The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Pediatric Surgery Residency Programs

Abstract Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact not only on clinical practices but also on residency programs as an important part of hospital medical services. We investigated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the pediatric surgery residency program in our institution. Results: A questionnaire was developed, consisting of 24 questions: a) the perspectives of residents about COVID-19 infection during their residency program; b) the learning process; c) academic evaluations; and d) residents' suggestions to improve the quality of their residency program during the outbreak. Most (85.7%) pediatric surgery residents agreed that elective surgeries should be postponed during the pandemic. Before the outbreak, almost all (90.5%) residents used textbooks and journals as their primary sources of learning, while during the outbreak, 71.4% of residents shifted to use online lectures either from the school or Association of Pediatric Surgeons. Interestingly, 95.2% of participants agreed that they had more time to complete their academic assignments during the pandemic. In conclusions, the pandemic has had a significant impact on the development of pediatric surgery residency programs. A comprehensive approach is needed to maintain the high standard of competence of pediatric surgery without compromising our safety from the COVID-19 infection risk.