A virtual faculty exchange program enhances dermatology resident education in the COVID-19 era: a survey study

• Published in: Dermatology online journal Vol. 27; no. 3
• Main Authors: Rojek, Nathan W, Madigan, Lauren M, Seminario-Vidal, Lucia, Atwater, Amber R, Fett, Nicole M, Milani-Nejad, Nima, Kaffenberger, Benjamin H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States University of California Digital Library - eScholarship 15.03.2021
• Subjects: Attitude of Health Personnel; Congresses as Topic; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Dermatology; Dermatology - education; Exchange programs; Faculty, Medical; Humans; Internship and Residency; Pandemics; Videoconferencing
• ISSN: 1087-2108; 1087-2108
• DOI: 10.5070/D3273052765

One of the many consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic was the cancelation of the 2020 American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting. This conference historically features lectures from world-renowned experts in all areas of dermatology, thus providing an important educational experience for dermatology residents. We hypothesized that the cancellation of this meeting produced a substantial educational loss for dermatology residents. To mitigate this impact, we developed a virtual faculty exchange program and surveyed dermatology residents' perspectives on its implementation. All participating residents found the virtual faculty exchange useful and would recommend it to other residents/programs. Moreover, all residents wanted to participate in more faculty exchange sessions as well as incorporate them throughout the academic year. Additionally, this educational program eliminated the potential cost of >$15,000 in flights and >24 metric tons of carbon emissions. This virtual faculty exchange program is a viable tool to enhance dermatology resident education in the COVID-19 era.