Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted traditional avenues of medical education, particularly the practice of clinical observerships or shadowing. This disruption has posed challenges for pre-clerkship students in exploring potential career paths and preparing for future clinical roles. A recent research article titled In the shadows: medical student clinical observerships and career exploration in the face of COVID-19 sheds light on the impact of these changes and offers insights into alternative methods for career exploration. This blog aims to help practitioners enhance their skills by implementing the outcomes of this research or encouraging further exploration of these innovative strategies.
Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Shadowing
The pandemic has necessitated restrictions on in-person shadowing due to safety concerns and limited supervision capacity. As a result, medical schools have prioritized clinical clerkships and residents, often prohibiting shadowing for pre-clerkship learners. This has led to inequitable access to career exploration opportunities, exacerbating existing disparities related to geography and social capital.
Students from privileged backgrounds have been able to leverage personal connections to engage in "underground shadowing," while others face increased anxiety and fear of missing out on valuable career exploration and networking opportunities.
Virtual Shadowing: A Promising Alternative
In response to these challenges, virtual shadowing has emerged as a potential solution. While it cannot fully replicate the in-person experience, virtual shadowing allows students to engage in online conversations with physicians, expanding access to a wider variety of clinical practices that might otherwise be restricted by geographic or socioeconomic barriers.
However, the high demand for virtual shadowing necessitates equitable access strategies, such as a lottery system to allocate opportunities. This ensures that all students have a fair chance to benefit from these experiences.
Complementary Career Exploration Activities
In addition to virtual shadowing, several alternative activities can help students bridge the gap in career exploration:
- Mentorship Programs and Interest Groups: These facilitate connections between students, residents, fellows, and staff physicians, providing insights into different specialties and career paths.
- Interactive Career Chats: Informal sessions with physicians, either individually or as a panel, offer students the opportunity to ask questions and learn strategies for career development.
- Informational Interviews: One-on-one conversations with physicians allow students to explore different professional journeys and lifestyles.
- Virtual Teaching and Grand Rounds: Participation in these sessions provides insight into the collaborative nature of patient care and a contextual understanding of various specialties.
Addressing Student Anxiety and Uncertainty
The pandemic has heightened student anxieties related to career exploration and professional development. To address these concerns, frequent communication and transparency from faculty are essential. Additionally, creating avenues for students to connect with peers over shared worries can help normalize these unprecedented changes.
Suggestions include informal class-wide virtual events, formal virtual town hall meetings with student leaders, and student-run podcasts to discuss the challenges and adaptations in medical education during the pandemic.
Conclusion
While the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted traditional shadowing opportunities, it has also paved the way for innovative approaches to career exploration and learning. Virtual shadowing, mentorship programs, and other complementary activities show promise in overcoming barriers and preserving student morale and confidence. Practitioners are encouraged to explore these strategies further to enhance their skills and support the next generation of medical professionals.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: In the shadows: medical student clinical observerships and career exploration in the face of COVID-19.
