship education. This article seeks to report on current evidence-based strategies and developments across several critical aspects of sports medicine training during the COVID-19 pandemic.