COVID-19 Impact on Interventional Pulmonology Training

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Medical Education
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted healthcare, including medical education.
• The specific effects on interventional pulmonology (IP) fellowship training and trainee perceptions were largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess interventional pulmonology fellows' involvement in COVID-19 patient care.
• To evaluate the pandemic's impact on fellows' clinical education, procedural skills, and job searches.

Main Methods:

• An internet-based survey was developed and validated.
• The survey was distributed to interventional pulmonology fellows in North American training programs.

Main Results:

• 95% of fellows participated; 76% were involved in COVID-19 patient care.
• A 21% decrease in IP procedure volume (mainly bronchoscopies) occurred; 52% of fellows were redeployed.
• Most fellows maintained outpatient clinics (telehealth-focused), academic, and research activities; all secured employment.

Conclusions:

• Interventional pulmonology fellows were heavily involved in COVID-19 care, yet most programs sustained educational activities.
• Addressing the impact of reduced procedure volume on trainee competency requires individualized program strategies.
• Findings can guide medical trainee education during health crises.