Lynn Kohan1, Christopher Sobey2, Sayed Wahezi3, Scott Brancolini4, Rene Przkora5, Naum Shaparin6, Boris Spektor7, Susan Moeschler8, Magdalena Anitescu9. 1. Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia. 2. Clinical Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee. 3. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Anesthesiology, and Orthopedic, Montefiore Medical Center, New York, New York. 4. Department of Anesthesia, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 5. Pain Medicine Division, Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Miami, Florida. 6. Anesthesiology, Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York. 7. Department of Anesthesiology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia. 8. Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Minneapolis, Minnesota. 9. Pain Management, Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pain fellowship programs are facing unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions by state governments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have resulted in a rapidly changing and evolving learning environment for today's fellows. Innovative solutions must be sought to maintain proper education and ensure the well-being of our trainees. METHODS: We assembled a panel of pain program directors who serve as officers/board members of the Association of Pain Program Directors, offering guidance and recommendations to pain fellowship directors nationwide. Panel members evaluate the best available evidence and expert opinion on use of remote and virtual platforms in clinical care, adaptability to alterations in clinic and referral management, and provide guidance on postgraduate impact. CONCLUSIONS: The country is in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. The impact on pain management fellowships has been significant and will likely last for months, resulting in extraordinary challenges to the administration of pain fellowship programs and the education of our fellows. Several strategies will help address these challenges, including employing telehealth capabilities to continue clinical experiences and providing trainees with opportunities to continue their professional growth beyond fellowship completion. Together, we can implement innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.
BACKGROUND:Pain fellowship programs are facing unique challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Restrictions by state governments and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have resulted in a rapidly changing and evolving learning environment for today's fellows. Innovative solutions must be sought to maintain proper education and ensure the well-being of our trainees. METHODS: We assembled a panel of pain program directors who serve as officers/board members of the Association of Pain Program Directors, offering guidance and recommendations to pain fellowship directors nationwide. Panel members evaluate the best available evidence and expert opinion on use of remote and virtual platforms in clinical care, adaptability to alterations in clinic and referral management, and provide guidance on postgraduate impact. CONCLUSIONS: The country is in the midst of an unprecedented pandemic. The impact on pain management fellowships has been significant and will likely last for months, resulting in extraordinary challenges to the administration of pain fellowship programs and the education of our fellows. Several strategies will help address these challenges, including employing telehealth capabilities to continue clinical experiences and providing trainees with opportunities to continue their professional growth beyond fellowship completion. Together, we can implement innovative solutions to overcome these challenges.