The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Radiology Resident Education: Where Do We Go From Here?

The Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused a dramatic shift in radiology resident education. Primarily, physical distancing prompted a general transition to virtual learning. Common changes made by radiology residency programs included virtual rounds and readouts, the use of simulation technology, and case-based learning which utilized pedagogical approaches such as the flipped classroom for teaching residents. Virtual learning appears to be a suitable alternative to traditional, in-person learning, and may have a place post-pandemic as part of a blended curriculum with in-person and virtual components. The extent of disruption to radiology resident education varied based on the local impact of COVID-19 and the prevalence of redeployment, as did residents’ mental health and wellbeing. Accessibility of mental health resources for residents was highlighted as an issue that programs need to address during these difficult times. Moreover, the pandemic resulted in unavoidable reductions in procedural exposure which programs mitigated through the use of simulation technologies and virtual learning resources. Professional development activities such as mentorship and career planning were also dramatically impacted by the pandemic and remains a challenge that programs need to consider moving forward post-pandemic. The purpose of this review is to outline the changes made to radiology resident education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and suggest what changes may be worthwhile to continue.