key: cord-302993-t4quwfva
authors: Loh, Tiffany Y.; Hsiao, Jennifer L.; Shi, Vivian Y.
title: COVID-19 and its impact on medical student education in dermatology
date: 2020-05-12
journal: J Am Acad Dermatol
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2020.05.026
sha: 
doc_id: 302993
cord_uid: t4quwfva

nan

Dermatology is a visual field, and repetitive patient encounters are required in order for 65 clinicians to develop the skills necessary for diagnosing and managing dermatologic conditions. 66

Teledermatology offers a potential solution to medical student education during the COVID-19 67

pandemic. Herein, we discuss methods of implementing teledermatology in order to optimize 68 medical student learning.

Optimizing teledermatology for medical student education 71

Although many dermatology appointments have been transitioned to virtual visits, medical 72 students can still participate in these encounters. Medical students may join video conferencing 73 patient care encounters at the patient's and attending's discretion (Table 1 ). This allows medical 74 students to learn fundamental dermatologic concepts while participating in patient care, which 75

can help optimize their learning in the absence of in-person visits.

Other online resources can also be helpful for supplementing medical education (Table 2) . Many 78 dermatology residency programs hold online lectures, kodachrome sessions, and journal clubs, 79

and residents nationwide are often invited to join. Virtual dermatology society conferences, 80

webinars, and podcasts are also available to most residencies. Although it is commendable that 81 these resources are often available free of charge to residents, it may also be beneficial to extend 82 the invitation to medical students.

Although telemedicine is useful, it is also important to recognize that there are elements of 85 dermatology education that cannot be replaced virtually, such as the ability to assess texture, 86 perform biopsies, or use tools such as dermoscopy, Wood's lamp, and KOH scraping. 87

Ultimately, in-person visits are still needed. For the time being however, it is important to 88 optimize tele-education and to involve medical students as much as possible.

Conclusions 91

Medical education has changed drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, and teledermatology 92 has become essential for educational continuity. Dermatology education is important for all 93 medical students, as the majority will likely continue to encounter dermatologic problems 94 throughout their careers, and it is our responsibility to include them in our educational endeavors 95

to the best of our ability. 96 97

Optimizing teledermatology visits for dermatology resident 100 education during the COVID-19 pandemic

Important guidance for medical students on clinical rotations during the coronavirus 103 (COVID-19) outbreak

Medical Student Core Curriculum in 107 Dermatology Survey

Assessment of medical students' proficiency in 109 dermatology: Are medical students adequately prepared to diagnose and treat common 110 dermatologic conditions in the United States?

Dermatology in primary care: 112 prevalence and patient disposition