Emerging From the Pandemic: How Has Academic Surgery Changed?

Area of Science:

• Surgical Education
• Healthcare Management
• Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to global healthcare systems.
• Academic surgery faced disruptions in clinical operations, research endeavors, and educational programs.
• The increasing vaccination rates have initiated a transition toward recovery and adaptation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the multifaceted impacts of the COVID pandemic on academic surgery.
• To explore the adaptations and emerging "new normal" in surgical domains.
• To discuss the implications for surgeons, departments, health systems, and trainees.

Main Methods:

• The study is based on discussions and insights from the "Hot Topics" session at the 2022 Academic Surgical Congress.
• Qualitative analysis of the pandemic's effects on various aspects of academic surgery.
• Review of the progress made in controlling the virus spread through vaccination.

Main Results:

• Academic surgery has undergone significant transformations across clinical, research, and teaching domains.
• Surgeons, departments, and trainees are actively establishing new operational and personal routines.
• Progress in controlling the virus has enabled a gradual shift towards pre-pandemic activities with modifications.

Conclusions:

• The COVID pandemic has permanently reshaped the landscape of academic surgery.
• Continuous adaptation and strategic planning are essential for navigating the post-pandemic era in surgery.
• The experiences offer valuable lessons for future resilience in surgical practice and education.