Clinical training
Of the 37 responses received from program directors, the majority (70%)
reported a 50%-90% reduction in the number of elective cases at their
institutions (March-April 2020). However, many (30/37, 81%) also stated
that their fellows were still participating in oncology cases and
remained active in a variety of procedures. The only area that showed
significant decline was in cases related to treatment of benign
processes (9/37, 24% still perform these operations). The majority of
head and neck fellow-run clinics had been cancelled (31/38, 86%), while
a minority of fellows were given exposure to attending-run virtual or
telemedicine clinics (8/31, 26%).
About half of current fellows (15) reported being available for airway
emergencies. Four fellows (13%) have been asked to be available for
non-fellowship related clinical duties as part of their institution’s
surge planning for COVID-19. When asked if they had safety concerns
regarding their institution’s policy with regard to caring for patients
with COVID-19 as it relates to their training, only a minority of
fellows responded (10/32, 31%) and only one reported safety concerns.