COVID-19 Impact on Medical Education: a Medical Student Perspective

Abstract

I read Patil et al.’s article which described the medical education in Hong Kong during the SARS epidemic [1]. COVID-19 brings unprecedented challenges to medical students around the globe [2]. Students are no longer able to learn in lecture halls, have problem-based learning (PBL) classes in seminar rooms, nor form study groups in medical library. I am interested to learn from the experiences of our seniors at that period of difficult time. The Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong provided PowerPoint lectures with recordings and PBL classes by online chatrooms. Although it helps students with their continuity of learning, concerns on the lack of interaction were raised due to the limitations of technology. On-campus teaching was resumed thereafter as SARS declined. As the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic is unlikely to end shortly [3], it catalyses our thinking on the possibility of long-term implementation of online medical education. Different means of delivering education have emerged with significant improvements. Lectures can now be recorded with video and audio in online platforms like Panopto, which allows medical students to review the contents anytime. Video-conferencing applications such as Zoom offer live streaming function for tutors and students in PBL sessions. Use of information technology has been proven to increase medical student motive and commitment to learning [4]. Virtual learning environment offers a personalized and flexible learning experience for medical students. We should begin brainstorming the contemporary type of medical curriculum and its integration with educational technology [5].