Effects of COVID-19 on healthcare practice, medical education, and pre-medical educational experiences

Abstract

The focus of the study is to gather data on the current effects of COVID-19 on healthcare practice, medical and pre-medical educational experiences, and permanent implications. This was completed by analyzing data from novel COVID-19 and related studies. The results of the study can show the lasting impact of COVID-19 on medical education and the healthcare field. To reduce exposure and possible disease transmission, many physicians have turned to telemedicine as a way to provide for patients without direct contact. Whether this is a permanent or temporary method of consulting with patients is yet to be determined. Medical and pre-medical educational experiences have also been deeply affected by the pandemic. The pandemic caused medical schools to start limiting students' patient contact hours and postponed their spring exams, possibly delaying student graduation or residency placement. Pre-medical students are currently unable to participate in many of the activities that are strongly suggested by medical schools as key components to a successful application. Currently, shadowing and other clinical experiences are prohibited in most of the United States, and volunteering opportunities have been extremely limited. Permanent implications of COVID-19 on hospital systems, medical education, and pre-medical experiences are still to be determined. It will take multiple application cycles and cohorts of studies to determine the permanent implications of COVID-19 on the healthcare system, and medical and pre-medical experiences.