Surgical oncology residents’ perspective in the COVID-19 pandemic: Standing at crossroads

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has hampered health-care delivery, with non-emergent consultations and surgical procedures being brought to a standstill. However, a delay in comprehensive cancer care may result in disease progression and poorer outcomes. Surgical oncology residents often form the front line responders for cancer patients, but now also have to function outside of their specialty to serve in COVID-19 units. With the uncertainty and unpredictability of this pandemic, surgical oncology residents find themselves at a crossroads. The need to keep abreast with COVID-19 treatment guidelines and recommendations comes at the expense of their surgical training. There is also a rising concern about personal safety, wellness, psychosocial well-being, and burnout. We highlight various elements concerning residents and suggest strategies that may be undertaken to allay anxiety and fatigue and facilitate surgical education.