COVID-19 and Neurosurgery Residency Action Plan: An Institutional Experience from the United States of America

Fernandes Cabral, David T.; Alan, Nima; Agarwal, Nitin; Lunsford, Dade; Monaco, Edward A.

ABSTRACT Background The current pandemic crisis caused by a novel human coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), has forced a dramatic change in our society. A key portion of the medical work force on the front line is comprised of resident physicians. Thus, it becomes imperative to create an adequate and effective action plan to restructure this valuable human resource amid the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. Objective To describe a comprehensive approach taken by a Neurosurgery Department in quaternary care academic institution in the United States of America amid the SARS-CoV2 pandemic focused in resident training and support. Interventions A restructuring of the Neurosurgery Department at our academic institution was performed focused on decreasing their risk of infection/exposure and transmission to others, while minimizing negative consequences in the training experience. An on-line academic platform was built for: resident education, guidance, and support, as well as continue channel for pandemic update by the department leadership. Conclusions and Relevance: The SARS-CoV2 pandemic constitutes a global health emergency full of uncertainty. Treatment, scope, duration, and economic burden forced a major restructuring of our medical practice. In this regard, academic institutions must direct efforts to diminish further negative impact in the training and education of the upcoming generation of physicians including those currently in medical school. Perhaps the only silver lining in this terrible disruption will be greater appreciation of the role of current health care providers and educators, whose contributions to our society are often neglected or unrecognized.