RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 The unique impact of COVID-19 on orthopedic surgery residency applicants and program directors in Canada
JF Canadian Journal of Surgery
JO CAN J SURG
FD Canadian Medical Association
SP E249
OP E252
DO 10.1503/cjs.002021
VO 64
IS 2
A1 Ajay Shah
A1 Allen A. Champagne
A1 Joshua Del Papa
A1 Jay Toor
A1 Jeremie Larouche
A1 Markku T. Nousiainen
YR 2021
UL http://canjsurg.ca/content/64/2/E249.abstract
AB The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of visiting medical student electives and in-person residency interviews in Canada. Orthopedic surgery residency programs are now curtailed in their ability to self-promote and select optimal applicants. Online and social media tools should be adopted to promote programs. Faculty, residents and trainees should aim to attend virtual social and program information events. Applicants should make efforts to learn about the programs by attending events and reaching out to residents, and strengthen their application through research and other activities to demonstrate their interest and commitment to the field of orthopedic surgery. These efforts may help avoid the prospect of qualified candidates being unranked by programs or residency positions being unfilled. These difficult circumstances may serve to engender collaboration and cooperation across residency programs and medical schools and lay the foundation for a thriving interconnected ecosystem of future orthopedic surgeons.