Novel virtual microsurgical training program during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the way microsurgery is taught. In response, a live online program was created for surgeons to improve their microsurgical skill set as well as for non-experienced students to be introduced to the field. The curriculum included recorded video modules and live online sessions with the instructor. Three different student workstation setups were analyzed for its microsurgery training efficacy. In this paper, we illustrate Columbia University’s development of a virtual microsurgery course and why the “scope to scope” workstation setup is the preferred method for microsurgical training.