key: cord-0945269-hcqxoek4
authors: Belzer, Annika; Olamiju, Brianna; Antaya, Richard J.; Odell, Ian D.; Bia, Margaret; Perkins, Sara H.; Cohen, Jeffrey M.
title: A novel medical student initiative to enhance provision of teledermatology in a resident continuity clinic during the COVID‐19 pandemic: a pilot study
date: 2020-11-23
journal: Int J Dermatol
DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15322
sha: 9dec2fbd349b85af9673af5294c2d4567f23f299
doc_id: 945269
cord_uid: hcqxoek4

nan

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a change in the role of medical students, with a shift to telemedicine and a temporary cessation of clinical rotations as recommended by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). 1, 2 Here we offer an approach for medical student involvement that was piloted at the Yale School of Medicine as part of a broad outreach effort serving many clinical specialties.

Because of uncertainty regarding the risk of viral transmission in outpatient settings at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, all nonurgent visits at our institution were transitioned to telemedicine. Transitioning outpatient clinics to virtual formats and rescheduling cancelled appointments was a significant undertaking that fell primarily on medical assistants. Medical students felt they could support both the medical assistants and The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the administrative burden of dermatology clinics, necessitating the identification of novel strategies to optimize teledermatology. 3 Underserved populations may face disproportionate barriers when accessing telemedicine care and can benefit from dedicated coaching. Our experience underscores the potential for medical students to make a significant impact through supporting both patients and providers in the optimal use of telemedicine. Students also benefit from acquiring familiarity with telemedicine platforms and their limitations at a time when elements of clinical training are being transitioned to virtual settings nationwide. Furthermore, these skills will benefit students throughout their careers, as the utilization of telemedicine is likely to increase in the upcoming years. Given the importance of teledermatology during the COVID-19 pandemic, this is an approach that can be replicated across institutions. Future directions of TSTF may include opportunities for volunteers to gain clinical exposure through direct participation in teledermatology visits.

COVID-19 and its impact on medical student education in dermatology

Important Guidance for Medical Students on Clinical Rotations During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak. AAMC

Teledermatology in the wake of COVID-19: advantages and challenges to continued care in a time of disarray

We thank the student volunteers of the Teledermatology Stu-